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Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is famous for its natural beauty, cultural history, and adventure treks. The Collagua and Cabana lived here for nearly 2,000 years, carving a network of remarkable terraces into the canyon walls.

In the 15th century Inca Mayta Cápac arrived with his army and, according to historians, married Mama Tancaray Yacchi, daughter of a local Collagua chief, to secure the conquest. According to legend, he built Mama Tancaray a house of copper that was eventually melted to make the gigantic bells that hang in Coporague’s towers today.

When the Spanish arrived, they forced local peoples into reducciones, and put them to work on plantations or in the nearby Caylloma silver mine. In spite of this forced labor, the Collaguas assimilated much of the Spanish culture into their own traditions. In particular, Catholic imagery was absorbed into many of their festivals, and women adopted the Spanish-style petticoat as a form of dress.

Without roads or communications, Colca Canyon was largely forgotten until the late 1970’s when engineers visited the canyon to build the area’s first road. Due to their relative isolation from the modern world, the people and villages in this region have maintained their ancient traditions and ways of life.

A great way to explore the region is on foot, via the numerous ancient trails that wind their way between villages. In 1981, a crew of six Polish adventurers and local rafter Antonio Vellutino discovered another facet of the Colca Canyon: extreme adventure. Today, in addition to its rich cultural heritage, the canyon offers tremendous outdoor adventure opportunities. Along with Cusco and Huaraz, Colca has become known as a magnet for adventure sport, drawing hikers, bikers, trekkers, and rafters from around the world.

There are a wide variety of hotels in the Colca Canyon, in addition to Colca Canyon tour packages that vary from a one day visit to fifteen day treks.

For more information on Colca Canyon that will help you plan your trip to the area, visit Viva Travel Guides Colca Canyon Guide.