Cotahuasi Canyon

Cotahuasi Canyon is the wilder sister of Colca, a vast gorge in the far north of the Arequipa region that is often described as among the deepest canyons on the planet. Reaching it takes time, with a long, winding road from Arequipa that climbs across high plateaus and drops to the small town of Cotahuasi, but the reward is a landscape of dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, thermal springs and traditional villages with few other tourists. It is a trip for travellers with several days to spare and a taste for remote places, and it offers a very different experience from the better-known Colca valley.

Four-day itineraries typically spend the first day on the road, crossing the high plains with stops for vicuna and volcano views. The route passes villages and mountain passes before descending toward the canyon, and the first night is usually spent in Cotahuasi town or nearby. The following days explore sights such as the Sipia waterfall, a powerful cascade plunging into a gorge, thermal springs at Luicho, and the Puya Raimondi forest, where giant bromeliads rise like candelabras from the high-altitude grassland.

Rock formations and hanging terraces add to the scenery. Culturally the area is also rich. The canyon was settled long before the Inca, and you can see ruins, ancient terraces and churches in village plazas.

The region is known for its fruit, including apples and grapes, and for local drinks such as wine and pisco made in small family bodegas. The villages are small and welcoming, and accommodation is simple, so expect basic comfort and early nights. Because infrastructure is limited, you depend on your operator for logistics, and it is wise to choose a company with experienced guides and good vehicles.Travelling to Cotahuasi demands flexibility. Roads can be rough, weather can cause delays, and distances are long, so build a buffer into your plans and avoid tight connections afterwards.

The best season is the dry months from about April to November, while heavy rains can close roads during the wet season. Bring warm clothing for cold nights, a good sun hat for the day, cash because ATMs are scarce, and any medication you might need. The tours linked here include transport and accommodation, with some variants including trekking or hot springs, so compare itineraries carefully.

For adventurous travellers, it is one of the great journeys of the south.Think carefully about whether the journey fits you. Long road days are tiring, and some stretches are on unpaved, winding tracks above steep drops, so travellers who are prone to motion sickness or nervous about heights may prefer Colca.

Pack medication, a basic first aid kit and snacks, and download offline maps because phone coverage is patchy. If you like the idea but are short on time, ask operators about shorter variants or add-on days, and decide whether you would rather spend your time at Colca instead. Respect local customs in the villages, dress modestly in churches and carry small bills for markets and tips.

Altitude varies enormously along the route, from high plateaus above 4,000 metres to a canyon floor far lower, so layers that can be added and removed quickly are the most useful clothing. Carry a rain jacket even in the dry season, and keep electronics in sealed bags against dust.