Cotahuasi Canyon, Arequipa – Peru

Located 375 km from Arequipa, this canyon is 3535 meters deep, making it the second deepest canyon in Peru, behind only the Colca. Its extension is about 100 kilometers, and goes from the Huanzo Lagoon to the Ocoña River.

Formed by river erosion, the Cotahuasi canyon is located between the Coropuna and Solimana mountains. It has impressive landscapes with slopes, terraces and constructions of the different pre-Inca and Inca civilizations that inhabited the place.

There are three versions of the meaning of its name. The first says that it is “meeting of the houses”: ccota (meeting) and huasi (house). The second estimate is that it could be “goiter house”, related to an inflammation in the thyroids due to the lack of iodine in the salt. And the third states that “cota” in Aymara means “lagoon”, so it would be “house of the lagoon”.

The canyon is protected within the Cotahuasi Sub-basin Landscape Reserve, an area of approximately 490,000 hectares that protects the flora, fauna, landscapes, and historical and cultural assets of the area.

What to do in Cotahuasi Canyon?

Sipia waterfall. With a waterfall of 150 meters, this beautiful waterfall is often accompanied by a rainbow that forms an ideal setting for photographs.

Giant cactus forest. In Judío Pampa, in the town of Quechualla, you will see these imposing cacti that are between 12 and 13 meters high.

Playing sports. In the canyon it is possible to practice many adventure sports such as paragliding, trekking, mountain biking, hang gliding, climbing, fishing and horseback riding.

Flora and fauna watching. Due to its high degree of conservation, the canyon’s environment has 12 ecosystems that allow for abundant biodiversity. Among the best known animal species are Andean condors, llamas, alpacas, llamas and sheep.

Visiting hot springs. In Luicho there is a complex with thermal waters ranging from 33° to 38°C and three pools. They have relaxing and beneficial properties for health.

Stroll through its traditional villages. The entire Cotahuasi valley is surrounded by colonial towns where time seems to have stopped. They are ideal to take a break, visit its small churches and walk through its narrow cobblestone streets.

How to get to Cotahuasi Canyon?

To get there by car from Arequipa, take the Interoceanic Highway to the Panamericana Sur. Once there, take the detour to highway 105, which passes through Cuchibamba and goes to Cotahuasi. This trip lasts between 9 and 10 hours.

If you want to go by bus you must take one at the bus terminal in the city of Arequipa, in some of the companies that travel to this destination. It usually takes about 11 hours to reach Cotahuasi.

If you want to know in depth the Cotahuasi canyon and its nearby attractions, you may want to opt for a tour with a tourist agency, where you will be offered transfers, accommodation and excursions. You can check prices and availabilities in the tourist places in the center of Arequipa.

Recommendations:

Entrance ticket. Admission is free.

Schedules. It can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 5 pm.

What to bring? Comfortable clothes, warm clothes, sun protection, water, trekking shoes, hat or cap and snacks for the trail. If you have binoculars, don’t forget to bring them, they will help you see the flight of the majestic Andean condor up close.

Best time to visit. Due to the lower frequency of rainfall, the best months to go are between April and November.

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