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The deepest canyons in the world. Don't look down

The Colca Canyon is considered the deepest canyon in the world; its depth is more than 3,400 meters, and its total length is slightly more than 100 kilometers. It is located in South America, more precisely in the south of Peru and passes through mountain system Andes. The famous Grand Canyon is 2 times smaller than this one, but much fewer tourists come here, perhaps this is due to the fact that its slopes are not so steep.

On the map Colca Canyon is located here

maps.google.com/?ll=-15.679781,-72.105215&spn=0.089248,0.144196&t=w&z=13

There are many small villages in the canyon, of course, because the land there is fertile.

Among the living creatures, the undisputed leader is the Andean Condor - this is the largest flying bird (of the non-flying ones, some kind of ostrich is in the lead) and this canyon is a natural habitat for it. You can often see him circling over the abyss. The wingspan of a condor is 3 meters.

One of the most memorable places is the so-called Condor Cross - an observation deck that can be seen in the top photo (below right). Just imagine the view there! And, by the way, condors often fly up to this observation deck, I’m just sure it’s an amazing sight. Now he is apparently sitting and resting.

But the Andean Condor is “in action”

In the mornings you can often see such a landscape... By the way, I found a panorama, but it weighs 7 MB, its length is no less than 17 thousand pixels 🙂 so I’m posting it with the link upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fc/Colca_canyon_panorama.jpg . Don't forget to enlarge.

By the way, if you are looking for chip flights, then Utair.ru official website is exactly what you need! I assure you, you won’t find it cheaper!

Beautiful, isn't it?

I'll tell you a little about the history of this canyon. Kolka has been inhabited by people for more than half a thousand years - these are the great-grandchildren of the pre-Industrial civilization. In the mountain valley, these tribes managed to create a system of agricultural terraces that have survived to this day. This is what modern residents now use.

And here's to dessert! Found an amateur video from the observation deck. At first, the clarity is not very good, but such amateur videos are much more lively. At the end of the video, pay attention to where else it is - right next to the birds, cool...

Grand Canyon or Great Canyon is largest gorge in the world. It is located in the US state of Arizona, on the picturesque Cororado Plateau. Today the canyon is part of the Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Hualapai, Havasupai and Navajo Indian reservations.

The Grand Canyon is located in north-central Arizona, on the Colorado River. It stretches from Marble Gorge to the Grand Wash Cliffs. Its length is 446 km, its width is 16 km, and its depth is at least 1800 km.

History of the discovery of Grand Canyon

The largest gorge in the world is a huge geological landmark. Scientists believe that the Anasazi Indians, who inhabited these lands more than 1000 years ago, were the first to discover it. The massive gorge was also visited by conquistadors from Spain. However, the gloomy canyon did not cause them positive emotions, That's why long years Only Indians lived near it.

The term “canyon” was also coined by the Spaniards. Translated, this word means “chimney.” History has preserved the names of people who tried to convert local Indians to Christianity. For example, Father Garces was such a missionary. In 1776 he arrived at the Grand Canyon, among the Havasupai tribe. He failed to persuade the Indians to his faith, but he was the first to mark the river that flowed nearby. Garces named it “Colorado,” which means “colored” in Spanish.

Features of the largest gorge in the world

The Grand Canyon looks very impressive. This is an incredibly huge chasm, cut by the turbulent streams of the Colorado. The river continues to gradually deepen the gorge. Every day it washes out tons of gravel and clay from there, carrying them away with its strong current. During floods, water even carries away large rocks.

The largest gorge in the world is a product of the powerful waters of Colorado. The river penetrated deeper and deeper into the ground, creating a canyon. Millions of years passed before it became what we see today. A very interesting fact is that in this place the earth’s crust gradually rose. Over 5 million years, its rise was 1200 m. Thus, the plateau rose, and the river flow crashed into it, washing away soft limestones, shales and sandstones.

At the moment, granites, the most ancient rocks, have already appeared at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Their destruction is very slow. The waters of the Colorado River rush through the canyon at a speed of about 20 km per hour. They take with them huge masses of clay and sand. Therefore, the water in the river is completely opaque. The destructive effect of the flow is enhanced by sand and stones. Over time, even very strong granite wears out from such exposure.

Grand Canyon is a spectacular place

The boundless space of the largest gorge in the world does not look like a hole in the earth's crust. It is full of piles of cliffs of the most bizarre shapes. Under the influence of wind, water and landslides, the walls of the Grand Canyon took the shape of huge towers, pyramids and fortress walls. This is an incredibly majestic and beautiful sight.

The powerful walls of the canyon are covered with multi-colored stripes thanks to the layers different breeds. The color of the gorge looks different depending on the time of day and season. Condors, hawks, eagles and other birds soar over the abyss. Agaves, cacti and yucca grow on the slopes of the largest gorge in the world. In its upper part you can see fir and pine trees.

Is it really possible to get to the bottom of the gorge?

You can go down to the Grand Canyon if you are brave enough. To get from the edge of the gorge to the river bank, you will need to walk about 11 km. The descent will take several hours. Going back up is much more difficult. There are warning signs throughout the canyon that it is not recommended to descend and ascend on the same day. This is due to changes in temperature and pressure. There are very noticeable temperature changes there. If the temperature at the top is 15 degrees, then at the bottom it rises to 40 degrees.

If you look at the canyon from above, it looks dry and gloomy. It is characterized by stepped slopes. This type is due to the dry climate. There is practically no rain here that could wash away upper layer rocks. The slopes of the huge gorge clearly show the geological development of the planet. The oldest rocks are about 1.7 billion years old! Today the largest gorge in the world is considered a National Park. More than 100 million tourists visited it. Since 1979, it has been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Canyons are considered one of the most amazing and attractive creations of nature. For millions of years, turbulent river flows flowed across the surface of the earth, neutralizing all obstacles in their path and gradually eroding deep valleys. Over time, the stormy streams of water dried up, and in their place only deep gorges remained. These amazing creations of nature are distinguished not only by their spectacular appearance, but also by their unique ecosystem. Many of them are habitats for rare species of animals and birds; rare plant species grow in the canyons. The deepest canyons on the planet are incredibly beautiful and, at the same time, very dangerous. Steep cliffs ready to collapse at any moment, a fast river flowing along the bottom, predatory animals and insects - the dangers only attract inspired tourists to these places.

Colca Canyon is one of the leaders on the planet in terms of depth, it is about 3,400 meters. Considering that the length of the canyon is more than 100 kilometers, it can easily lay claim to the title of one of the largest on the planet. The location of the canyon is also very unusual; it is located in the Andes, at an altitude of 3,260 meters above sea level. Main feature these places is unique nature, the Colca Canyon was chosen as the habitat of the largest predatory bird- condor. Its wingspan can reach 3.3 meters, for admiring these majestic birds and others natural beauties The canyon has several excellent viewing platforms, including La Cruz del Condor.

Many travelers, when visiting the canyon, strive to get to the Sangaye area. On its territory there is a unique plateau with tropical climate- a real tropical oasis with palm trees, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. It is best to explore the picturesque places of the canyon accompanied by a guide; the danger of collapses remains in the gorge. While walking through the most picturesque places of the canyon, you should definitely look into one of the colorful Andean villages; small mountain settlements can be found on both sides of the gorge.

The depth of the Tsangpo Canyon, located in Tibet, is more than 6,000 meters, according to this indicator it is the undisputed leader. The length of the gorge is about 500 kilometers, it has a very unusual horseshoe shape. The mountains surrounding the canyon are incredibly high, their snow-capped peaks merge with the heavenly surface and become barely visible. It is they that attract rock climbing enthusiasts; conquering the mountain peaks surrounding the canyon is only possible for great professionals. Among distinctive features Tsangpo Canyon is also worth highlighting its unique ecosystem; depending on the altitude, the climate varies from arctic to subtropical.

The largest canyon in Australia is the Capertee Canyon. It is distinguished not only by its impressive size, but also by its considerable age. The valley was formed millions of years ago, so today its slopes no longer seem so steep. At the same time, extreme areas of steep cliffs are found here. Fans of rock climbing are not recommended to conquer them alone, rocks are very fragile and may collapse.

The Kali Gandaki Canyon and the river of the same name flowing along its bottom received its name in honor of the Hindu goddess Kali, who is the personification of the powerful forces of nature. The exact depth of the canyon remains unknown, but is estimated to be more than 6,000 meters. The canyon is framed by the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, whose height is more than 8,000 meters; thousands of travelers come to admire their snow-capped peaks every year. If for tourists these places are of interest, first of all, from a “natural” point of view, then for indigenous residents they have been considered sacred since ancient times.

Without a doubt, we can say that the most famous in the world is the Grand Canyon of Colorado, it is located on the territory of a unique national park with the same name. The length of the canyon is 446 kilometers, and the depth is about 1,800 meters. Despite the fact that these modest parameters do not allow the canyon to claim world championships, it continues to remain a landmark of world significance and a center of attraction for millions of tourists. The canyon is about 10 million years old; it was carefully studied by scientists who discovered many amazing features.

Canyon with so much unusual name located in Namibia, among its distinctive features is an incredibly spectacular and harmonious appearance. The length of the canyon is 161 kilometers, and the depth is only 550 meters, which is very modest in comparison with the “world giants”. At the same time, in terms of beauty, it can truly claim one of the first places in the world. The name of the canyon was given by the most long river Namibia - Fish River. The formation of the canyon occurs continuously; during the rainy season, the river is a rapid and seething stream. During periods of drought, on the contrary, the river dries out greatly, so small lakes form at the bottom of the canyon.

The Cotahuasi Canyon is the deepest in Peru, with a depth of 3,535 meters. The canyon is framed by two majestic mountain ranges - Solimana and Coropuna. Among the local natural attractions, it is worth highlighting beautiful waterfalls, the most beautiful of which is Sipia. Translated from the Quechua language, the name of the canyon can be translated as “home for all.” During the colonial period, many miniature settlements and mountain villages were founded on the slopes of the gorge. The Spanish colonialists also built bullfighting arenas here, some of which have survived to this day.

In Montenegro there is a canyon of the Tara River, it is the deepest in Europe. The depth of the gorge is about 1,300 meters, and the length is about 80 kilometers. The canyon is located on the territory of the Durmitor National Park, so it invariably attracts the attention of ecotourism enthusiasts. The Tara River and the canyon it formed received its name in honor of the ancient Illyrian tribe that once lived in these places. The Tara River is one of the main attractions of the country; it has an unusual cascading structure and along its length there are more than 40 significant differences in height. The water in the river is crystal clear and you can drink it without fear. Experienced tourists Those who enjoyed this event note the amazing taste of river water, which cannot be compared with any other.

In South Africa, in the province of Mpumalanga, there is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the planet - the Blyde River Canyon. His maximum depth is 1372 meters, and the length of the gorge reaches 26 kilometers. Human development of the canyon began more than 100,000 years ago; in ancient times, the valley was home to the Swazi tribes. During the exploration of the canyon, scientists discovered rock paintings, as well as the remains of ancient people who died in intertribal warriors.

Located in Mexico, Copper Canyon is a collection of six small canyons that are commonly considered to be a single natural formation. The name of the canyon fully reflects one of its main distinctive features; the slopes of the gorge have a rich copper-red hue. Over time, the slopes of the canyon became covered with green moss, which the Spanish colonialists who arrived in these places mistook for copper deposits. Walking along steep mountain slopes remains one of the favorite pastimes among tourists, and the luckiest may have the opportunity to see rare species local predators. It is for this reason that unaccompanied walks in some areas of the gorge are prohibited.

At a distance of about 240 kilometers from the Grand Canyon of Colorado there is another outstanding attraction - Antelope Canyon. It is located on the territory of the Navajo reservation, so travelers can get to the canyon only after paying a fee and accompanied by a guide. The canyon is conventionally divided into two – upper and lower, both of which are distinguished by incredibly beautiful rock formations that serve as a center of attraction for photographers from all over the world. Visitors to these places will have a great opportunity to walk among the fabulously beautiful sandy rocks, through the narrow cracks between which light penetrates and gives these places an atmosphere of mystery.

The location of the Charyn Canyon is Charyn national park in Kazakhstan, the length of the gorge is 154 kilometers, and its depth varies from 150 to 300 meters. Despite the relatively modest scale, the number of attractions and unique features The canyon is simply amazing. A mandatory point of the excursion program is a visit to the Valley of Castles. This is the name of the area in which amazing natural formations are concentrated - rocks, shaped like real castle towers. A lot of pleasant surprises await nature lovers; the canyon features more than 1,500 plants, about 80 species of animals and more than 100 species of birds. It is worth noting that many representatives of the local flora and fauna are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan.

Another object.

Colca Canyon is located in southern Peru, 160 km from Arequipa. Its length is over 100 km. This is the most deep canyon in the world, its depth from the bottom to the 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 over 1,500 years, the first of whom were ethnic tribes from 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 at the closest possible distance you can watch condors, the largest bird in the world, which is often called the owner of the Andes.

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 overnight 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 same Grand Canyon, it is quite suitable for life and living 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 from the viewing platforms of the canyon opens amazing view on 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 role here vital role: Farmers sow fields depending on the amount of snow that has fallen at 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 during the day solar heat, and at night gives it to the soil. It turns out a kind of natural heating...

Below, in the center, is an ancient swamp, which is mentioned in Inca 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. Local residents 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.

Colca Canyon, Peru

Colca Canyon is one of the leaders on the planet in terms of depth, it is about 3,400 meters. Considering that the length of the canyon is more than 100 kilometers, it can easily lay claim to the title of one of the largest on the planet. The location of the canyon is also very unusual; it is located in the Andes, at an altitude of 3,260 meters above sea level. The main feature of these places is the unique nature; the Kolka Canyon was chosen as the habitat of the largest bird of prey - the condor. Its wingspan can reach 3.3 meters. To admire these majestic birds and the surrounding natural beauty, the canyon has several excellent viewing platforms, including La Cruz del Condor.

Many travelers, when visiting the canyon, strive to get to the Sangaye area. On its territory there is a unique plateau with a tropical climate - a real tropical oasis with palm trees, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. It is best to explore the picturesque places of the canyon accompanied by a guide; the danger of collapses remains in the gorge. While walking through the most picturesque places of the canyon, you should definitely look into one of the colorful Andean villages; small mountain settlements can be found on both sides of the gorge.

Tsangpo Grand Canyon, China

Length: 500 km. Depth: more than 6000 m.

The depth of the Tsangpo Canyon, located in Tibet, is more than 6,000 meters, according to this indicator it is the undisputed leader. The length of the gorge is about 500 kilometers, it has a very unusual horseshoe shape. The mountains surrounding the canyon are incredibly high, their snow-capped peaks merge with the heavenly surface and become barely visible. It is they that attract rock climbing enthusiasts; conquering the mountain peaks surrounding the canyon is only possible for great professionals. Among the distinctive features of the Tsangpo Canyon, it is also worth highlighting its unique ecosystem; depending on the altitude, the climate varies from arctic to subtropical.

On the southern slope of the canyon is Mount Namjagbarwa, the main peak of the Eastern Himalayas, rising 7,782 meters high. The rapid Tsangpo River still flows along the bottom of the gorge; its minimum width is 80 meters, but from a bird's eye view it seems like a subtle thread lost among the mighty mountains. The last large-scale study of the canyon, as a result of which it was recognized as the deepest on the planet, took place in 1994. The results of the study became one of the most significant geographical achievements of the 20th century.

Capertee Valley, Australia

Length: 450 km. Width: 30 km.

The length of the canyon is about 450 kilometers, while the width is about 30 kilometers. Since ancient times, local residents have used the Kaperti River valley to develop mines; the slopes of the gorge are literally precious gifts of nature. The very first mines in which precious stones were mined were developed here more than 2,000 years ago. It is noteworthy that over thousands of years the deposits precious stones not at all exhausted. Just recently, one of the inquisitive travelers spent 6 days in the canyon, during which time he managed to find 77 precious stones. Walking through ancient mines is also unsafe, anyone strong sound or awkward movement can lead to their collapse. Abandoned mines are not the only attractive feature of the Capertee Valley, but it remains an ideal location for natural exploration and cycling.

Kali Gandaki Canyon, Nepal

Depth: more than 6000 m.

Kali Gandaki Canyon, Nepal The bravest of the locals regularly venture to one of the gorges to find troubled waters rivers sacred stones "saligrams". The latter are indeed quite unusual; they are fossilized fragments of mollusks that lived in the river millions of years ago. These amazing stones in India are valued more than gold because they have unique healing properties. Travelers will also have the opportunity to devote their leisure time to dangerous and at the same time an interesting event. You can only go to the bottom of the gorge accompanied by an experienced guide; only local residents know the shortest and relatively easy routes to the banks of the river. Saligrams are just one of the many mysteries of the Kali Gandaki Canyon.

Grand Canyon Colorado, USA

Length: 446 km. Depth: 1800 m.

Without a doubt, we can say that the most famous in the world is the Grand Canyon of Colorado. It is located on the territory of a unique national park of the same name. The length of the canyon is 446 kilometers, and the depth is about 1,800 meters. Despite the fact that these modest parameters do not allow the canyon to claim world championships, it continues to remain a landmark of world significance and a center of attraction for millions of tourists. The canyon is about 10 million years old; it was carefully studied by scientists who discovered many amazing features.

One of the oldest canyons on the planet is home to 355 species rare birds and 150 species of animals, and the Colorado River is home to more than 15 rare species of fish. In addition to natural values, archaeological artifacts were also discovered in the canyon - rock paintings, which are about 3,000 years old. Every year, the Grand Canyon is visited by more than 5 million tourists, for whom there are excellent viewing platforms and interesting walking routes. The most popular viewing points are Cape Royal Point, Bright Angel Point and Imperial Point. Walking alone in the canyon is very dangerous, especially along its bottom. A deserted hot climate, cacti grow and there are quite a few dangerous inhabitants, including poisonous spiders and scorpions.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Length: 161 km. Depth: 550 m.

The canyon with such an unusual name is located in Namibia; among its distinctive features is an incredibly spectacular and harmonious appearance. The length of the canyon is 161 kilometers, and the depth is only 550 meters, which is very modest in comparison with the “world giants”. At the same time, in terms of beauty, it can truly claim one of the first places in the world. The name of the canyon was given by the longest river in Namibia - Fish River. The formation of the canyon occurs continuously; during the rainy season, the river is a rapid and seething stream. During periods of drought, on the contrary, the river dries out greatly, so small lakes form at the bottom of the canyon.

Lovers have a relaxing holiday They prefer to visit the canyon during the dry season, while it attracts extreme sports enthusiasts at the height of the rainy season. Walking along the sandy slopes of the canyon at this time is incredibly dangerous, and approaching the bottom of the gorge is completely prohibited - it can be flooded at any moment. Recently the canyon has become permanent place holding a marathon. The section of the route that the runners need to overcome is, not without reason, considered one of the most difficult in the world; it passes through difficult rough terrain. Tourists are recommended to visit these picturesque places from May to October - during drought. They will have unique opportunity take a walk along the bottom of the gorge, free from the seething streams of the Fish River.

Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru

Depth: 3535 m.

Calata is considered one of the most picturesque villages; among its main architectural attractions are the ancient cemeteries of Barrancas de Tenajaja. No less attractive is the village of Lucio, on whose territory there are healing thermal springs. The picturesque Cotahuasi Canyon is a unique treasure trove of natural and historical attractions; it is sure to impress lovers of hiking and excursions. If the gentle slopes of the gorge are suitable for habitation, then it sheer cliffs Ideal for honing your mountaineering skills. There are suitable areas for training here for both beginners and experienced athletes.

Canyon of the Tara River, Montenegro

Length: 80 km. Depth: 1300 m.

In Montenegro there is a canyon of the Tara River, it is the deepest in Europe. The depth of the gorge is about 1,300 meters, and the length is about 80 kilometers. The canyon is located on the territory of the Durmitor National Park, so it invariably attracts the attention of ecotourism enthusiasts. The Tara River and the canyon it formed received its name in honor of the ancient Illyrian tribe that once lived in these places. The Tara River is one of the main attractions of the country; it has an unusual cascading structure and along its length there are more than 40 significant differences in height. The water in the river is crystal clear and you can drink it without fear. Experienced tourists who enjoyed this event note the amazing taste of river water, which cannot be compared with any other.

These picturesque places have long been chosen by fans of rafting; the cascade structure of the river makes the conditions for rafting simply ideal. In addition to rafting, tourists also have access to other sports entertainment- walks along steep mountain slopes and narrow paths on mountain bikes. Among the outstanding natural attractions of the canyon are the beautiful Bailovich Sige waterfall, as well as amazing forest Crna Poda, which has preserved its original beauty. In 1940, the construction of the Djurdzhevich Bridge over the canyon was completed; it offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the gorge and surrounding landscapes.

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

Length: 26 km. Depth: 1372 m.

In South Africa, in the province of Mpumalanga, there is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the planet - the Blyde River Canyon. Its maximum depth is 1372 meters, and the length of the gorge reaches 26 kilometers. Human development of the canyon began more than 100,000 years ago; in ancient times, the valley was home to the Swazi tribes. During the exploration of the canyon, scientists discovered rock paintings, as well as the remains of ancient people who died in intertribal warriors.

Currently, the main inhabitants of the canyon are animals, including primates who have chosen the local forests, and rare kudu antelopes, which are attracted by the picturesque green meadows. It is also worth noting that wild animals, including leopards, are found in the canyon, so admiring its picturesque landscapes without a guide is not recommended. A century and a half ago, gold mining began in the canyon; for almost a hundred years, inspired prospectors continuously came here, gradually the gold deposits dried up, only the harmonious beauty of the gorge remained unchanged. Some sections of the canyon are ideal for mountaineering; the fast-moving Blyde River flowing along the bottom of the gorge only adds to the excitement of climbers.

Copper Canyon, Mexico

Depth: 1830 m.

Located in Mexico, Copper Canyon is a collection of six small canyons that are commonly considered to be a single natural formation. The name of the canyon fully reflects one of its main distinctive features; the slopes of the gorge have a rich copper-red hue. Over time, the slopes of the canyon became covered with green moss, which the Spanish colonialists who arrived in these places mistook for copper deposits. Walking along the steep mountain slopes remains one of the favorite pastimes among tourists, and the luckiest ones may have the opportunity to see rare species of local predators. It is for this reason that unaccompanied walks in some areas of the gorge are prohibited.

The height difference in the gorge is about 1870 meters, and while the tops of the mountains remain covered with snow, at the bottom of the gorge there are subtropical forests Life is literally in full swing. The canyon is home to more than 30% of the Mexican fauna, including dense forests You can see the rare Mexican wolf, black bear and puma. The number of plants growing in the canyon is in the thousands. These places invariably attract active travelers, and therefore the beautiful Copper Canyon was chosen as a permanent venue for the Festival of Educational and Adventure Tourism. Fans of excursions will be able to visit the settlements of the Rarámuri Indians and purchase handmade souvenirs.

Antelope Canyon, USA

At a distance of about 240 kilometers from the Grand Canyon of Colorado there is another outstanding attraction - Antelope Canyon. It is located on the territory of the Navajo reservation, so travelers can get to the canyon only after paying a fee and accompanied by a guide. Conventionally, the canyon is divided into two - upper and lower, both of them are distinguished by incredibly beautiful rock formations that serve as a center of attraction for photographers from all over the world. Visitors to these places will have a great opportunity to walk among the fabulously beautiful sandy rocks, through the narrow cracks between which light penetrates and gives these places an atmosphere of mystery.

What sets Antelope Canyon apart from others is its history of formation. The bizarrely shaped sandy rocks that can be admired today are the result of exposure to rainwater. Every year during the rainy season, the canyon undergoes a lot of changes, and when the heavy rains end, it becomes accessible to visitors. During heavy rains Some parts of the canyon are heavily flooded, so going for a walk along it during the rainy season is extremely dangerous. The bottom of the canyon is a complex labyrinth of sandy rocks; rainwater forms narrow passages into which rays of light barely penetrate. The color of the rocks that form the canyon is red-red, it strongly resembles the color of antelopes, this remarkable coincidence gave the name to the canyon.

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

Length: 154 km. Depth: 300 m.

The location of the Charyn Canyon is the Charyn National Park in Kazakhstan, the length of the gorge is 154 kilometers, and its depth varies from 150 to 300 meters. Despite its relatively modest scale, the number of attractions and unique features of the canyon is simply amazing. A mandatory point of the excursion program is a visit to the Valley of Castles. This is the name of the area in which amazing natural formations are concentrated - rocks, shaped like real castle towers. A lot of pleasant surprises await nature lovers; the canyon features more than 1,500 plants, about 80 species of animals and more than 100 species of birds. It is worth noting that many representatives of the local flora and fauna are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan.

Experienced travelers compare the landscapes of the Charyn Canyon with the famous Grand Canyon; they are indeed very similar, but only in appearance. The ecosystems of the canyons are different; in the Charyn Canyon, rare species of trees that existed on the planet before the glaciation era have been amazingly preserved. Experienced tourists recommend visiting the canyon at sunset; the setting sun colors its slopes in purple, gold and pink tones - this spectacle looks simply mesmerizing. The area in which the Charyn Canyon is located is characterized by a high sand content in the soil. This feature makes walking along the slopes of the gorge quite dangerous; the fragile rock can collapse at any moment.

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