The Best Canyons & Gorges in Latin America

Brazil

Five canyons lie in Brazil. Itaimbezinho is a gorge of stone walls about 600 metres high, seen from rim viewpoints and marked trails. The Viana Canyons have reddish sandstone walls that visitors cross by 4x4, motorcycle or bike. Fortaleza is a deep gorge with a zip line running above it. Espraiado is a narrow rock gorge reached by a dirt road that needs care. Funil has pointed rock walls and rim viewpoints with no railings.

Colombia

Three canyons lie in Colombia. Güejar Canyon has rugged rock walls and a clear river, mostly seen on guided rafting or boat trips past pools and waterfalls. Chicamocha Canyon is a deep river gorge in Santander that visitors view from rim viewpoints, a cable car, or roads along its edge. Río Claro Canyon has karst walls, rainforest and marble rock, explored on a riverside trail, with rafting, tubing or caving for some.

Andes

Colca Canyon in Peru is a deep Andean gorge over 100 kilometres long, seen on guided day tours or two-day treks to the river. Atuel Canyon in San Rafael has coloured rock walls and a lake at its lower end, driven along a gravel road. Quebrada de las Conchas is a winding gorge of red, ochre and white rock on Provincial Route 68, visited by car or bike.