Colca Canyon (Canon del Colca)

Most tours of the Colca Canyon start in the city of Arequipa, which doubles as a basecamp for 3-day treks through the Andes Mountains and for overnight horseback riding or bus tours to the canyon. Hike up to the Condor Viewpoint (Mirador Cruz del Condor) to see the majestic birds up close, bike through the Colca Valley, or kayak or raft down the Colca River.

No matter what sights and activities you choose, guided Colca Canyon treks are generally the easiest and most convenient way to travel. Most provide round-trip transportation from Arequipa and include visits to the Patapampa Pass (the highest point in the canyon, at around 16,000 feet—or 4,900 meters—above sea level). If you’re seeking an independent sightseeing experience, you can book a bus transfer from Arequipa with stops at scenic viewpoints and attractions along the way.

• Multi-day Colca Canyon tours often include visits to nearby attractions in the Arequipa region, such as Puno on Lake Titicaca or the Pampa Canahuas Reserve, famous for its wild vicunas.

• Day trips from Arequipa to the canyon can last up to 14 hours.

• You won’t need to buy Colca Canyon tickets or permits. While the attraction is free, joining a guided tour is safer than visiting independently.

• Stave off altitude sickness by allowing yourself a couple of days to acclimate in Arequipa before attempting any activities.

• Pack comfortable shoes and lots of warm clothing, especially if you plan to spend the night.

The closest city to the Colca Valley is Arequipa, around 100 miles (161 kilometers) away. Buses and shuttles run directly between Arequipa and the canyon, but you can also take public transportation to the town of Chivay or Cabanaconde on either end of the canyon. Chivay is the most popular choice, as it is home to relaxing hot springs. You can also reach the canyon via Cusco, though it is a longer journey.

May through September is the driest time of the year in this part of South America. Visit during this time if you want to go hiking or do other outdoor activities. December through February is the low, rainy season, which promises fewer crowds. Arrive in the early morning to make the most of your day of hiking.

The canyon has plenty of historical attractions, including re-Hispanic settlements. These include the pre-Inca Chimpa fortress and the caves of Mollepunko, where 6,000-year-old rock art shows the domestication of the alpaca. Andean condors are another draw, as they are among the world’s largest flying birds. Their bodies measure up to four feet (1.2 meters) tall and wingspans of up to 10.5 feet (3.2 meters). Because of their size, they live in windy areas that can help them get off the ground.

While it’s possible to explore part of the Colca Canyon on a day trip from Arequipa, it’s recommended to spend at least two days in the Colca Canyon area. The shortest hiking route around one of the world’s deepest canyons is around eight hours, and the longest is around 12—you can spread these out over two or three days.

The best time of year to visit the Colca Canyon is from May through November—this is southern Peru’s dry season, so you can almost guarantee clear, dry conditions ideal for hiking. It’s also the best time of year to spot the Andean condors the region is famous for.

Twice as deep as America’s Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon (Canon de Colca) is a natural wonder that’s worth going to. On a visit to the canyon, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the rugged landscapes, see pre-Inca historical sites, and have a good chance of spotting Andean condors circling overhead.

How long it takes to hike Colca Canyon depends on which of the hiking routes you choose to embark on. You can opt for a short route that shows the main viewpoints in just a few hours or opt for either 2- or 3-day hike that involves staying overnight in one of the villages on the cusp of the canyon.

The rocky, uneven terrain and steep surfaces of the Colca Canyon mean that a pair of sturdy hiking boots are a must—standard trainers just don’t have the kind of grip you need to explore this rugged natural wonder. Make sure you bed them in a few days before your hike.

The temperatures in the Colca Canyon remain steady throughout the year, but during the evening, you can expect temperatures to drop to around 46°F (8°C), so make sure you take plenty of layers to wrap up in at night. The coldest months are June and July.