At 100kms long and 3,400m deep, Colca Canyon is a place of oustanding natural beauty. Condors soar above the canyon, catching the thermal currents and the Colca River flows through offering thrilling white water rafting for the adventurous traveller. The valley has been inhabited for almost 2,000 years. The original natives built a system of terraces to trap the melt water from the surrounding volcanoes to irrigate their crops, many of which are still in use today. Their grain stores, or 'colcas', gave the canyon its name.
The 'Cruz del Condor' (flight of the condors) is the most popular viewpoint from which to look into the depths of the canyon. Early visitors might be treated to the sight of the might Andean condor rising up from the canyon on the morning thermals. There are opportunities for hiking and mountain biking as well as rafting here.
There are local villages in the area, many with a plaza and church dating back to colonial times. The women wear distinctive, colourful hats, knitted waistcoasts and two or even three brightly decorated flowing skirts.
