Some of Peru's most beautiful natural sites are found in the south, including Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca. The stunning scenery is composed of deep gorges and volcanoes and will appeal to all adventure lovers, with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and white water rafting.
Arequipa is the main city of the region. It is an attractive colonial city full of mansions, monasteries and churches and visitors can easily spend a few days exploring the city and its surrounds.
Colca Canyon is 100 metres long and 3,400 metres deep, making it one of the deepest canyons in the world. The valley was inhabited almost 2,000 years ago by the Cabana and Collagua people, whose grain stores or 'colcas' give the canyon its name. Today visitors can take scenic hikes and dramatic mountain bike rides as well as braving the rapids when white water rafting. This is also a great place for watching the majestic Andean Condor, the world's largest flying bird, as it soars above the canyon, gliding on thermal currents.
Even deeper than Colca, Cotahuasi Canyon is truly impressive. The cliffs rise from distant riverbanks and the canyon is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. There are colourful agricultural terraces and traditional villages.
Puno is the folklore capital of Peru, combining influences from the Quechua people of the north and the Aymara of the south, mixed with colonial culture. It is a lively town known for its colourful festivals and dances. Puno also provides easy access for Lake Titicaca, with boats operating lake tours throughout the day.
Lake Titicaca is South America's second largest lake and the highest navigable lake in the world, at 194kms long and 80kms wide at the broadest point. Local people live on the lake's various islands and their way of life is largely unchanged from that of their ancestors. They depend on fishing, farming and weaving for their livelihoods and visitors are welcome to visit the villages and even stay overnight, enjoying their warm hospitality.
