Important Facts About the Calca Canyon

Colca Canyon is an impressive canyon located in the Arequipa region of southern Peru. With a depth of more than 3,000 meters, it is one of the deepest canyons in the world and offers spectacular views of the Andean landscape.

Location:

Colca Canyon is located in southern Peru, within the town of Chivay in Caylloma Province. Situated at an elevation of 6,288 meters above sea level, the canyon is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and as one of Peru’s premier locations to observe the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds.

General Information:

The Colca Canyon was originally inhabited by small pre-Inca settlements, with human presence dating back to 6000 BC. The Incas later occupied this valley in the 15th century, where they developed irrigation systems, agricultural terraces, roads and storage facilities known as “colcas”. Following the Spanish conquest, the local population was subjected to forced labor systems, leaving behind baroque-style colonial churches as evidence of this period.

The canyon’s ecosystem features diverse flora including ichu grass, queuña trees, various cacti, torales shrubs and the remarkable Raimondi’s puya plant. The fauna includes the majestic Andean condor, Andean flamingos, vicuñas, Andean deer and Andean foxes, with many of these species currently endangered or in vulnerable conservation status.

This spectacular canyon has become a premier destination for hiking enthusiasts. Visitors can explore traditional Andean villages, admire ancient Inca terraces, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding mountains. The area also boasts several natural hot springs with therapeutic mineral waters rich in zinc, calcium, iron and other beneficial elements, formed thousands of years ago by volcanic activity in the Andes mountain range.

Among the most notable thermal baths are La Calera in Chivay, Chacapi and Callali in Yanque, and Coñeymayo in Caylloma. The canyon’s most famous attraction is the Cruz del Cóndor (Condor’s Cross) viewpoint, where visitors can observe the magnificent Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds, with early morning being the optimal viewing time when these majestic birds are most active.

Recommendations for Visiting Puno, Uros, Amantani, and Taquile Islands

To fully enjoy your visit to these incredible destinations, keep the following recommendations in mind:

Following these tips will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience in Puno and on the islands of Lake Titicaca.

Admission to Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon requires visitors to purchase a tourist ticket for entry. This single-day pass provides access to both the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve as well as all the canyon’s official viewpoints. The ticket remains valid for one full day from the time of purchase and is mandatory for all visitors wishing to explore the protected canyon area. Tickets can be obtained at authorized ticket offices throughout the region.

Where to Purchase Admission to Colca Canyon?

The only way to obtain an entrance ticket is by purchasing it directly at the entrance gate to Colca Canyon. Tickets are sold on-site and cannot be bought in advance online or elsewhere. Be sure to arrive with enough time to acquire your ticket before beginning your visit.

Colca Canyon Entrance Fees

The entrance ticket to Colca Canyon has three pricing tiers:

Foreign Tourists:

Latin American Tourists:

Peruvian Nationals:

Note: Children under 6 years old enter free of charge. All visitors must present valid ID or passport to verify their nationality and age.