Andes · Peru

Colca Canyon and Arequipa

Mountain Weekend difficulty: Moderate with kids: yes

One of the deepest canyons on the planet, where condors glide so close you can hear the wind in their wings. You reach it from Arequipa, the «white city» of volcanic stone with volcanoes in the background.

With kids

Wait at the Cruz del Cóndor for the first condor to appear
Count how many condors glide without flapping their wings
See the farming terraces stepping down to the river
Soak in the warm hot springs of the valley

Accessibility: 6+. The viewpoints are high (over 3,000 m) and it's cold early on; the road is full of turns, so take it easy.

With family

Tour the canyon viewpoints early, when the condors fly
Stroll through the white center of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina convent
Try Arequipa's rocoto relleno and queso helado
Look for the vicuñas and alpacas in the reserve on the way

Full listing, routes and recommendations at Mi País — Colca Canyon and Arequipa. ← All destinations