Peru Guide
Around Arequipa
The Colca Canyon
Claimed to be the deepest canyon in the world at more than 1km from cliff-edge to river bottom, the COLCA CANYON may be an impressive sight but is actually some 170m less deep than its more remote rival the Cotahuasi Canyon. Colca Canyon was formed by a massive geological fault situated between the two enormous volcanoes of Coropuna (6425m) and Ampato (6318m), with the Río Colca forming part of a gigantic watershed that empties into the Pacific near Camana. Despite being one of Peru's most popular tourist attractions, the Canyon's sharp terraces are still home to more-or-less traditional Indian villages. To the north of Colca, meanwhile sits the majestic Mismi Nevado, a snow-capped peak which belongs to the Chila mountain range, and, according to National Geographic, is the official source of the Amazon River.