In Cotahuasi, capital of La Unión province, time goes by slowly, as though it were spellbound by the numerous natural attractions surrounding the town, located at 379 kilometers from the "White City" of Arequipa and at 2,683 m.a.s.l.

Its narrow streets tempt to walk by the old buildings of the quiet town, a preamble of the stunning lakes, thermal baths, waterfalls and mysterious stone, puya and cactus forests, which stand out in the surroundings. The following places may be visited:

The main attraction in the Cotahuasi area is the Cataratas de Sipia, an impressive waterfall located in the heart of the canyon. The falls are very impressive as the Cotahuasi River plunges 150m through a very narrow gorge where the canyon is no more than 10 metres wide.

However, more than just the falls, the entire setting is spectacular. The views from Sipia are wonderful, and climbing above the falls there is a superb view downriver. Although not at its deepest point, the canyon is still very deep and beautiful here, with the cliffs being many shades of reds, browns and greys.

It is possible, although quite frightening, to walk right up to the edge of the cliff and look down over a vertical drop of several hundred metres.

It extends like a water snake, a powerful snake able to bore through mountains and hills with infinite persistence and tireless spirit to make its way between the deep walls and fertile valleys of the Cotahuasi canyon, considered the deepest canyon all over the world.

The Cotahuasi canyon, which extends from the foothills of the Solimana snowcapped mountain until the confluence of the Ocoña River, has 3,535 meters deep in the Ninacocha sector, nearby the Quechualla town, being the deepest part of a wonderful trip where you can even enjoy lofty lakes, revitalizing thermo medicinal waters, white glaciers and a great variety of flora and fauna.

A valley, a bunch of towns, several snowcapped mountains, tens of cultivation terraces. A waterfall, a couple of hanging bridges, a "puya" forest and also a cactus one. Pre-Hispanic and historical ruins and Aimaran mummies, waris and incas; but above all a gigantic, huge and fantastic canyon: Cotahuasi, the deepest canyon all over the world that has 3,535 meters depth according to the researchers' opinion.

This destination in Arequipa is such amazing! Here, geography is cut by powerful rivers, exciting ravines and deep abysses. Populations, unaware of time passing by, keep their old countenance, refusing to change, refusing to lose their old habits.

The River Cotahausi is one of the premier kayak/raft trips in Peru.

Its officially recorded depth is 163 meters greater than the Colca making it the deepest canyon on Earth.

The added spectacle of cloudless skies, hot springs, pre-Inca ruins, Quechua speaking locals and thundering class 5 whitewater makes this trip the gem of the South American Andes.

The river starts it descent at the 17,960 foot peak of Cerro Supramarca.

Access is relatively easy via a 12 hour bus ride from Arequipa.

The journey takes one up to the Altiplano at 16,000 feet and past the smoldering crater of Sabancaya, and the massive peaks of Corapuna and Solimana.

As the road descends off the Altiplano to the town of Cotahausi it will pass Umahuarco or the “the place of execution”. Be sure to ask the driver to point out this interesting pocket carved into the face of the cliff.

Here the Inca bound their prisoners by the wrists and neck until circling condors descended onto their prey. After the passage of centuries of time it is amazing that sun-bleached human bones still litter the base of the cliff.