Peru Travel Guide: History & Nature in Colca Canyon

Although not as much visited as other destinations in Peru, Colca Canyon boasts some of the most impressive and picturesque landscapes in the country, making for an excellent Peru travel opportunity. Nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike will delight in visiting this beautiful and fascinating region. Travelers will not find themselves short of things to admire in the world’s second deepest canyon.

Located a few hours from the lovely town of Arequipa, Colca Canyon comprises habitable portions with field terraces still supporting agriculture and human life. As you tour the Canyon, you will stumble across beautiful small villages where traditional way of life still prevails. The Colca Valley has been inhabited since Stone Age, but permanent settlement only came with the Collagua and Cabana pre-Incan cultures.

The Incas, who conquered the area, attached great significance to the canyon, as did the Spaniards who reorganized the canyon life into 14 villages each dotted with a church. These churches, symbols of the Spanish conquest, can still be visited today. Among the most striking are the ones situated in Cabanaconde, Lari and Sibayo.

Another fascinating feature of the great Colca Canyon is of course its rich wildlife. Most famous are the gigantic condors, which can be seen tearing up the skies from the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. Dawn is the best time to catch a glimpse of these majestic wild animals, so make sure to wake up early if you don’t want to miss them.

The Colca Valley is also home to at least 100 different species of birds which can be observed on a hike inside the canyon. Among those, you can hope to spot the amazing giant humming birds. Other fascinating wild animals populate these territories: look out for vicuñas, wildcats, guanacos and tarucas among others. And if your muscles are sore after a long day of exploring the wilderness, stop for a relaxing moment at the natural hot springs in Chivay, Colca Canyon’s main town.

This guide to exploring Colca Canyon was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Peru vacations.