The second deepest canyon in the world. What are the largest canyons in the world? Cotahuashi Canyon - Peru

THE BIGGEST CANYONS ON EARTH

Nothing demonstrates the power and capabilities of water like a river canyon. Carving canyons through solid rock over millions of years, rivers slowly create these incredibly beautiful natural wonders. The long and deep canyons on this list are striking in their beauty. Some, like Arizona's Grand Canyon, are famous. Others, such as Yarlung in Tibet, are less famous. However, each of them has its own unique features. Let's dive into our first canyon...

Canyon of the Tara River in Montenegro

We begin our review with the winding Tara Canyon in Montenegro, which is the deepest river gorge in all of Europe. In his very deep point The canyon reaches 1,300 meters, thanks to the Tara River, which created it. Located in Durmitor National Park, the canyon is protected and is under review by the organization World Heritage UNESCO. Even from the highest peaks you will hear the thunderous sound of more than 40 cascades plunging into this amazing 82 kilometer long canyon.

Blyde Canyon in South Africa

Blyde River Canyon South Africa It may not be the largest on Earth, but it is rightfully considered one of the greenest. With an average depth of 762 meters, this 26 km long gorge is covered with rich subtropical vegetation. The deepest part of the canyon at Mount Maripskop reaches 1,372 meters. The most incredible views in South Africa can be seen from the rim of the Blyde River Canyon - from one point it's even possible to see Mozambique. Besides the stunning views, you'll be glad to know that this canyon is also rich in fauna, including all five species of South African primates.

Barranca del Cobre

Copper Canyon in Mexico, or Barranca del Cobre, is located near Chihuahua. It includes as many as six canyons and is named after the copper-red hue of its walls. The six rivers responsible for creating these amazing valleys flow into the Sea of ​​Cortez as part of the Rio Fuerte. Most deep canyon in the system, Barranca de Ourique, reaches 1,879 meters in depth. Copper Canyon is rich wildlife, but unfortunately many species are now endangered due to deforestation. Hopefully something will be done to help these animals before the canyon loses one of its most important features.

Cotahuasi Canyon

There will be several canyons from Peru on this list, including Cotahuasi, which drops dramatically to 3,535 meters at its deepest point. The canyon is carved by the Cotahuasi River between two mountain ranges, Coropuna and Solimana. These places are very remote from civilization and if you want to visit them, you will have to spend 12 hours on the road. However, while this may be inconvenient for tourists, in terms of flora and fauna conservation it is very good.

Colca Canyon in Peru

The second Peruvian canyon on our list is Colca. With an awe-inspiring height of 4,160 meters, this wonder is located in southern Peru. Kolka is one of the deepest canyons in the world, if not the deepest. It is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon of Arizona and is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Peru. Colca Canyon, in addition to many beautiful views, is also home to the Andean Condor, and many other famous species of birds and mammals. In addition, the valley has excavation sites dating back approximately 6,000 years, hot spring, where you can swim, and the Infernillo Geyser. Add to all this the lush green stepped terraces of the Incas, and it becomes clear why this area welcomes 120,000 tourists every year.

Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is the largest in Africa. This one is gigantic river canal meanders 160 km across the plateau. The canyon is rocky popular place to visit for its stunning scenery. The gorge itself is only 550 meters deep, but in some places it extends 27 km wide. Although the Fish River at the base of the Canyon spends most of the year divided into shallow pools, flash floods occur late in the summer season. Every year a marathon is held in the canyon, testing runners in extreme conditions. This is definitely not a place for the faint-hearted.

Grand Canyon in Arizona

This is not the most grand canyon in the world, as many people think, but the Grand Canyon in Arizona is, without a doubt, the most famous. 1,828 meters deep and 445 km long, this majestic site is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Geologists are still debating how the Grand Canyon was formed. The current theory is that 17 million years ago, the Colorado River gradually began to shorten its path through the rocks, continuing to widen and deepen the channel, creating modern form. This canyon sculpting accelerated during the Ice Ages. At this time, the amount of water increased, which helped destroy the canyon even faster. Today, approximately five million people visit the Grand Canyon each year, coming from every continent.

Kali Gandaki Gorge in Nepal

The Kali Gandaki River makes its way through the gorge of the same name in Nepal. It is even older than the high Himalayan mountain range that surrounds the canyon. The river is named after the Hindu goddess Kali and its waters are colored black due to the presence of glacial silt. The exact depth of the giant gorge is still under debate because there is no agreement yet on the height of its rim. However, if the depth were measured from the highest peaks on either side to the river below, it would be the deepest canyon in the world with a depth of approximately 6,800 meters.

Capertee Valley in Australia

We head to the Capertee Valley in New South Wales, Australia. This majestic canyon is the largest in Australia and is famous for its high sandstone escarpments. Due to its age, the Valley is not as deep as some of the other canyons on this list, but it makes up for this disadvantage with its sheer size. Capertee is wider and approximately 1 km longer than the Grand Canyon. At the base of the valley is the Kaperty River, carving its path through Triassic rock that dates back millions of years. The indigenous Wiradjuri people have a very extensive history on this land, with several thousand years of mining craftsmanship. Ancient treasures have been found here many times - diamonds from abandoned mines dug into the slopes of the mountain.

Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon

High in the Himalayas, near sacred mountain Kailash, the mighty canyon resists the Brahmaputra river in North India. With an average depth of 4,876 meters and a maximum of 6,009 meters, Yarlung Tsangpo is often considered the deepest canyon on Earth. And not only is the depth of the canyon impressive, but also the length of 240 km through the breathtaking Tibetan landscape. The river is popular with kayakers, who give it the name “Everest of rivers” due to its extreme conditions.

There are a lot of places in the world, after visiting which you remain... unforgettable experience. And some of the most amazing natural phenomena that have been created, day after day for a long time, are natural canyons. These are exactly what we will talk about in our article.

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The park is under guard, and when going deeper into the island, you should take care of a good map, provisions and a supply of equipment for all occasions.

No less grandiose a natural phenomenon is the Colca Canyon, which is located in Peru. It is rightfully considered the deepest in the world. Its depth in some places reaches 3400 meters. The formation of the canyon was preceded by many years of activity of two volcanoes at once - Hualca and Sabancaya. The latter is still active today.

If you consider yourself an avid rafting enthusiast, hiking and cycling in the mountains, you should definitely find the time and opportunity to spend at least a little time in the company of the magnificent Colca Canyon.

Besides the dizzying heights, beautiful nature and the unique animal world there is something else awaiting all visitors to the canyon. Just imagine, right on the steep slopes there are entire villages with terraces for farming, which are still used today. Well, how can we ignore the king of modern birds of prey – the Andean condor? The wingspan of this giant bird sometimes reaches 3.3 meters!

Now let's go to southern part African continent. It is on the territory of modern South Africa that another striking representative of the world of canyons is located - the Blyde River Canyon. It is part of Drakensberg Mountains and is included in the list of objects of natural origin that are definitely worth seeing with your own eyes while traveling around the African continent.

In addition to its phenomenal size, the Blyde River Canyon boasts the densest vegetation, which has elevated it to first place in the ranking of “the greenest canyons in the world.” The red sandstone, which in some places emerges through the dense thickets, only reminds of the origin of the grand canyon. And at this time, somewhere below the river of the same name flows, drawing the eyes of rare travelers along with it into unprecedented distances.

The approximate length of the canyon is 26 km, and the depth in some places exceeds 1400 meters. And this despite the fact that some of the mountain peaks that frame the canyon along the entire perimeter are located at an altitude of more than 2 km above sea level!

Well, so that all visitors can boast of unique photographs upon returning home, full-fledged observation decks are equipped along the entire length of the canyon, in the most picturesque places.

Arizona's Glen Canyon looks no less impressive. It is here that Americans come from all over the country, emphasizing how popular this place is. The red-orange sandstone that underlies the canyon gives this grandiose place a special charm. There is everything here: rocky ledges, and deep caves, and hills, some of which are hidden under water.

More than 4 thousand square kilometers were allocated for the recreation area alone. That is why every visitor to the canyon will be able to fill every minute of their vacation with active activities and other entertainment. Vacationers can enjoy water skiing, jet skis, and excellent fishing, the catch of which will delight even those who are far from using fishing rods and spinning rods. Hiking and various excursions are especially popular among vacationers. And for those who want to leisurely appreciate all the beauty of the canyon, a comfortable ferry is ready to offer its services, which makes daily boat trips.

Another prominent representative of the “family” of canyons is, which is also located in Arizona. This canyon has the right to claim the title of the most unusual and colorful on the planet. Crevices of bizarre shapes, an unusual color scheme of rocky ledges, which somewhat resembles the skin of a noble antelope - all this made the canyon unique and unique place, interesting for every tourist.

When you enter this grandiose place, you get the impression that you are in some kind of fairy tale, the author of which is Nature itself. Despite this, Antelope Canyon is not classified as a national park, although you cannot visit it for free. It turns out that representatives of the Indian tribe who own the rights to this land will have to pay the fee.

Please note that light does not penetrate well into the canyon, so you will have to use all your photography skills to get really good photos. Best time for photographing - the middle of the day.

The Grand Canyon is a full-fledged national park. This is one of the most perfect creations of nature, which neither words nor time are enough to tell about. The first mention of the canyon as a tourist Mecca dates back to the reign of T. Roosevelt, who loved to hunt in these parts and simply relax.

Another object.

Colca Canyon is located in southern Peru, 160 km from Arequipa. Its length is over 100 km. This is the deepest canyon in the world, its depth from the bottom to mountain peaks reaches 3400 m, it is twice as large as the Grand Canyon in the USA and unlike it, it is suitable for life and agriculture. Colca Canyon is located high in the Andes, at altitudes of 3260 meters above sea level.

The Colca Canyon was formed in the valley of the river of the same name. Throughout its entire length, traces of the activity of the ancient Peruvian peoples are visible, who built numerous agricultural stepped terraces.

Colca Canyon (Spanish: Cañon del Colca) is one of the most visited tourist destinations in all of Peru. One of the deepest canyons in the entire world, with an elevation difference of 3,400 meters, Colca has been inhabited by people for more than 1,500 years, the first of whom were ethnic tribes of the pre-Inca era. On the lands of the canyon they managed to create a complex system of agricultural terraces, which occupied an area of ​​more than 10,000 hectares. After the capture of Peru by the Spaniards, the Collaguas and Cabanas tribes began to expand their cities along the canyon and build churches here. Today, the Andes still maintain large tracts of terraces that are farmed by local people, and surviving Inca dwellings are even used to store crops.

But tourists visit the Colca Canyon not only for the stunning nature, unique landscapes and colorful settlements. On one of the most high points In the canyon there is an observation deck “Cruz del Condor”, from where you can observe condors, the largest bird in the world, which is often called the owner of the Andes, at the closest possible distance.

The Colca Valley, which covers the canyon itself and its surrounding areas, is located in the northeast of the department of Arequipa, 151 km from the city of the same name. The highest point of the valley is the currently inactive Ampato volcano with a height of 6288 meters, and the lowest point is at the confluence of the Colca and Andamayo rivers (970 m). The valley extends over 100 km in length and occupies part of the Kolka River basin. In this zone there are 16 settlements in which the life and clothing of the 18th-90th centuries are still preserved. The largest of these settlements is the city of Chivay, where tourists often stop for the night during multi-day excursions through the Colca Valley and the canyon of the same name.

The very name Colca in the language of the Quechua Indians means “grain barn”, since this area, unlike the Grand Canyon, is quite suitable for living and Agriculture. The river of the same name flows along the bottom of the canyon; it was the river that caused the appearance of such a grandiose spectacle and every year continues to increase the depth of the gorge.

Tourists are attracted here primarily by the stunning beauty of these places - from the observation deck of the Condor's Cross ( Cruz del Condor), located on one of the highest points, you can watch the majestic flight of condors, being almost at the same altitude with them. Also with observation platforms the canyon offers an amazing view of active volcanoes Ampato, Hualca Hualca and Sabancaya.

Colca Canyon is also famous for its hotels, built next to the hot springs, so after a tiring walk through the mountains, travelers can expect impeccable service and the opportunity to relax in a mineral water pool.

The canyon has other names - Lost Valley of the Incas, Valley of Fire, Valley of Miracles or simply Territory of the Eagles.

In the valley, in a place called Antauilki, more than 5,000 hectares of agricultural land have been preserved, cultivated since ancient times. The presence or absence of water plays a crucial role here: peasants sow fields depending on the amount of snow that has fallen on the top of the mountain. If there is a lot of it, all the terraces are sown, if there is little, only those closest to the river.
The walls of these terraces were built at an angle so that water flowing from the mountains would be retained and irrigate the fields rather than wash them away. The volcanic rock at their base absorbs solar heat during the day and releases it to the soil at night. It turns out a kind of natural heating...

Below, in the center, is an ancient swamp, which is mentioned in Incan legends. From time to time, pets and children disappeared in it. It was believed that here Mother Earth takes sacrifices for herself...

24 very interesting stones were found nearby in the valley. Each of them represents a map of the location of the terraces.

Recently, ancient Incan burials were found in the mountains above the valley where summer residents swarm. They are already more than 800 years old. These are caves carved out of stone, painted in different colors. More than 30 mummies were discovered there. Locals they are not going to rebury them, observing the traditions of their ancestors. However, the mountain in which the caves are hollowed out consists of rather soft rock. And during earthquakes, parts of it often collapse onto the road along with ancient graves.

10. Canyon of the Tara River

The Tara River Canyon in Montenegro is one of the most majestic creations of nature. Its depth is 1300 meters. The gorge stretching along the Tara River is one of the main attractions of the country. Part of the canyon is part of the national park of the Durmitor National Park. The canyon attracts many tourists with its beauty. In the vicinity of the deepest gorge in Europe there is the Djurdjevic Tara Bridge - another interesting attraction of Montenegro. The canyon is a favorite place for rafters. By the way, the Tara is one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. In winter, the gorge attracts skiers with many slopes and good snow cover.

9. Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon, located in South Africa, ranks 9th on the list of the deepest canyons in the world. Its special feature is that the banks of the River Blyde are covered with lush vegetation. This makes the canyon the largest green gorges existing on Earth. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1372 meters. The majestic gorge is one of the most amazing attractions in South Africa. Tourists enjoy visiting the canyon, where you can admire fantastic African landscapes.

8. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous and largest canyons. Its depth is 1600 meters. It is located in the state of Colorado, USA, on the territory of the national park of the same name. There are also reservations of three Indian tribes here. The canyon is formed by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is one of the most unusual and amazingly beautiful places. Due to its unusual nature, the Grand Canyon has been thoroughly studied. It is one of the most visited places by tourists - about 4 million people come to see the Grand Canyon every year.

7. Copper Canyon

Among the deepest canyons in the world is a complex of 6 gorges called the Copper Canyon. It is located in Mexico, in the same name national park. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1879 meters. The canyon got its name from the Spaniards, who mistook the rocks covered with moss and lichen for copper ore. The gorges complex represents a unique ecosystem. It is home to many rare species of animals and more than 290 species of birds.

6. Sulak Canyon

The Sulak Canyon ranks 6th on the list of the deepest canyons in the world. Its depth is 1920 meters. It is located in Dagestan, between mountain ranges Salatau and Gimrinsky. Sulak Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Dagestan, which is visited by many tourists every year. From the plateau there is a fantastic panorama of the Sulak River with a cascade of hydroelectric power stations located on it. The Sulak Canyon is not only one of the most beautiful sights of Dagestan. Due to the lack of an observation deck, barriers and railings, the canyon at the very top is extremely dangerous.

5. Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge in China is one of the deepest canyons on Earth. to his unusual name The canyon owes its name to a local legend, according to which a tiger fleeing from hunters jumped over a stormy river at its narrowest point. The depth of the canyon is 3000 meters. Obtaining more accurate data about the canyon is hampered by its inaccessibility.

4. Kolka

The fourth deepest canyon in the world is Kolka. It, like the Cotausi Canyon, is located in Peru. Its depth is 3400 meters. It is believed that the name of the canyon translates as “grain barn.” In ancient times, the Inca tribe grew crops in this area - this is evidenced by the terraces that exist here to this day. The canyon was formed as a result of the activity of two volcanoes: Sabancaya and Hualca. The canyon attracts not only tourists, but also rafters and lovers of cycling in the mountains. Colca Canyon is interesting not only for the beauty of the environment, but also because you can watch condors here.

3. Kotausi

One of the deepest canyons on Earth is the Kotausi Canyon. Its depth reaches 3535 meters. It is located in Peru between two mountain ranges: Solimana and Coropuna, and is formed by the Cotausi River. Seeing the canyon is not so easy - it is located in places remote from civilization. Despite its inaccessibility, the canyon is very popular among tourists. In the vicinity of Kotausi there are underground hot springs and waterfalls. One of the most big waterfalls, Sipia, 250 meters high. In the vicinity of the canyon there are several mountain villages, whose residents are engaged in traditional crafts, such as making carpets and clothing from alpaca wool. Having visited the Kotausi Canyon, you can not only admire the wonderful view from the observation deck, but also engage in active recreation: kayaking, paragliding, mountaineering.

2. Kali Gandaki

In 2nd place among the deepest canyons on Earth is the Kali Gandaki Canyon. It is located in Nepal. In ancient times, the Kali Gandak River, flowing through a grand gorge, was a route for transporting goods between Tibet and India. Nowadays, the canyon is one of the attractions of Tibet. The exact depth of the canyon remains a matter of debate. If we count its depth from the highest mountain peaks, it will be at least 6 kilometers.

1. Yarlung Tsangpo

The deepest canyon on Earth is in Tibet, high in the Himalayas. The greatest depth of the Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon is 6009 meters. The Tsangpo River, flowing in a grandiose gorge, looks like a small stream from the height of the canyon. The river is popular among rafters, although rafting on it is considered extreme. The ecosystem of the canyon is unique - lush vegetation here coexists with snow-capped mountain peaks. These places are difficult to access, so the flora and fauna have been preserved in their original form.

Canyons attract a lot of attention from travelers, especially if they represent a grandiose creation of nature. For hundreds of thousands and even millions of years, turbulent rivers flowed across the earth, undermining and eroding their beds, gradually sinking lower and lower than the level of the surrounding area - this is how deep canyons were formed. Sometimes the rivers themselves disappear completely after this, leaving behind deep, dry gorges.
Canyons are distinguished not only by their complex terrain, but also by their own ecosystem. In many of them, rare species of fauna and flora find shelter, which in other places could not withstand competition. The deepest canyons are not only incredibly picturesque, but can also be very dangerous. The steep walls of the cliffs are ready to collapse at any moment, a stormy river can flow along the bottom, and dangerous insects or animals can be found below. But all these dangers only fuel the interest of real travelers. What are they, the most beautiful and breathtaking canyons in the world?

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1. Grand Canyon (USA) , Where to stay

The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is unrivaled in terms of beauty and world fame. A national park of the same name was formed around it.

The canyon stretches for 446 kilometers, reaching a depth of 1800 meters. The Grand Canyon has long become an internationally recognized attraction, where numerous tourists from all over the world seek to visit. Its age is about 10 million years, making it one of the oldest such formations on the planet.
Scientists have thoroughly explored it and found a lot of interesting things there: the canyon is home to 150 species of animals and 355 species of birds, and in the waters of the river - over 15 species of rare fish. In addition to interesting live finds, some archaeological finds have been made in the canyon in the form of cave paintings that are probably 3,000 years old.
Over 5 million travelers come to see the Grand Canyon every year. For them, educational walking routes have been developed and impressive viewing platforms are equipped, the most interesting of which are Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal Point and Imperial Point. But walking alone in the canyon is dangerous, especially going down to its bottom, since in the local hot desert climate there are many dangerous inhabitants, for example, scorpions and poisonous spiders.

2. Fish River Canyon (Namibia) , Where to stay

Fish River Canyon is located in Namibia, Africa. This is a very beautiful natural formation, in perfect harmony with environment. The canyon has a length of 161 km with maximum depth“only” 550 meters, which is far from the record levels of other famous canyons. But in terms of beauty he has few equals in the world. The longest Fish River in Namibia flows along the bottom of the canyon.
The formation of the canyon continues actively at the present time, because during the rainy season the river turns into a rapid, seething stream, demolishing everything in its path. But during periods of drought, the river becomes very shallow, leaving only a chain of small reservoirs at the bottom of the canyon. Therefore, those who prefer more relaxing holiday, they strive to get into this canyon during the dry season, but when the rainy season begins, they are replaced by extreme sports enthusiasts. Exploring the sandy slopes of the canyon at this time is very dangerous, especially since it is forbidden to even approach the bottom of the gorge, since the river can overflow at any moment.

3. Tiger Leaping Gorge (China) , Where to stay

Tiger Leaping Gorge is located on the Yangtze River in southwest China. This canyon is only about 15 kilometers long, but it hides a cascade of rapids, squeezed on both sides by mountains, forming almost vertical walls 3000 meters high. From a certain point of view, Tiger Leaping Gorge is the deepest canyon in the world. However, at its narrowest point it is only 30 meters wide.

4. Verdon Gorge (France) , Where to stay

In the mountains French Provence there is the Verdon Gorge. The Verdon River made its way through the limestone plateau, giving us another miracle of nature. Limestone rocks along the banks of the river form a gorge 21 kilometers long and up to 800 meters deep. There are roads along both banks, between which the Verdogne seethes somewhere far below, flowing into the Lac de Saint-Croix reservoir.
This is the largest gorge in Europe, for which it is called the “European Grand Canyon”. The river worked over soft limestones for 25 million years. Closer to the surface, the width of the canyon can reach up to 1500 meters, but below the river bed sometimes narrows to 6 meters. In 1997, a regional regional natural Park"Verdon".

5. Antelope Canyon (USA) , Where to stay

About 240 kilometers from the famous Grand Canyon on the Colorado River there is another similar object - Antelope Canyon. It is located on the territory of the Navajo reservation, so those who want to get here must pay a fee and then move along accompanied by a guide. The canyon is conventionally divided into upper and lower sections; in both of them you can see very beautiful rock formations that photographers love to photograph. The lucky ones who find themselves here can walk between sandstone rocks, through the narrow cracks between which sunlight barely breaks through, giving the area an aura of mystery.
Antelope Canyon has a slightly different history. The sandstone rocks with the bizarre shapes that everyone admires today are the result of atmospheric precipitation. And nowadays, Antelope Canyon changes a lot every year during the rainy season. It becomes accessible to visitors only after the rainy season ends. The rocks that form the gorge are red-red in color, reminiscent of the color of one of the antelope species, hence the name of the canyon.

6. Waimea Canyon (Kauai, USA) , Where to stay

The large-scale Waimea Canyon is 16 km long and 900 m deep, and is located in the western part Hawaiian island Kauai. It arose after a tropical rainstorm caused the Waimea River to overflow, which cut a passage into Mount Waialeale. This is the largest canyon in the water area Pacific Ocean, it is even called a “miniature Grand Canyon.”
The geology of the canyon is closely related to volcanism - it cuts through a layered pie of basaltic lava flows, which proves that the island was born of an unstable tectonic zone in which lithospheric plates shifted repeatedly. The eastern and western sides of the canyon are separated by a huge gap, into which a significant part of the island has fallen. That is, there are two reasons for the emergence of this canyon: habitual erosion and powerful volcanic eruption, which once created the island itself.

When a tourist is going to travel to any country, it is useful for him to think about his travel plan in advance and choose those attractions...

7. Samaria Gorge (Crete, Greece) , Where to stay

In Crete, near the city of Chania, the largest Samaria Gorge in Europe is located. It is located on the territory of the reserve, which can be visited from late spring to mid-autumn - before snow falls in the mountains. Length tourist route it is 16 km long, it passes under the rays of the merciless sun, along boulders, stairs, rocky forest paths, which requires the tourist to be in appropriate physical shape. The route starts on the southwestern side of the island, in the middle mountain range Lefka Ori, and then descends almost to the shore Mediterranean Sea. The total elevation difference reaches 1300 meters.

8. Colca Canyon (Peru) , Where to stay

This canyon is one of the deepest on our planet, its depth reaches an incredible 3,400 meters! Its length is over 100 km, which makes Kolka also one of the largest. At the same time, the canyon itself climbed high into the Andes - to a height of 3,260 meters. The nature in the canyon area is unique; the largest bird of prey in the world today lives here - the condor, whose wingspan can reach up to 3.3 m.
To admire the beauty of the local nature and the soaring condors in the heights, there are several observation platforms in the canyon, for example, La Cruz del Condor. Many tourists who come here strive to end up in the Sangaye region, which has a plateau with a truly tropical climate. Heat-loving palm trees look very impressive against the backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks.

9. Copper Canyon (Mexico) , Where to stay

The Copper Canyon is located in Mexico and is a system of 6 small gorges that form a single natural formation. The name of the canyon is not accidental, but reflects its most important distinctive feature - its slopes have a rich copper-red hue. In some places they were overgrown with green moss, so the Spanish colonialists who came here initially mistook all this for a copper deposit.
Tourists love to walk along the steep mountain slopes in the Copper Canyon area, and some of them were lucky enough to see rare local predators during their walk. But for the same reason, unaccompanied walks are prohibited in some parts of the canyon.
The elevation difference in the Copper Canyon reaches 1870 meters, which gives you the chance to simultaneously observe snow-covered mountain peaks and subtropical forests at its bottom, in which life is seething. More than 30% of the Mexican fauna live in a small area of ​​the canyon. The now rare Mexican wolf, puma and black bear live in the dense forests. And the local flora is even richer - there are more than a thousand species here.

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10. Taroko Gorge (China) , Where to stay

Taroko Gorge is also called Marble Gorge because there are large layers of this noble stone. The canyon has a length of 19 kilometers, and it is located on east coast Taiwan, north of Hualien. This part of the island rose as a result of the collision of the Eurasian tectonic plate with the Philippine plate. About 100 million years ago, the terrible pressure that formed this area squeezed the limestone rocks, turning them into marble. And the Liwu River then long and persistently carved its way through the marble, as a result of which people can now admire the magnificent Taroko Gorge.
From here to the Pacific coast is only 60 kilometers, but the local mountain peaks are the highest on the island, rising to 3,400 meters. Until the middle of the last century, there was only one trail running through the canyon, but now a narrow mountain road meanders along its walls along with the terrain.

11. King's Canyon (Australia) , Where to stay

In the center of the Australian mainland, 323 km from the city of Alice Springs, there is the magnificent Royal Canyon. Its walls are up to 300 meters high in some places and their length is more than two kilometers. In the past it was sacred land of the Aboriginal people, and now the canyon has become a popular tourist attraction. An asphalt track was built here only about 20 years ago.

12. Todra Gorge (Morocco) , Where to stay

In Morocco, in the east Atlas Mountains, near the city of Tinghir, two rivers - Dades and Todra - cut a narrow gorge in the rocks, which occupied the last 40 kilometers of the river bed through the mountains.
15 kilometers from Tingir the canyon takes on a particularly intricate shape. Over a distance of 600 meters, the canyon walls converge to a distance of no more than 10 meters; this gap is limited by smooth side walls 160 meters high. Those who have visited the gorge describe with delight how throughout the day these walls going into the sky change their shades.
Along the bottom of the gorge flow icy waters a river that was once more full-flowing, which can be understood by the size of the canyon, washed out in hard rocks. Since those time immemorial, the river has almost dried up, turning into a barely noticeable glacial stream.

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