With the world’s eyes on some of the world’s most important natural wonders, we decided to write a Latin America For Less guide on how to visit each of the sites in line for title of South America’s most important natural wonder.

An Andean Condor soaring through Colca Canyon, Peru

In fourth place, the majestic Colca Canyon is among one of the front runners for the leading spot.

The Canyon, twice as deep as the famous Grand Canyon, is characterized by a long and fascinating history as well as being home to a large colony of Andean Condors.

Colca Canyon, a popular stop off point during many Peru vacations, is inhabited by traditional communities, with agricultural terraces and unchanging villages dotting the landscape. The highlight of any visit to Colca is the Cruz del Condor, above the Canyon’s deepest point, where visitors have the strongest chance of spotting a magnificent Condor circling overhead.

Visiting Colca Canyon

Most Peru tours that include a stop at Colca first visit the city of Arequipa, before heading into the surrounding mountains for a night in the remote canyon region.

The road is bumpy in places and the journey from Arequipa takes several hours, so the tour is bound to start early. Travelers are also likely to notice the altitude and a store of coca-leaf sweets are recommended to avoid altitude sickness during the journey.

The small and pleasant town of Chivay, at the head of the Canyon is usually the first stop. It is here that most hotels are situated, along with a number of restaurants and peñas (restaurants with nightly performances of folk music and dance), plus the famous hot springs.

From Chivay you can make your way by road along the Canyon itself, until arriving at the Cruz del Condor for some spectacular views and photo opportunities.

For those wanting to spend more time at the Canyon, there are a huge number of opportunities for adventure activities and hiking with walking or cycling down into the Canyon and rafting along the river are all popular activities. Longer, multi-day treks through the region are also possible.

Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Peru. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2009

Most Peru trekking experiences are focused around Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail but the country has a lot more to offer, and one of the finest and most rewarding alternatives is a hike in the Colca Canyon region near Arequipa.

Colca Canyon is famous for being one of the world’s deepest canyons, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. The region is also incredibly high and at around 4300 meters above sea level, visitors will need several days acclimatization in nearby Arequipa before attempting anything more energetic than a short walk.

Visiting the canyon region is easy, trips are offered by most providers of Peru tours or else several buses run from Arequipa’s main bus station to the town of Chivay, at the canyon’s head, on a daily basis. Tickets sell out quickly, so either book for travel on the following day or get there early, before 7am.

The three hour journey from Arequipa to Chivay (15 soles) is spectacular in its own right, crossing high mountain passes and the barren, ethereal world of the high alti plano. Up here the water is frozen into thick ice and very little vegetation grows on the mountain-sides, but you’ll still see the odd bird and herds of llamas apparently thriving in this ultra harsh environment.

This entire region is set within a vast natural park, and entrance will cost 30 soles for a universal tourism ticket (boleto turistico) which will cover you for access to the entire 100km Canyon.

Once in Chivay you can set up base here in one of the numerous hotels and hostels. Compared to the generally high standards of Peru hotels, services here are Spartan at best but there are a few good hotels offering hot water all day, cable TV and other luxuries. There are also a healthy scattering of restaurants serving up a range of food, from quick snacks to full hearty meals of local specialties, which will set you up well for a day or two of hard hiking.

Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Peru

If arriving late in the day, save your energy for the following morning or treat yourself by taking the short walk uphill to the town’s famous hot springs (entrance 10 soles) where you can bathe in one of seven pools ranging from unbearably hot to virtually freezing cold.

Enjoy dinner in Chivay at one of the town’s numerous Peñas, restaurants offering lively – and often interactive – music and dance performances. El Nido, behind the town’s market, is a local favorite which gets very busy after 8pm.

The hiking options from Chivay are varied and can suit any level, provided you’re already well acclimatized to the altitude. For a short walk from the town itself, head out on the road to the hot springs, cutting left as you leave the town. This track will eventually lead you to the attractive village of Corporaque, complete with ruins and a pleasant river-side spot to stop and catch your breath.

From here, follow the path to the neighboring village of Yanque, around 5 miles from Chivay. You can either walk back from here or catch a cab back to town.

Stretching from Chivay, the Canyon is dotted with small towns and villages, all of which are served by bus services leaving from Chivay’s bus terminal. For some stunning and fairly challenging hikes, catch a bus to Cabanaconde a small town which provides the basics you’ll need for a few days – lodgings, food and basic services.

You can either hire a local guide, or purchase a map of the area and walk solo. A well trodden path heads to an oasis known as San Galle at the foot of the canyon, where natural swimming pools offer a chance to cool off and catch your breath following the steep descent. From here you follow the same path uphill back to town, a challenging climb which will probably take the rest of the day – bring plenty of water and some high-energy snacks.

The more adventurous visitors can attempt longer treks spanning several days, all of which hug the canyon and riverside which has numerous campsites to pitch your own tent. Outside of the villages and towns themselves, there are no services whatsoever so be sure to bring everything that you’ll need and don’t attempt overnight treks alone unless you have the necessary skills and prior experience.

Visitors needing equipment rental, guides, maps and any other information are best served in nearby Arequipa, before heading into the Canyon itself but informal advice and information is available from hotel owners and fellow hikers within the Canyon.