Colca Canyon
The dizzying spectacle of Colca Canyon resides in a relatively unexplored region of the Andes, northwest of Arequipa. This barren and largely inhospitable landscape is carved by the powerful Rio Colca as it snakes its path through an enormous volcanic gorge. The canyon plummets to depths of 3,182m (10,607ft) at Nevado Ampato, making it twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and a natural highlight for anyone visiting Peru.
Considered a sacred bird in Inca culture and a sight to behold by visitors, the majestic Andean Condor can be observed in the brilliant blue skies at Cruz del Condor, soaring the thermals created by rising updrafts from the fathomless valleys below. Expect to see farmers tending potatoes and corn on acres of terracing, Collagua and Cabana women in striking pageant dress herding alpaca, and vicuna grazing on scrub in this otherwise untamed wilderness.
This astonishing landscape, featuring thermal pools, the smouldering volcano of Sabancaya and timeless adobe villages dotting the canyon rim can be explored on mountain bike, horseback, by organised trek or navigated by raft along the rapids of Rio Colca. Whichever method you choose, a journey into the Colca Canyon is a thrilling adventure not to be missed.