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
Cotahuasi Canyon, Arequipa – Peru Located 375 km from Arequipa,
