The Cotahuasi Valley is an Inter-Andean valley, a 12-hour drive from Arequipa, is home to traditional villages, hot springs, the Sipia waterfalls and geological fault line in the canyon, which together with the Colca is considered one of the world's deepest.
The breath-taking landscape, dominated by Mount Coropuna and Mount Solmana, is an ideal area for adventure sports like mountain biking, trekking and river rafting, among others.
With a depth of 3,370 meters north of Arequipa, in the province of La Unión, the Cotahuasi Canyon is considered the world's most spectacular and one of the deepest. Its striking natural attractions include The Sipia falls, the imposing Valley of Volcanoes, natural stone formations, hot springs and Puya Raimondi groves.
Most tourists head down to the bottom of the gorge, along the river. The Sipia waterfall plummets down a 150-meter drop, often forming stunning rainbows which are a major attraction for visitors to the area.
The region provides excellent opportunities for adventure sports such as trekking, river rafting, parapente, hang-gliding, mountain biking, rock-climbing, horse-riding and others.
The Cotahuasi Valley is surrounded by picturesque villages featuring colonial churches, most of which have kept their traditional characteristics. Archaeological attractions range from cave paintings dating back thousands of years to superbly-made Inca roads and constructions.
The cultural identity of rural communities in particular represents a unique attraction for visitors. Travelers can take in a variety of folk music and arts and crafts, in addition to delicious local wines.
The Cotahuasi Valley is also famous for its woven carpets, an example of which is the 200 square-meter carpet which has been on display in the Presidential Palace since 1924.
