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The Nature of Colca Canyon
Named the ‘Valley of Wonders’ by the Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa, the natural beauty of the Colca Canyon is undeniable.
In a landscape dotted regularly with prickly pears, the national flower of Peru, La Cantuta, thrives. There are 42 types of cactus, chirri chirri plants, lupins and bromelia found throughout the landscape. The plains are studded with ichu and yareta.
Several species of hardy plants also survive, including Polylepis, a small shrub that grows at a higher altitude than any other in the world.
The Andean terraces which cover much of the Canyon house a variety of crops including alfalfa, potatoes, fava beans, quinoa and corn.
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The Colca Canyon is the natural habitat of many different type of fauna including white tailed deer, foxes, machali, wild rabbits (visacha), pumas and Andean cats, although the latter are rarely seen. There is one species of snake in the canyon, which is non-venomous.
The land is used for grazing the precious vicuña with their coveted wool, and llamas and alpacas wander throughout the Colca Canyon feeding from the vegetation.
There are also 141 types of bird in the Colca Canyon. Often the Andean Colibri, the largest hummingbird in the world, is seen. Andean Ducks are found near water, and the famous Andean Condors are seen at various spots in the canyon, most often the Cruz del Condor. | |
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