Colca Canyon

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Colca Canyon/Gihan Tubbeh/PromPeru
Photo provided by Arequipa/Renzo Tasso/PromPeru
Photo provided by Colca Canyon/Gihan Tubbeh/PromPeru
Photo by leilabee
Photo by leilabee

Visit one of the world's deepest canyons, a geological landmark in southern Peru that is home to colossal birds, fascinating rock forms and ancient villages. 

Embark on an outdoor adventure through Colca Canyon and see glaciers, gorges, ancient villages and some of the world’s biggest birds. With a depth of 13,650 feet (4,160 meters), Colca is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The natural wonder carves through the High Andes and is twice as deep as Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

Colca is home to the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds. From Chivay, the principal gateway to the canyon, go 30 miles (48 kilometers) east to the Cruz del Condor. This lookout area approximately 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) above the canyon floor offers close-range views of flying condors. Look for kestrels, peregrine falcons and mountain partridges too.

Stop in some of the 16th-century villages on your route through Colca. Many have elaborately decorated churches. These are also places where you can buy embroidered goods, including rugs and skirts. As you journey through the canyon, observe terraced fields along the canyon slopes, many dating back to Incan times.

Thrill seekers can ride a zip line across the canyon. Reach speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour (96 to 112 kilometers) and fly more than 300 feet (91 meters) above the Colca River. The aerial attraction is located close to Chivay. Nearby, find the Calera Hot Springs soothe aching limbs by slipping into indoor or outdoor thermal pools.

Start your visit in Chivay where you can pick up maps and detailed information about routes through the gorge. Purchase a Boleto Turistico (Tourist Ticket) required to enter some of the canyon’s attractions, such as the Cruz del Condor.

Getting to Colca Canyon involves a 4-hour drive or bus ride from the city of Arequipa. The majority of visitors tour Colca as part of an organized excursion. Before exploring the canyon’s attractions, it is common to stop in Chivay for at least a couple hours to acclimate to the altitude. Prepare for cool, dry weather.

La Granja del Colca

La Granja del Colca

3 out of 5
Carretera a Cabanaconde Km. 9.7, Cabanaconde - Caylloma, Cabanaconde
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly lodge in Cabanaconde. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
"Best views ever. It’s rustic but what a fantastic experience to be on the top of the Andes and to see condors fly pass as you’re having your coffee. It was priceless!!"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

La Granja del Colca
Paraiso Las Palmeras Lodge

Paraiso Las Palmeras Lodge

2 out of 5
SANGALLE SIN NUMERO, Cabanaconde, Arequipa
Stay at this guesthouse in Cabanaconde. Enjoy free breakfast, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Popular attractions Sangalle Oasis and Plaza de Armas are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
"Overall it was a good experience. The bathroom were very nice and practical, the beds really confortables and we had enough blankets to keep us warm during the night, but when you look at the ceiling, it’s plywood and that breaks the charm. The outside is beautiful and the pool is pretty. The men ..."

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2020

Paraiso Las Palmeras Lodge
Colibrí Lodge

Colibrí Lodge

3 out of 5
Anexo San Juan de Chuccho s/n , Tapay, Tapay, Arequipa
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly lodge in Tapay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Sangalle Oasis and Plaza de Armas ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (13 reviews)
"Overall a good stay. The hosts were friendly and the food was decent. Unfortunately, there seemed to be an issue with the hot water tank, so we didn’t have hot water during our stay. Aside from that, it was a good value for the price."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2025

Colibrí Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
518 Jerusalén st

518 Jerusalén st

3 out of 5
518 C. Jerusalén, Arequipa, Arequipa
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Arequipa. Enjoy free WiFi and premium bedding. Popular attractions Arequipa Plaza de Armas and Puente Grau are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6 reviews)
"We had a great stay, we are vegan and there were so many vegan restaurants less than 10 minutes away walking. Close to the beautiful Plaza de Armas, very safe area had hot water which is a plus and good WIFI. Also had a refrigerator and microwave which we definitely used."

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

518 Jerusalén st
Brand new apartment 4 blocks from Arequipa's main square

Brand new apartment 4 blocks from Arequipa's main square

Arequipa
Stay at this vacation home in Arequipa. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Arequipa Plaza de Armas and Puente Grau are located nearby.
Brand new apartment 4 blocks from Arequipa's main square
Denis Torrezaga

Denis Torrezaga

2 out of 5
202 Carlos LLosa, Arequipa, Arequipa
Stay at this apartment in Arequipa. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Arequipa Plaza de Armas and Puente Grau are located nearby.
Denis Torrezaga
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.