Cotuahusi canion, Natural canyon in Arequipa Department, Peru
Cotahuasi Canyon is a massive gorge carved into the Peruvian Andes, plunging approximately 3,500 meters deep. A river runs through the valley floor, flanked by towering rock walls that rise steeply on both sides.
The region was farmed extensively during Inca times, with terraces built into the mountainsides to grow crops. Local farmers have maintained these ancient structures and continue to cultivate them today.
Local people here practice farming methods passed down through generations, growing crops like quinoa and corn that matter to their daily life. The way they work the land reflects how communities have lived in these mountains for centuries.
Getting there requires a bus journey from Arequipa that takes 10 to 12 hours, climbing through high mountain passes. Travelers should prepare for long hours on the road and significant changes in elevation.
The area is a protected landscape spanning thousands of square kilometers with 19 different ecological zones. This diversity allows rare medicinal plants to grow, which locals have harvested for healing purposes for generations.
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