VISIT THE COLCA CANYON

Standing 1,200 metres above the bottom of the canyon and facing an immense 3,100 metre wall, we found ourselves. In the distance, as far as the eye could see, we could make out some small dots in the sky, the spots we had risen early that morning to visit the Colca Canyon.

Quickly the dots turned into winged creatures, we had them above us, there were no longer 2 but 3, 4 and even 6 specimens that could have been mistaken for small aeroplanes. We had before our eyes 6 of the magnificent condors Andean cultures that are so representative of Peru.

Cóndor en el Colca

The Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon is a large depression formed by the Colca River. The passage of centuries has eroded this area to a depth of between 1,200 and 3,400 metres, depending on which side of the valley you are on. Not surprisingly, the Colca Canyon is the deepest canyon on earth, ahead of even the world famous Grand Canyon of the Colorado in Arizona.

The Colca Valley has some 14 population centres of varying sizes, with Chivay serving as the gateway if travelling from the Colca Valley. Puno or from Arequipa. Other villages in the valley are Yanque, Achoma, Maca, Pinchollo or Cabanoconde among others.

Llama en el Colca

The condor of the Colca Canyon

The condor lives in places subject to hot air circulation, which allows them to soar very high almost without expending energy thanks to wind fluctuations. The Colca Canyon in general and the area of the Cruz del Condor viewpoint in particular, are especially good for the condor as they have a considerable height from where they can spot their prey.

We say "prey" because the condor is not a bird of prey but a scavenger, i.e. it does not kill to eat. It needs other animals to do the dirty work so that it can feed on the remains of the feast (exceptionally, and given the scarcity of carrion, the condor may hunt small mammals or attack the nest of other birds, but this is a very rare occurrence).

Mirador del Condor Peru

During our condor sighting from the viewpoint we were able to admire several young condors resting on a ledge in the gorge while the adults flew back and forth, sometimes passing so close to our heads that we could feel the trail they left in their wake.

A spectacle so impressive that you could hardly hear the crowds of tourists crowding around. All was silence, rather admiration for these endangered birds. It was a pleasure to see them flying free in their habitat and not having to visit a zoo.

Visita al Valle del Colca

How to get from Arequipa to Chivay to visit the Colca Canyon?

- Bus or bus to Chivay

Without a doubt the fastest and cheapest way to get from Arequipa to Chivay is to take either a colectivo or a bus. Buses are picked up just a few metres from the bus terminal in Arequipa (in front of the Centro Comercial Modelo), take about 3 hours to complete the journey and cost 20 soles. The buses take about 4 hours and the price is 15 soles.

- Colca Canyon Tour

This is a good alternative if you are short of time, although the price is slightly more expensive (it is worth asking at various agencies as some include the night's accommodation in the price). The Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa is usually 2 days and 1 night, leaving at 8am from Arequipa and returning at 6pm the following day. These tours usually include a visit to the thermal baths as well as to the Cruz del Condor to observe the visual spectacle of the area as well as the flight of the condor.

In order to access and visit the Colca Canyon it is necessary (as well as obligatory) to buy the so-called "Boleto Turístico del Colca" (Colca Tourist Ticket). We bought it directly on the bus that took us to Chivay but it is also possible to buy it once en route to the Cruz del Condor. The price is 70 soles per person for foreigners and of 20 soles for nationals (+ info here).

Visiting Chivay and Yanque

The best town from which to get around the Colca Valley is Chivay, as it is the largest. Here you will find services that are not available in other nearby towns, such as ATMs, tour agencies, and more accommodation and food options. However, we chose the nearby village of Yanque to stay in as we had booked into the hotel Eco Inn Colca a place nestled on the edge of the canyon where absolute tranquillity reigns supreme.

If you are planning to visit the Colca Canyon, you should know that there is little to see or do in Yanque. Its small square has a church and a market where local dances are performed for tourists on their way to the Cruz del Condor.

In addition, there are two small shops where it is possible to buy almost everything, two other restaurants and a bus stop for the buses to Chivay (2 soles) is all that Yanque has to offer. Tranquillity is guaranteed. So much so that during our stay in the village a lightning strike burnt the power station and we were without electricity for more than 24 hours!

Transport in the Colca Valley

How to get from Chivay to the Mirador de la Cruz del Condor?

In our case we contacted one of the many agencies in Arequipa that do the tour to the Cruz del Condor, staying overnight in Chivay. That way we arranged to be picked up in Yanque and continue with the rest of the group to the viewpoint. We crossed without stopping through villages like Achoma or Pinchollo and it was just as well because we got off the bus and the condors appeared one after the other.

Another option is to contact any of the agencies in Chivay, where they are sure to offer the same transport option to the sighting point. And of course, it is also possible to make the journey by bus, sharing transport with both locals travelling through the villages in the area and tourists eager to visit the Colca Canyon.

The company Lord of Miracles makes the journey between Chivay and Cabanoconde, although the timetables are somewhat complicated. Departures from Chivay are at 4:30 and 7:30 in the morning with return times at 7, 9 and 12 in the morning. In both directions the bus stops at Yanque and Cruz del Condor. The total journey time is about 2 hours and the cost is 5 soles. This is definitely the cheapest way to visit the Colca Canyon.

Related posts

The 5 most typical foods of Peru

Peruvian gastronomy is renowned worldwide for its diversity and exquisiteness. Here we present the 5 most typical dishes of... Read More

Typical traditions in Peru

Home Peru is a country with a rich and diverse culture, and has many typical traditions that are meaningful to its people.... Read More

Get to know the nature of Lima Peru

Nature of Lima Peru: The most beautiful animal of Lima Peru Within the nature of Lima Peru there are many animals but one... Read More

Join The Discussion

Search

March 2024

  • M
  • T
  • W
  • T
  • F
  • S
  • S
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31

April 2024

  • M
  • T
  • W
  • T
  • F
  • S
  • S
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
0 Adults
0 Children
Pets
Size
Precio
Comodidades
Facilities
Search

March 2024

  • M
  • T
  • W
  • T
  • F
  • S
  • S
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
0 Huespedes

Compare listings

Compare

Compare experiences

Compare
en_GBEnglish