DESTINATIONS IN PERU - HIGHLANDS
IN THE LOCALITY OF AREQUIPA
Colca Canyon - Cotahuasi Canyon - Valle de los Volcanes - Laguna de Salinas - El Misti

The writer Mario Vargas Llosa called the Colca Canyon "Canyon of Wonders". With 3190m depth it was thought to be the deepest canyon in the world until the nearby Cotahuasi Canyon was found to be 163m deeper. The narrow river valley is an area of astounding beauty. Only few places in Peru reveal such a diversity, magic and power. In former times the Collaguas and the Cabanas tribes used to live there. Still today the inhabitants keep up the old traditions and cultivate the terraces that were originally laid in preinca times.
The Colca Canyon is perfect for sports like trekking, rafting as well as hiking. The Mirador Cruz de Condor is an ideal place to watch the condor. An excursion to the Colca Canyon definitely is an unforgettable experience for very visitor!

How to get there
Numerous travel agencies arrange tours from one to several days. They range from trekking and hiking tours to rafting tours as well as tours by bus. The buses pass the most important sights but in order to see the depths of the canyon it is recommended to take part in one of the trekking tours. Private guides for individual explorations are also available.
Do it yourself: Buses commute between Arequipa and Chivay to Cabanaconde and Cruz del Condor.

Accomodation
As the way to get there is quite long it is recommended to stay in Chivay which is situated in the East of the canyon. Not far from here you can relax in the hot springs La Calera surounded by a breathtaking panorama.

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The deepest canyon in the world is the amazing Cotahuasi Canyon with a depth of more than 3300m. It lies about 200 km from Arequipa. It is almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The landscape is astoundingly beautiful, with steep gorges and broad riverbeds all surrounded by white peaked mountains. The Sipia waterfall falls down 150 m into the canyon is surrounded by several hot springs.This canyon is a splendid destination for hiking, climbing and rafting.

How to get there
In Arequipa you can book trekking tours as well as bus tours over several days. There is a bus connection between Arequipa and Cotahuasi, a 12 hour journey.

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The valley of volcanos in Andagua is a place of uncomparable beauty. 325 km away from Arequipa 85 vulcanos form this most breathtaking of landscapes.

How to get there
Agencies in Arequipa arrange tours. On the way you pass the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto. The designs that are carved into the stone show birds, mammals, reptiles, humans and many different geometric forms.
A visit to see this spectacular achaeological site can be achieved by simply taking the bus to Andagua, which is a 10 hour journey.

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The salt lake Laguna de Salinas lies about 100 km east of Arequipa. Several types of flamigo as well as andine birds can be found here in this peaceful environment situated at an altudude of about 4300 m. The journey here will provide you with many magnificent views.

How to get there
One-day tours can be booked in Arequipa

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This snow covered volcano rises up 5820 m and is an awesome destination for wonderful mountain tours.

How to get there
One-day tours can be booked in Arequipa
More Information on sports activities...

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