Cotahuasi Canyon, Arequipa, Peru
Complete Guide 2025

The Cotahuasi Canyon (in Spanish: Cañón de Cotahuasi), nicknamed the "Canyon of Wonders," is a geological marvel located about 400 km northwest of Arequipa in southern Peru.

🧭 Records and Special Features

• Maximum depth: 3,535 meters (Ninancocha sector)
• Deeper than Colca Canyon (+335 m)
• Designated a Landscape Reserve since 2005

🗺️ Exact Location

Geographic Coordinates

• Latitude: 14°40´22" to 15°35´27" South
• Longitude: 72°19´15" to 73°18´08" West

Territorial Context

• Province: La Unión (Arequipa region)
• Protected area: 490,550 hectares

🛣️ From Arequipa

• Travel time: 10-12 hours
• Daily departures: 4-6 PM from the bus terminal
• Recommended companies:
  • Transportes Reyna
  • Cromotex

🗺️ Detailed Itinerary

Key Stages

1. Pan-American Highway South to Aplao
2. Ascent to Chuquibamba
3. Pass at 4,500m altitude
4. Descent to Cotahuasi

2025 Tips

• Plan for altitude acclimatization
• Check road conditions during rainy season

📏 Exceptional Dimensions

• Depth validated in 1995 by Federico Villarreal University
• Length: 122 km
• Width: 80.6 km

🌊 Hydrological System

Cotahuasi River

• Source: Huanzococha Lagoon (4,750m)
• Main tributaries: Huayllapaña, Huarcaya
• Final confluence with Ocoña River

Mountain Ranges

• Coropuna Snow Peak (6,425m)
• Solimana Snow Peak (6,093m)

🛡️ Environmental Protection

• Legal status: Decree N°027-2005-AG (May 2005)
• Objectives:
  • Preserve pre-Inca terraces
  • Protect 12 unique ecosystems

🌱 Botanical Treasures

Endemic Plants

• Medicinal: Muña, retama, tara
• Rare: Yareta (azorella compacta), puya raimondi

Climate Zones

• Cold deserts (high altitude)
• Stone forests (rock formations)

🌾 Millenary Know-How

• Pre-Columbian terraces: Pampamarca, Puyca, Quillunza
• Techniques: Ancestral irrigation, crop rotation

🍃 Local Productions

Iconic Crops

• Kiwicha (amaranth)
• Royal quinoa
• Purple corn

Traditional Livestock

• Alpacas
• Llamas

💦 Natural Sites

Sipia Waterfall

• 150m drop
• River width at this point: 5m

Luicho Hot Springs

• Temperature: 33-38°C
• 3 natural pools

🏰 Cultural Heritage

• Typical villages: Colonial architecture
• Inca trails: Qhapac ñan network

📅 Best Time to Visit

• Dry season (April to November):
  • Clear skies
  • Daytime temperatures: 18-25°C
• Wet season (December to March):
  • Lush landscapes
  • Bring waterproof gear

🧳 Essential Checklist

Equipment

• Hiking boots
• Windproof jacket
• High SPF sunscreen

Documents

• Passport copy
• Travel insurance

🛏️ Where to Stay?

Cotahuasi Center

• Standard hotels: $15-30/night
• Guest houses: Local experience

Surroundings

• Ecolodges: Nature connection
• Mountain shelters: For hikers

🍽️ Culinary Specialties

• Typical dishes:
  • Pachamanca (meat cooked underground)
  • Local river trout

✨ Why Choose Cotahuasi?

• Authentic alternative to Colca Canyon
• Preserved cultural experience
• Exceptional biodiversity
• Less crowded than classic tourist sites

📚 Useful Resources

📞 Official Contacts

• Municipalidad Provincial de La Unión:
  • General Secretary: 979 013 206
  • Serenazgo (security): 961 218 402
• Tourism office: +51 XX XXXX XXX

🆘 Emergency Numbers

• Tourist police: 105
• Mountain rescue: 911
• Cotahuasi Medical Center: 054-581099

🌐 Official Websites

• Peru Ministry of Tourism (www.mincetur.gob.pe)
• SERNANP - Protected Areas (www.sernanp.gob.pe)
• Cotahuasi Municipality (www.municipiolaunion.com/cotahuasi.html)