Cotahuasi Canyon, Arequipa, Peru
Complete Guide 2025

Nicknamed the "Canyon of Wonders", the Cotahuasi Canyon (Cañón de Cotahuasi in Spanish) is a geological marvel located approximately 400 km northwest of Arequipa, in the province of La Unión, southern Peru. With a maximum depth of 3,535 meters in the Ninancocha sector, it surpasses the famous Colca Canyon by 335 meters, making it one of the deepest canyons on the planet.

🧭 Records and features of Cotahuasi Canyon

• Maximum depth: 3,535 meters (measured in 1995 by Federico Villarreal University).
• Total length: 122 km.
• Average width: 80.6 km.
• Protection status: Classified as a Landscape Reserve since 2005 (Decree N°027-2005-AG).

🗺️ Exact location of Cotahuasi Canyon

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

🛣️ Journey from Arequipa

The trip to Cotahuasi Canyon is an adventure in itself. It takes 10 to 12 hours by bus or private vehicle. Night buses depart daily between 4 pm and 6 pm from Arequipa's bus terminal.

• Recommended companies: Transportes Reyna, Cromotex.
• Approximate fare: 40-60 soles depending on company.

🗺️ Detailed route

1. Take the Pan-American Highway South to Aplao (Majes Valley).
2. Climb to Chuquibamba (2,900 m).
3. Cross a pass at 4,500 meters altitude.
4. Gradually descend to Cotahuasi (2,600 m).

🧳 Tips for 2025

• Acclimatization: Spend at least 2 days in Arequipa (2,335 m) before departure.
• Rainy season: From December to March, check road conditions with authorities.
• Booking: In high season (June-August), book bus tickets in advance.

📏 Exceptional dimensions

Cotahuasi Canyon was carved by the Cotahuasi River over millions of years, creating dizzying walls. The record depth of 3,535 meters was confirmed in 1995 by an expedition from Federico Villarreal University.

• Length: 122 km.
• Width: 80.6 km (between ridges).

🌊 Hydrological system of the canyon

Cotahuasi River

• Source: Laguna Huanzococha (4,750 m altitude).
• Main tributaries: Huayllapaña, Huarcaya.
• Final confluence: With the Ocoña River, flowing into the Pacific Ocean.

Surrounding mountain ranges

• Nevado Coropuna: 6,425 m (dormant volcano, one of Peru's highest).
• Nevado Solimana: 6,093 m.

🛡️ Status and protection objectives

Since May 2005, Cotahuasi Canyon has been classified as a Landscape Reserve by Decree N°027-2005-AG. This status aims to:

• Preserve the pre-Inca agricultural terraces still cultivated.
• Protect 12 distinct ecosystems ranging from high-altitude deserts to stone forests.
• Conserve biodiversity and cultural resources.

🌱 Botanical treasures of Cotahuasi

Medicinal and endemic plants

• Medicinal: Muña, retama, tara.
• Rare: Yareta (Azorella compacta), Puya Raimondi (Puya raimondii).

Climatic zones

• Cold deserts: Sparse vegetation, lichens.
• Stone forests: Rock formations sculpted by erosion, similar to Imata.

🐾 Remarkable fauna

• Birds: Andean condor (visible at Chaupo and Sipia viewpoints), golden eagle, flamingos.
• Mammals: Vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, viscachas, Andean foxes.

🌾 Pre-Columbian terraces

The canyon slopes are covered with agricultural terraces inherited from pre-Inca civilizations, still farmed by local communities using ancestral methods.

• Notable sites: Pampamarca, Puyca, Quillunza.
• Techniques: Canal irrigation, crop rotation, natural fertilizers.

🍃 Local emblematic produce

Crops

• Kiwicha (amaranth): Protein-rich cereal.
• Royal quinoa: High-altitude quinoa variety.
• Purple corn: Used for traditional chicha drink.

Traditional livestock

• Alpacas: Fine wool sought after.
• Llamas: Pack animals and meat.

💦 Must-see natural sites

Sipia Waterfall

• Spectacular 150-meter high waterfall.
• River width at this point: only 5 meters.
• Access via a 30-minute trail from the village of Sipia.

Luicho Hot Springs

• Temperature: 33 to 38°C depending on the pools.
• 3 natural terraced pools, surrounded by mountains.
• Therapeutic properties (sulfur, calcium).

🏰 Cultural heritage

• Typical villages: Cotahuasi, Pampamarca, Puyca, with their colonial churches and cobblestone streets.
• Inca trails: Sections of the Qhapac Ñan (Inca road network) are still visible and hikeable.

🦅 Condor watching

The best spots to see Andean condors are the Chaupo Viewpoint and the Sipia waterfall area, ideally in the morning between 9 am and 11 am.

📅 Best time to visit

• Dry season (April to November): Clear skies, daytime temperatures 18-25°C, cool nights (5-10°C). Ideal for hiking.
• Rainy season (December to March): Lush landscapes, but roads may be slippery. Bring a raincoat.

🧳 Essential checklist

Equipment

• Waterproof hiking boots.
• Windproof jacket and fleece (temperature changes).
• High-protection sunscreen (SPF50+) and sunglasses.
• Headlamp, water bottle (at least 1.5L), trekking poles.

Documents

• Copy of passport (leave at hotel).
• Travel insurance covering trekking activities.

🛏️ Accommodation

In Cotahuasi (center)

• Standard hotels: Between 15 and 30 USD per night.
• Guesthouses: Local homestay experience (from 10 USD with breakfast).

Surroundings

• Ecolodges: On the outskirts, for nature immersion.
• Refuges: For hikers, often community-managed.

🍽️ Local specialties

• Pachamanca: Meats (lamb, pork, chicken) and potatoes cooked underground with hot stones.
• River trout: Caught in the Cotahuasi River, grilled or in ceviche.
• Quinoa and kiwicha: Prepared in soups or salads.

✨ The unique assets of Cotahuasi

• Authentic alternative to Colca Canyon, much less crowded.
• Preserved cultural experience with Andean communities practicing traditional agriculture.
• Exceptional biodiversity and grandiose landscapes.
• Opportunities for trekking, wildlife watching, and thermal baths.

📚 Useful resources

📞 Official contacts

• Municipalidad Provincial de La Unión:
  • General Secretariat: 979 013 206
  • Serenazgo (security): 961 218 402
• Tourist office: +51 54 581099 (confirm locally)

🆘 Emergency numbers

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

🌐 Official websites

• Ministerio de Turismo Perú: www.mincetur.gob.pe
• SERNANP - Protected areas: www.sernanp.gob.pe
• Cotahuasi Municipality: www.municipiolaunion.com/cotahuasi.html