Tres Cañones Regional Conservation Area

Tres Cañones is a conservation area in Cusco region with roughly 40,000 hectares of land and dramatic rock formations ranging up to 250 meters high along tributaries of the Apurimac River. The canyon structure shapes the visual character of the entire protected zone.

The area contains archaeological remains of Mauka Llaqta, an ancient settlement of the K'ana people during the Inca era. This historical presence shows the long settlement history of this Andean region.

Three farming communities have long worked this land using methods suited to the high Andean setting, and their traditional practices shape how the landscape looks today. Visitors can see how local people live alongside the natural surroundings.

The area lies about five hours from Cusco and allows various outdoor activities including kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Visitors should prepare for the high altitude and bring appropriate gear.

The area hosts multiple microclimates supporting diverse wildlife including Andean deer, vicunas, condors, and pumas alongside native plants. The Raimondi's puya is a rare high-altitude plant that plays a special ecological role in this landscape.

Location: Cusco Department

Operator: Gobierno Regional de Cusco

GPS coordinates: -14.74750,-71.33706

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:20