Cotahuasi Canyon, Arequipa: The fourth deepest canyon in the world

The Cotahuasi Canyon is the fourth deepest in the world. Although it is not as popular as the Colca Canyon, the region's main tourist attraction, it has many qualities that make it a great destination. Visitors will be able to enjoy the Sipia waterfalls, the Luicho thermal baths, and the beautiful landscapes of the valley during the trip. Most tours depart from Arequipa. Tours can be purchased in the city or online.

Cotahuasi Description

At 3,535 meters deep, the Cotahuasi Canyon is one of the deepest on the planet. It is surpassed only by the Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon (5,590 meters), the Apurimac Canyon (4,691 meters), and the Kali Gandaki Canyon (4,375 meters). The canyon is part of an extensive valley with rivers, lagoons, mountains, ravines, and terraces. The Solimana (6,093 meters) and Coropuna (6,425 meters) volcanoes tower impressively over the valley.

The Cotahuasi Valley is a protected landscape reserve overseen by the Peruvian state. The area was first inhabited by the Wari culture from the 7th to 13th century, and was later conquered by the Inca Empire, which built the first roads, platforms, and enclosures there. During the colonial period, the area's mineral deposits were exploited. Today, the canyon and its surroundings are an important natural tourist attraction, full of culture and beautiful landscapes.

Where is the Cotahuasi Canyon located?

The Cotahuasi Canyon is located in the district of the same name in the La Unión Province of the Arequipa Region in southern Peru.

How to Get to the Cotahuasi Canyon

The best place to start your journey to Cotahuasi Canyon is the city of Arequipa. From there, you can take a local bus to the town of Cotahuasi, which is located near the canyon. The journey takes approximately 10 to 12 hours, so having flexible travel dates is important. You can purchase bus tickets directly at the Arequipa bus terminal.

Another option is to rent a car for two to three days, which gives you more freedom to explore along the way. The best and most comfortable option, however, is to join a guided group tour. Most organized tours depart from Arequipa, about 368 kilometers from the canyon by road.

There is also an alternative route that passes through the Parinacochas and Paucar del Sara Sara provinces in the Ayacucho region. This route is longer, more challenging, and less traveled.

The Cotahuasi Valley

The extensive Cotahuasi Valley is home to Andean towns with rich traditions, enormous stone forests, and stunning waterfalls. The valley boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, and is renowned for its breathtaking canyon. The valley is fed by the waters of the Cotahuasi River, which flows down from two of the area's highest mountains: Coropuna and Solimana. From viewpoints such as the Allhuay Viewpoint, you can see the Andean towns and their crop fields that make up this beautiful valley. The town where trips to the canyon are organized is Villa de Cotahuasi.

The Canyon

The 'Canyon of Wonders' (it is also known by that name), if the bottom of the river is considered up to the highest peak of one of its mountains, it could be considered the deepest on the planet, reaching 6,093 meters. This peculiar geography is ideal for practicing adventure sports such as rappelling, paragliding, canoeing, cycling, rock climbing and more. The Cotahuasi River descends from the high peaks of Solimana and Coropuna until it flows into the Pacific Ocean, after traveling through the depths of the canyon. While this place is not as popular as the Colca Canyon, for many it is even better.

Sipia Falls

One of the best attractions of the Cotahuasi Valley are the Sipia Falls. This waterfall is located in the district of Toro, province of La Unión. It has several waterfalls that total up to 500 meters in 3 divisions (one of the highest in Peru). This beautiful place is ideal for rock climbing or cycling. To get there, in addition to the car trip, you must take a short hiking route. Due to the beauty of the entire natural environment, the falls are a great choice for photography.

The Luicho thermal baths

The Luicho thermal baths are one of the most famous recreational centers in the province of La Unión and the Cotahuasi valley. They are located just 25 minutes from the town of Cotahuasi, capital of the province. The three hot water pools spring from a spring from the Luicho hill, located at the top of the place. Its temperatures vary from 33ºC. up to 38ºC. divided into three pools (two outdoors and one indoors). Its waters are recommended for people with some ailments such as: rheumatism, stress, arthritis, muscle ailments and more. The visit is recommended for tourists, after making the exhausting hike to the Cotahuasi canyon.

What to do in the Cotahuasi Canyon?

Sipia waterfall. With a waterfall of 150 meters, this beautiful waterfall is usually accompanied by a rainbow that forms, providing an ideal setting for photography.
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.
Practice sports. In the canyon it is possible to practice a large number of adventure sports such as paragliding, trekking, mountain biking, hang gliding, climbing, fishing and horseback riding.
Flora and fauna watching. Due to the high degree of conservation in which it is located, the canyon environment has 12 ecosystems that allow abundant biodiversity. Among the best-known animal species you can see Andean condors, llamas, alpacas, llamas and sheep.
Visit hot springs. In Luicho there is a complex with hot springs that range from 33° to 38°C and have three pools. They have relaxing and health-beneficial properties.
You walk through its traditional towns. The entire Cotahuasi valley is surrounded by colonial towns where time seems to have stopped. They are ideal for taking a break, visiting its small churches and walking through its narrow cobblestone streets.

Weather in Cotahuasi

The Cotahuasi Canyon is more than three kilometers deep and has up to 12 ecosystems with different altitudes and climates. The most popular tourist destination is the high Andes, which has a temperate climate ranging from 23°C to 9°C. Rainfall occurs year-round, especially from October to March.

What to bring?

During your visit to the Cotahuasi Canyon do not forget to bring with you:

Cap or hat.
Sunscreen.
Rain poncho.
Ideal shoes for hiking.
Backpack with water and snacks.
Documents and extra cash.

When to go?

The best time to visit Cotahuasi Canyon is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. In these months, rain is less frequent, which allows better terrain for the required hikes. The rainy season runs from October to March.

Best Peru Travel Tours

Arequipa is the best natural destination in Peru. If you're planning a trip to Peru, be sure to explore the Colca Canyon and other amazing destinations in Arequipa. You can also enrich your experience by visiting the Machu Picchu citadel. Contact our travel experts to reserve a guided trip to Machu Picchu and take a step closer to completing your adventure.