Cotahuasi Canyon Trek: Exploring Peru’s Deepest Gorge

While most travellers flock to the better-known Colca Canyon near Arequipa, those seeking solitude and adventure head west to the Cotahuasi Canyon. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and more rugged than Colca, Cotahuasi is a 100-kilometre gorge carved by the Rio Cotahuasi between the Coropuna and Solimana volcanoes. This remote region offers stunning waterfalls, ancient petroglyphs, pre-Inca ruins and traditional Andean villages with terraced fields clinging to sheer canyon walls. Because it lacks a single defined trail, exploring Cotahuasi requires flexibility, curiosity and a willingness to rough it.

Overview & Key Facts

According to trekking guides, Cotahuasi Canyon treks typically run 2–6 days and cover up to 97 km (60 mi) of varied terrain. The highest points reach around 3,900 m (12,795 ft) near pre-Inca sites like Maukallaqta and Calla, while the river floor drops as low as 1,700 m. Trek difficulty is rated easy to moderate because there are few sustained climbs, but you must be comfortable walking long distances on uneven paths and coping with altitude changes. The canyon’s isolation and limited infrastructure mean hikers should be prepared for self-sufficiency: there are no lodges or stocked campsites, and some villages may have only basic provisions.

• Distance: 40–97 km (25–60 mi), depending on side trips
• Duration: 2–6 days, often arranged as a series of day hikes from Cotahuasi town
• Highest elevation: 3,900 m (12,795 ft) at Maukallaqta ruins
• Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate; trails are not technical but remoteness and heat pose challenges
• Best season: Dry season from May to November for stable weather and clear trails

The main draw of Cotahuasi isn’t a single continuous hike but rather a collection of trails radiating from the canyon villages. Many itineraries base in Cotahuasi town and include day hikes to waterfalls, petroglyphs and hot springs, returning each evening to a guesthouse. More adventurous trekkers choose to camp and traverse deeper sections of the canyon, visiting remote settlements accessible only by mule paths.

Routes & Itineraries

Day 1 – Sipia Waterfall: After arriving in Cotahuasi town (eight hours by bus from Arequipa), many hikers begin with an acclimatisation walk to Sipia Falls. This 150-metre cascade is one of the highest in Peru and thunders into a narrow slot where condors sometimes soar overhead. The 3–4 hour return walk follows a dirt road with expansive views of terraced fields and cactus forests.

Day 2 – Maukallaqta & Jainjama Village: On the second day you climb to the pre-Inca citadel of Maukallaqta, perched at 3,900 m. Dating back to the Wari culture (500–900 CE), its stone walls and round houses offer clues to ancient Andean architecture. From Maukallaqta you can continue to Jainjama, a tiny village known for its weaving traditions and its views over the canyon. Spend the night here or descend to the village of Alca, where hot springs soothe tired legs.

Day 3 – Toro Muerto & Pre-Inca Trails: The third day involves visiting the Toro Muerto petroglyph site, home to more than 3,000 volcanic boulders etched with geometric patterns, animals and mythical figures. Archaeologists believe these carvings were created between 500 and 1,000 CE. From here you can descend to the canyon floor and walk alongside the Rio Cotahuasi, observing ancient irrigation channels still used today. Camp near the river or stay with a family in the village of Puyca.

Day 4 – Judiopampa & Cactus Forest: Continue downstream to the Judiopampa cactus forest, where giant cacti tower above head height. This surreal landscape is home to hummingbirds and lizards that feed on cactus fruit. The trail is relatively flat but exposed to the sun—depart early and carry plenty of water. In the afternoon climb to Huaynacotas, a village perched on a ridge with spectacular views of both sides of the canyon.

Days 5–6 – Cotahuasi to Quechualla: The last section traverses the deepest part of the canyon from Cotahuasi to Quechualla, a lush oasis at 1,800 m filled with mango and guava trees. The trail winds through small farms and crosses the river on suspension bridges. Many itineraries include an overnight in Quechualla, where families offer rustic lodging and freshly made fruit juices. From there you can either return to Cotahuasi via a different path or continue further downriver if time allows.

Highlights & Cultural Heritage

Cotahuasi’s appeal lies in its mix of natural wonders and cultural history. You’ll encounter dramatic geology, from towering basalt columns and deep slot canyons to volcanic landscapes shaped by erosion. The canyon’s microclimates support a mosaic of vegetation: at high elevations you find ichu grasslands used for grazing alpacas, while at lower altitudes farmers cultivate corn, beans and arequipa peppers. Birdwatchers can spot Andean condors, black chested buzzard eagles and colourful tanagers flitting between cacti.

The area is rich in archaeological heritage. Maukallaqta and Calla showcase Wari and pre-Wari architecture with their semi-circular houses and ceremonial platforms. The petroglyphs of Toro Muerto feature stylised llamas, hunters and anthropomorphic figures carved into volcanic rock, providing a glimpse into ancient cosmology. Contemporary communities maintain ancestral traditions like weaving using natural dyes; visit the women’s cooperatives in Pampamarca and Jainjama to learn about these intricate textiles and purchase sustainable souvenirs.

Difficulty & Preparation

Although Cotahuasi lacks the high passes of Huayhuash or Ausangate, trekking here still demands preparation. Altitudes fluctuate between 1,800 and 3,900 m, so acclimatisation in Arequipa or another highland city is essential. Trails are often dusty and exposed, with steep drop-offs and few shade trees. Many paths follow ancient irrigation channels that are only 50–60 cm wide—surefootedness is required.

Plan on carrying your own camping gear or arranging mules through local agencies. There are no official campsites, so ask villagers for permission to pitch your tent and contribute a small fee. Pack a water filter or purification tablets, high-energy snacks and sun protection. Mobile phone service is spotty; a satellite messenger provides peace of mind in case of emergencies.

Best Season & Weather

The canyon’s arid climate means you can hike year-round, but the ideal season is from May to November when skies are clear and river levels are manageable. December through March brings heavy rains that can trigger landslides and make trails muddy and slippery. Even in the dry season nights are cool at higher elevations—bring a warm sleeping bag and layers. Afternoon thunderstorms can still roll in during transitional months, so carry rain gear and a waterproof pack cover.

Getting There & Logistics

To reach Cotahuasi, travel first to the city of Arequipa. From there, overnight buses depart for the town of Chuquibamba and continue to Cotahuasi (journey time 10–12 hours). Roads are rough and sometimes blocked by landslides; schedule extra travel days and bring motion sickness medicine. Once in Cotahuasi, hire a local guide through the tourism office or community associations. These guides know the safest routes, can organise mules, and provide cultural insight.

Planning Tips

• Pace yourself: Itineraries that pack in multiple highlights each day may lead to fatigue. Focus on quality experiences rather than ticking off every site.
• Learn basic Spanish: Few locals speak English; knowing simple phrases will enhance your interactions and facilitate logistics.
• Pack out waste: There are no waste collection services in the canyon. Bring reusable containers and pack out all trash, including organic waste that can attract animals.
• Explore beyond the canyon: If time permits, combine your trek with visits to the volcanic plateau around Coropuna or the lesser-visited Valley of the Volcanoes, where hundreds of small cinder cones dot the landscape.

Cotahuasi Canyon rewards the adventurous with jaw-dropping scenery, quiet trails and a window into pre-Inca civilizations. With careful planning, respect for local customs and awareness of the challenges, you’ll return with memories of one of Peru’s most underrated trekking regions.