It is located north of the city of Arequipa, at 180 km (111.8 miles) from it. Over this valley, the erosion from the Colca River creates a canyon of about 70 km. (43.5 miles) length, being the deepest of the world, 3000 meters (9,842 feet). Very beautiful landscapes with strong wind, overflown by condors which are the biggest birds in the world.

In the mirador "Cruz del Condor" located among Maca and Cabanaconde's town (place of privileged view), is very common to see condors in majestic flight.

Between December and March, the waters of the Colca River offer for the lovers of canoeing, one of the best places in the world for the practice of this sport. It includes rapids of high speed (gradient + V), and great isolation in certain tracks. The upper part (Andagua) and the middle of it can be navigated in kayaks by sportsmen with much experience. This is an area of pure adrenaline.

This area was traveled and explored for the first time in 1979 by an expedition of students of the University of Cracovia (Poland), who baptized the route with the names of Canyon of Juan Pablo II, Canyon of the Poles and Reparaz Canyon in honor to its discoverer Gonzalo de Reparaz Ruiz. 

The lower part of  Majes river can be navigated in rubber rafts, it does not have long rapids but the beauty of its landscape and clarity of its waters will give you an unforgettable experience, and it will also provide strong emotions and high doses of adrenaline. This area can also be navigated from April to November.

In the side banks of the river you may find lodgings specially conditioned for the sportsmen and adventurous, providing all the equipment you will require, and experienced guides.

In 1983, National Geographic magazine sponsored the "Canoandes" expedition with the purpose of verifying the data provided by its discoverer Gonzalo de Reparaz, and to obtain more geographical information. In 1984 the "Guiness Book of Records" declared it as the deepest canyon in the world.