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For anyone interested in top quality walking holidays, Peru has plenty to offer. It is a large country, even if it can’t quite compete with the scale of Brazil next door. It encompasses a whole range of different habitats – from the lush jungle and Andean mountains to sprawling alpine plains – all of which provide great options for walking holidays. Peru’s unique location means that, unlike other equatorial countries, it doesn’t have a purely tropical climate. This is thanks largely to the presence of the Andes and the Humboldt Current, which brings cooler water with lower salinity towards the coast. As one of the most impressive inland sights for those on walking holidays, Peru’s stunning Colca Canyon is a fantastic destination for hiking and walking.

Colca Canyon

A canyon of the Colca River in southern Peru, the Colca Canyon is one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions. Located 160 km northwest of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the USA, at an astonishing 4 km deep. The top end of the region is known as the Colca Valley. The entire valley is inhabitable and has been the site of human settlement since at least pre-Inca times. Further along, from Pinchollo/Madrigal, the region becomes known as the Canyon. The pre-Colombian agricultural terraces still support human life to this day, providing a glimpse into the past for those on walking holidays. Peru’s other landmarks might get more attention, but Colca Canyon offers an unspoilt taste of the real country.

Down in the Valley

One of the biggest draws for visitors to the Canyon is the presence of Andean Condors. These fascinating birds have been under threat in recent years, but the populations around the Colca Canyon are at the forefront of efforts to replenish the numbers of the birds. The Andean Vulture is possessed of the largest wingspan of any land bird. Culturally, these large black birds have become an important symbol of Peru, as well as surrounding countries. For those interested in the historical culture of the region, the canyon is also home to the archaeological sites such as the caves of Mollepunko. These caves are home to rock-art believed to be over 6,000 years old.

Chivay

Another popular attraction is the La Calera hot springs at Chivay, the largest town in the region. The springs are around 3 km from the town and host a number of heated pools that are perfect for relaxing in after a long day walking around the valley and the canyon.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. For walking holidays Peru is a fascinating destination. Join us to experience scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.

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