Colca Canyon (Cañon del Colca)

The deepest canyon in the world, Colca Canyon (Cañon del Colca), twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, is the second deepest after nearby Cotahuasi Canyon.

The canyon reaches a depth of 3,400 meters and is the result of a seismic fault between two volcanoes.

At the base far below is a winding river.

The canyon is about a four-hour drive from Arequipa.

Day trips to the canyon are available from Arequipa but two or more days are recommended considering the driving time involved in accessing the canyon.

Besides gazing out at the canyon, there are also hot springs, churches, villages, and Inca ruins to explore.

Condors are also a big attraction in Colca Canyon as they soar past the cliff walls.