Peru
Colca Canyon 3D
Welcome back to Peru! Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons on Earth, cut through the Andes Mountains by a rushing river, with ancient farming terraces stepping down its steep walls.
Why is it famous?
It plunges about 10,730 feet deep, making it more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States.
Giant Andean condors soar along its cliffs, riding the wind currents rising from the canyon floor.
How was it formed?
The Colca River slowly carved through the rock over thousands and thousands of years, cutting deeper and deeper into the Andes.
Ancient peoples carved stepped terraces called andenes into the steep canyon walls so they could farm on the mountainside.
Quick facts
- A famous lookout point called Cruz del Condor is one of the best places on Earth to watch Andean condors fly right past at eye level.
- Condors here can have wingspans over 9 feet — among the largest of any flying bird.
- Villages inside the canyon, like Chivay and Yanque, still keep traditions from the ancient Collagua and Cabana peoples alive.