Cañón del Pilaya

Cañón del Pilaya is a deep valley on the border between Chuquisaca and Tarija departments in Bolivia. Steep limestone cliffs form the canyon walls, revealing multiple geological layers across kilometers of landscape.

The canyon was carved over millions of years by the Camblaya and Pilaya rivers flowing through sedimentary rock. This extended process of erosion shaped the deep valley visible today.

The farming communities around the canyon grow crops on stepped terraces built into the steep slopes, using methods passed down through families. These agricultural practices show how people have adapted their daily work to the demanding terrain.

Visitors should arrange local guides from San Lorenzo or Culpina municipalities to explore the area safely. Trails are not consistently marked and facilities are sparse, so careful planning beforehand helps ensure a better visit.

The valley ranks among the deepest in the world, with rock walls that display a mosaic of different geological periods stacked one atop another. These layered formations tell the story of the region's geological development.

Location: Chuquisaca Department

Location: Tarija Department

GPS coordinates: -21.09598,-64.83922

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:23