Like a gigantic throat which was carved out of the earth by the Apurímac River, this natural wonder is located between the Apurímac region and the Cuzco region in southern Peru. It is considered to be one of the deepest canyons in the world.
The incredibly tall sides of the canyon were carved out over millions of years by the mighty Apurimac, an Amazon River tributary which flows from the Apacheta Ravine on the Misti Volcano in Arequipa, nearly 200 miles southwest. The people who live along the river consider it to be a god.
There are innumerable spots along the river's course where the views are majestic. So the route by which you travel there depends on from which overlook you choose to view this colossal canyon. But the very best scenic overlooks are located in the district of Curahuasi. The easiest way to get to there is to follow Route 3S between Cuzco and Abancay.
Another way to get an amazing view of the river is to take the adventurous Choquequirao Trek. On that hike you actually go down into the canyon and cross the river. When you climb up the opposite side, you will pass by numerous scenic overlooks, and the view from Choquequirao itself is awe-inspiring.
The principal scenic overlooks are:
- Chonta Overlook in Limatambo is located at 3,349 feet above sea level.
- Capitán Rumi Overlook, at 3,045 ft., in Curahuasi.
- Qorihuayrachina Overlook ,at 2,619, in Curahausi.
- Capuliyoc Overlook, 2,976, in Cachora.
- Kiuñalla Overlook, 2,996, in Huanipaca.
- Cachicunca Overlook, 2,720, in Huanipaca.
- Choquequirao Overlook, 3,079, in Choquequirao.
- Huascatay Overlook, at 2,400 in Pacobamba, is considered to be one of the most impressive viewpoints because it overlooks the confluence of the Pachachaca and Apurímac Rivers.
Activities along the extensive trails that go up and down the Apurímac region include eco- and adventure tourism favorites such as trekking, kayaking, and river rafting (the great river has Class IV, Class III, and Class II rapids).
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