Overview:

is an impressive canyon located in the Colca Valley and measuring a depth of 3,535m (11627 feet) making it one of the deepest canyons in the entire world and provides an immense amount of history and beauty. It is located in the southern part of the Arequipa region in Peru, with its lower part lying within the boundaries of the Cotahuasi district, one of eleven districts in the province of La Union. The canyon is best known for its varied range of attractions which include naturally formed valleys and rapids, incredible Incan sites, hot springs, vibrant birdlife, a journey in an old colonial train, vast pre-Inca terraces, lush green meadows, and numerous waterfalls and lakes. Some of these sights can be found in the Cotahuasi Canyon National Park which was established to protect its unique environment. The canyon has also become a major place of pilgrimage for locals, who often take spiritual journeys to its depths. Due to its stunning views and diverse landscapes, Cotahuasi Canyon has become a popular tourist attraction in the region. The area is also culturally significant to the Arequipa people as several important archaeological sites have been found in the valley. Evidence of pre-Incan communities includes intricately carved stones as well as interesting pottery and cave paintings. The canyon is an ideal destination for tourists looking to experience the stunning natural beauty of the region while being surrounded by incredible historical sites. With a range of activities including trekking, rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, hot springs, and much more, Cotahuasi Canyon offers a truly unique experience for visitors to Arequipa. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

Cotahuasi Canyon in Arequipa, Peru, is known for its deep gorges, rugged canyons, and sheer cliffs. It is situated between two mountain ranges: the western Cordillera and the eastern Cordillera Occidental. The canyon has a maximum depth of 3,535 meters, making it one of the deepest canyons in the world. The canyon is carved out of two types of rock: slate at its base and limestone at its top. Near the top of the canyon is the village of Cotahuasi. This small village is believed to be one of the oldest settlements of the region, which makes it all the more fascinating. The canyon boasts an incredibly diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. Various plants, trees, and shrubs can be found in abundance in the canyon, including the long-stemmed cacti and many other species. A variety of mammals, birds, and amphibians also inhabit the canyon. Visitors can often spot the distinctive Andean condor soaring in the thermal air currents or see the colorful Chilean flamingo in the nearby lake. Cotahuasi Canyon offers a mesmerizing landscape of mountains and plateaus, making it an ideal place for adventurers wanting to explore its depths and hidden trails. Trekking is a popular activity within the canyon, while other activities such as paragliding and climbing are available for those who are looking for a more extreme adventure. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The Cotahuasi Canyon, located in the Arequipa Region of Peru, is one of the deepest canyons in the world, and is home to a range of unique and beautiful natural landscapes. The canyon is unsurprisingly anchored by the Cotahuasi River, a river that originates from the southeastern Andes and meanders through the canyon’s depths before it empties into the Pacific Ocean. The Cotahuasi Canyon is one of Peru’s most stunning and least-visited eco-tourism destinations, thanks to its stunning views, varied flora and fauna, and bright blue sky. The canyon is known for its spectacular scenery, including the Uturuncu peak, a snow-capped mountain in the Cordillera de la Sal mountain range, and its vast range of flora and fauna, which includes alpaca, guanacos, vicuñas, condors, and even pumas. In addition to its natural beauty, the Cotahuasi Canyon is home to a number of archaeological sites, including the ruins of Wari, Chancay, and Collagua, which date back to the 10th century. These ancient sites provide an interesting glimpse into Peru’s past, and the canyon is popular for those looking to explore the region’s pre-Incan history. The natural beauty and rich history of the Cotahuasi Canyon make it one of Arequipa’s must-see attractions. Visitors who venture to this remote corner of Peru are rewarded with some of the country’s most beautiful and unique landscapes and an opportunity to discover and explore its local culture. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Cotahuasi Canyon is located in the Andes mountain range and is the deepest canyon in the world – 3,535 meters (11,610 feet) deep. 2. Cotahuasi Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States and is the second largest and deepest canyon in Peru. 3. The canyon runs for 83 km (51 miles) along the Cotahuasi River. 4. The area was formed around 15 million years ago when the old oceanic plate, the Nazca Plate, was driven under the South American plate, folding it and forming the ridge associated with the current mountain chain. 5. The canyon is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including cougars, spectacled bears, Andean condors, vicuñas, toads, frogs, and river otters. 6. The canyon also contains some impressive geological formations, such as the Kariwa Falls, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the world at 800 meters (2,600 feet). 7. The canyon is still inhabited by people and is the home of the indigenous Cotahuasi people whose ancestors arrived here centuries ago after abandoning the central highland of Peru due to wars with the Incas. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era