The Grand Canyon is probably the most famous gorge in the world. In 2018, over six million people visited the World Heritage Site. But there are other specimens in this world, which are less well known – although they are partly deeper. Even in Europe there is a canyon that is one of the largest in the world.
The Colca Valley, also known as the Coca Canyon, is located in Peru. If you measure from the highest mountain peak, it is around 3,200 meters deep. For comparison: the Grand Canyon is only about 1,800 meters deep. The Colca is the third deepest canyon in the world, but experts consider it young at less than 100 million years old. Traces of past peoples can still be seen at the canyon today. Among other things, paintings and caves are left over from the former inhabitants of the region. The gorge was created by the Colca River, which has eaten its way into the mountains over millions of years – until the “Valle del Colca” was finally formed.
To this day, the terrace systems in the upper part of the canyon are used for agriculture. Among other things, corn, potatoes and quinoa are grown. Many animals are also at home in the region – including the magnificent condor spreading its wings here. With a wingspan of over three meters, it is one of the largest birds of prey in the world. If you want to get to know the canyon better, you should take your hiking shoes with you. Several paths lead into the gorge – water, sun protection and good equipment are required.
The longest river in Montenegro is the Tara, which has formed a spectacular canyon over millions of years. It is one of the largest gorges in the world and one of the longest and deepest in all of Europe. It is 78 kilometers long and in places more than 1,300 meters deep. Tara Gorge is located in Durmitor National Park and remains a popular tourist destination to this day.
Due to rapids and waterfalls, the Tara is also a hotspot for rafting enthusiasts. If you don’t want to descend into the gorge, you can also look over it. This is possible on the Tara Bridge, which was built in 1940 and leads over the gorge. At a height of 150 meters, visitors have a magnificent view of the natural phenomenon.
The Mexican Barranca del Cobre (in English: Copper Canyon) is four times the size of the Grand Canyon. The canyon system is located in the state of Chihuahua and was also created by a river. It is located in the Sierra Madre, home of the Tarahumara indigenous people.
The multiple canyons and ridges cover an area of 25,000 square kilometers. The maximum depth is 1,800 meters. The canyon owes its name to its copper-colored rock. The “Chepe” railway, which runs from Los Mochis to Chihuahua, runs through the entire area.
