TRAVEL TO COLCA CANYON
The Colca Canyon claims to be the biggest or deepest on the planet, depending on exactly how you measure them. In places the canyon’s sides are so steep that it is impossible to see the valley bottom, while the higher edges of Colca are punctuated with some of the finest examples of pre-Inca terracing in Peru, attributed in the main to the Huari cultural era.
The canyon was formed by a massive geological fault between the two enormous volcanoes of Coropuna and Ampato, the Río Colca forms part of a gigantic watershed that empties into the Pacific near Camana.
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HISTORY
Francisco Pizarro´s brother, Gonzalo, was given this region in the 1530s as his own private landholding to exploit for economic tribute. In the seventeenth century, however, the Viceroy Toledo split the area that concentrated the previously quite dispersed local populations into villages, this had the effect of a decline in the use of the valley s agricultural terracing, as the locals switched to farming the land nearer their new homes.
Most of the towns still have Baroque-fronted churches, underlining the importance of this regions silver mines during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. During the Republican era, Colcas importance dwindled substantially and interest in the zone was only rekindled in 1931 when aerial photography revealed the astonishing natural and man-made landscape of this valley to the outside world.
GEOGRAPHY
The Colca Canyon is located around 100 miles north of the city of Arequipa. The name Colca is used for the canyon, the valley and the river. The Colca province boarders Cusco, Puno in the southern Andes of Peru.
Most of the towns still have Baroque-fronted churches, underlining the importance of this regions silver mines during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. During the Republican era, Colcas importance dwindled substantially and interest in the zone was only rekindled in 1931 when aerial photography revealed the astonishing natural and man-made landscape of this valley to the outside world.
COLCAS AND TERRACES
The landscape of the Colca Valley is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Peru. The amazing terrain and high altitude stand to protect all in the area. The endless terraces are without a doubt some of the striking features in the Andes and serve as evidence of the development of agriculture and the brilliance of the ancient people.
If you are feeling energetic take one of the many walks down into the valley and see the terraces that many hundred years ago feed the empire.
attractions
Mirador Cruz del Condor
The Mirador Cruz del Cóndor is the most popular point for viewing the canyon – it’s around 1200m deep here – and you can almost guarantee seeing several condors circling up from the depths against the breathtaking scenery. The condors are best spotted from 7 to 9am; the earlier you get there the more likely you are to have fewer spectators around. The gateway to the Mirador, the settlement of Pinchollo has a small museum and a tourist information office with photos and a model representing the canyon.
Cabanaconde
The small but growing town of CABANACONDE (3300m), 10km on from Pinchoilo, is a good base from which to descend into the canyon. An impressive high wall and painted gateway mark the town’s eighteenth-century cemetery. The town is also home to several semi-destroyed stone buildings and doorways from the late colonial era.
Chivay
Chivay a traditional town that has embraced tourism without losing its high-country identity. It is equipped with enchanting views of snowcapped peaks and terraced hillsides, and serves as a logical base from which to explore the canyon.
The market area and main square are good places to catch a glimpse of the decorative clothing worn by local women.
Yanque
Of the canyon’s dozen or so villages, Yanque, 7km west of Chivay, has the prettiest and liveliest main square with a church: The Iglesia de la Immaculada Concepción. Its ornate baroque-mestizo facade has an almost churrigueresque look. Also on the plaza is the excellent Museo Yanque, which contains displays about the culture of the Colca Canyon, Inca textiles, cranial deformation and ecclesial architecture.
From here, a 30-minute walk down to the river brings you to the hot springs.
Coporaque to Madrigal
Across the river from Yanque, the non-commercialized Coporaque has the valley’s oldest church and not much else – unless you count the splendiferous – views of canyon slopes covered in terraced fields.
Between the two villages, there is a sign marking the ruins of Oyu Oyu. The remnants of this pre-lnca settlement are reached by a half-hour hike uphill. Afterwards you can continue to a waterfall, the source of which is the runoff from Nevado Mismi.
Cañon de Cotahuasi
While the Cañón del Colca has stolen the limelight for many years, it is actually this remote canyon, 200km northwest of Arequipa as the condor flies, that is the deepest known canyon in the world. It is around twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, with stretches dropping below 3500m. While the depths of the ravine are only accessible to experienced river runners, the rest of the fertile valley is also rich in striking scenery and trekking opportunities the canyon also shelters several traditional rural settlements that currently see only a handful of adventurous travelers.
CULTURAL NORMS
With many different influences, the Colca region has been inhabited by peoples from both the north and the eastern regions of Peru. The traditions of the area are a mix of both regions..
The Collagua and the Cabana
For many hundreds of years, the main ethnic groups of the Colca area have been the Collagua and the Cabana peoples. Now you can tell the difference of the two different by the clothes the women use and most importantly their hats.
Today there are 14 towns in the area and each with its own church in the main square. Each town has its own festivals throughout the year that usually celebrate agricultural plantings and harvests. One of the most notable festivals is when the men dress up in skirts at the start of rainy season and continues until the end of February.
ACTIVITIES
Spot unusual wildlife
When visiting the Colca Valley the area is home to a grand array of plants and animals. If you plan a trip to the Colca you will want to see the famous Andean condor, which now has plenty of numbers. Some of the other bird life you may see in the area is the Giant Hummingbird. In the upper parts of the valley where it is dry you will mammals such as the vicuna and many other varieties of camelids.
Gaze at ancient terraces
The landscape of the Colca Valley is not only beautiful but also functional, for many hundreds of years the valley has been used for growing food for the population. Today you will still see many varieties of potato, quinoa, wheat and maize grown here. Strangely, in the harsh conditions many other varieties of flora grow and flourish.
Seek thrills
In the Colca Canyon, there is no shortage of adventure activities to choose from. If you are an adventure junkie, choose from whitewater rafting, mountain biking and many other activities.
WEATHER
Depending where you are will depend the temperature, in the daytime temperatures in some parts of the valley can be warm especially when walking on of the many trails. When you are high up in the valley expect it to get cold and windy. Make sure you bring warm clothing for the mornings and the evenings and a good hat for the day time.
TRAVEL TIPS
Colca Canyon entrance fee
All visitors to Colca Canyon must pay a 70 soles entrance fee. You can buy the ticket at any checkpoint. Hold on to the ticket, as park officials will ask to see it at various checkpoints along the typical tourist route.
Today, Cusco the Archeological hub of Peru and the Americas is a city open to the world, warmly welcoming its many visitors with the sublime combination of ancient Incan architecture with traces of the Spanish influence. Its irresistible charm and many surprises make everyone who visits fall in love with Cusco; abundant with comfortable hotels, brilliant restaurants and a vast offering of handy crafts.
Acclimation
Many towns of the Colca Canyon are higher in elevation that Arequipa (2,335 m or 7,661 ft.) and about the same as Cusco (3,400 m or 11,150 ft.). Take the same precautions as you would in Cusco, stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals or alcohol on your first days at altitude, and drink the local remedy coca leaf tea. Take a few days to acclimate before attempting any strenuous activity.
