The word "canyon" translates from Spanish as "gorge, tube".
There are many places on Earth that amaze not only with their beauty but also with their grandeur. One of the most astonishing phenomena of nature is canyons. For millions of years, river flows have eroded the land, creating deep gorges.
Over time, the rivers dried up, leaving behind canyons. The deepest canyons in the world are not only places of stunning beauty but also unique ecosystems, home to rare birds and animals.
The Tara River Canyon, Montenegro
Length: 80 km. Depth: 1300 m.
This canyon impresses observers with its scale, specifically: a depth of almost 2 km and a length of 82 kilometers. It is the largest canyon in Europe, renowned for its breathtaking nature, unique landmarks, and educational tours, including rafting. The canyon is located within the Durmitor National Park, which consistently attracts eco-tourism enthusiasts. The Tara River and the canyon formed by it are named after an ancient Illyrian tribe that once inhabited these areas. The Tara River is one of the main attractions of the country, featuring an unusual cascading structure with over 40 significant elevation changes along its course.
The water in the river is crystal clear and can be safely drunk.
A road runs through the canyon, connecting the north and south of Montenegro; this 80 km stretch of road is considered the most dangerous place in the Balkans. The road crosses from one side of the canyon to the other, sometimes so narrow that oncoming buses and trucks pass each other in turn. In the narrowest spots, the mountains approach from both sides so closely that a feeling of constriction arises, and considering their height, little sunlight reaches the canyon floor. During rain, picturesque waterfalls cascade down from the mountains, adding another danger: rockfalls onto the road. Pines grow wonderfully on the canyon walls, completing the surreal picture.
Among the outstanding natural attractions of the canyon is the beautiful Baylovich Sige waterfall, as well as the amazing Crna Poda forest, which has preserved its pristine beauty. In 1940, the Đurđevića Bridge was completed over the canyon, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the gorge and surrounding landscapes.
The Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
Length: 26 km. Depth: 1372 m.
The Blyde River Canyon, located in South Africa, is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the banks of the Blyde River are covered with lush vegetation. This makes the canyon the largest green gorge on Earth. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1372 meters. The majestic gorge is one of the most astonishing attractions in South Africa. Tourists enjoy visiting the canyon, where they can admire fantastic African landscapes.
The canyon was first explored by humans over 100,000 years ago; in ancient times, the valley was home to Swazi tribes. During the exploration of the canyon, scientists discovered rock paintings as well as the remains of ancient people who fell in intertribal wars.
Currently, the main inhabitants of the canyon are animals, including primates that have taken a liking to the local forests and rare kudu antelopes attracted by the picturesque green meadows. It is also worth noting that wild animals, including leopards, can be 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 arrived here, but gradually the gold deposits were exhausted, leaving only the harmonious beauty of the gorge unchanged.
The canyon is incredibly beautiful: rising to a height of 1372 meters, its walls steeply drop to the riverbed, revealing a view of a 450-meter waterfall and the "Window of God" plateau.
The Copper Canyon, Mexico
Depth: 1830 m.
The Copper Canyon is a complex of six gorges that ranks among the deepest canyons in the world. It is located in Mexico, within the national park of the same name. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1879 meters. The canyon got its name from the Spaniards, who mistook the moss and lichen-covered rocks for copper ore.
The complex of gorges represents a unique ecosystem. It is home to many rare species of animals and over 290 species of birds.
Its national park consists of a chain of separate and interconnected canyons and gorges formed by six rivers. Many tourists have the opportunity to observe the canyon while traveling by train on the "El Chepe" railway, which rises to an altitude of over 2,400 meters.
The Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru
Depth: 3535 m.
One of the deepest canyons on Earth is the Cotahuasi Canyon. Its depth reaches 3535 meters. It is located in Peru between two mountain ranges: Solimana and Coropuna, and is formed by the Cotahuasi River. Seeing the canyon is not easy – it is situated in remote areas away from civilization. Despite its inaccessibility, the canyon is very popular among tourists. In the vicinity of Cotahuasi, there are underground hot springs and waterfalls. One of the largest waterfalls, Sipia, is 250 meters high.
In 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. Spanish colonizers built bullfighting arenas here, some of which have survived to this day. One of the most picturesque villages is Calata, among its main architectural attractions are the ancient Barrancas de Tenajaha cemeteries. The village of Lucio is also attractive, where healing thermal springs are located.
In the vicinity of the canyon, there are several mountain settlements whose inhabitants engage in traditional crafts such as making carpets and clothing from alpaca wool. Visiting the Cotahuasi Canyon allows you not only to admire the wonderful view from the observation deck but also to engage in active recreation: kayaking, paragliding, and mountaineering.
The peculiarity of the Peruvian canyon is its "sharpness"; it suddenly drops more than three thousand meters down. This is the whim of the Cotahuasi River, which flows between two majestic mountain ranges.
The Colca Canyon, Peru
Depth: 3400 m. Length: 100 km.
The Colca Canyon is located in Peru. The depth of this canyon is 3400 meters. It is located 180 kilometers from Arequipa, a Peruvian city, and was formed during the high seismic activity of the Sabancaya and Walka volcanoes. The location of the canyon is also quite unusual; it is situated in the Andes at an altitude of 3260 meters above sea level.
The Colca Canyon is considered an ideal place for rafting and mountain biking.
It is believed that the name of the canyon translates as "granary". In ancient times, the Inca tribe cultivated agricultural crops in this area, as evidenced by the terraces that still exist today.
The canyon attracts not only tourists but also rafters and mountain biking enthusiasts.
Many travelers visiting the canyon strive to reach the Sangaye area. It features a unique plateau with a tropical climate – a true 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, as there is a risk of landslides in the gorge. During walks through the most picturesque parts of the canyon, it is definitely worth visiting one of the colorful Andean villages; small mountain settlements can be found on both sides of the gorge.
The Colca Canyon is interesting not only for the beauty of its surroundings but also because it is a place to observe condors. The Colca Canyon is home to the largest bird of prey – the condor. Its wingspan can reach 3.3 meters. To admire these majestic birds and the surrounding natural beauty, several excellent viewpoints have been established in the canyon, including La Cruz del Condor.
The Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Length: 161 km. Depth: 550 m.
Catch fish in the Fish River Canyon in Namibia – the largest canyon in Africa. The unusual name of this canyon is supported by its unique beauty: it is incredibly striking visually, as this giant river channel winds across the plateau for more than 160 kilometers. The gorge itself is about 550 meters deep, and in some places, it stretches 27 kilometers wide.
The canyon is rocky, but despite this, it remains a popular tourist destination, thanks to its incredible landscapes. The formation of the canyon is continuous; during the rainy season, the river becomes a swift and turbulent flow. In the dry season, on the contrary, the river dries up significantly, resulting in small lakes forming at the bottom of the canyon.
Although the Fish River is mostly divided into small pools, at the end of summer, travelers have the opportunity to witness sudden floods. Walking along the sandy slopes of the canyon during this time is incredibly dangerous, and approaching the bottom of the gorge is strictly prohibited – it can be flooded at any moment.
Every year, a marathon is held in the canyon, testing runners with its extremely challenging road conditions. The segment of the path that runners must overcome is rightly considered one of the most difficult in the world, as it traverses rugged terrain. As one person notes: "This canyon is not for the faint-hearted."
The Grand Canyon, Colorado, USA
Length: 446 km. Depth: 1800 m.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous and largest canyons. This canyon was formed by the Colorado River, which has eroded the plateau of the same name for millions of years. The length of the Grand Canyon is 446 kilometers, its width, considering the plateau level, reaches 29 kilometers, and its depth is an impressive 1800 meters.
Although these modest parameters do not allow the canyon to claim world supremacy, it remains a globally significant attraction and a center of attraction for millions of tourists.
The canyon is approximately 10 million years old and has been thoroughly studied by scientists who have discovered many astonishing features. One of the oldest canyons on the planet is home to 355 species of rare birds and 150 species of animals, and the Colorado River is home to over 15 rare species of fish. In addition to natural values, archaeological artifacts have also been discovered in the canyon – rock paintings that are about 3,000 years old.
Here, there are reservations for three Native American tribes. The Grand Canyon is one of the most unusual and stunningly beautiful places. It is among the most visited tourist destinations – approximately 4 million people come to see the Grand Canyon each year, for whom excellent viewpoints have been established and fascinating walking routes developed. The most popular viewpoints are Cape Royal Point, Bright Angel Point, and Imperial Point. Walking through the canyon alone is very dangerous, especially at its bottom. A desert hot climate prevails here, cacti grow, and many dangerous inhabitants can be found, including poisonous spiders and scorpions.
The Kali Gandaki Canyon, Nepal
Depth: over 6000 m.
Among the deepest canyons is the Kali Gandaki Canyon. It is located in Nepal. The Kali River is named after the great Hindu goddess, as dark and mysterious as its waters. The exact depth of the gorge is still unknown, as researchers have not reached a consensus on where its edge is located. However, if measured from the highest peak, it could very well be the deepest at a height of 6,800 meters.
The canyon is framed by the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, which rise over 8,000 meters; thousands of travelers come to admire their snow-capped peaks every year. While these places are of interest to tourists primarily from a "natural" perspective, they have long been considered sacred by the indigenous people.
In ancient times, the Kali Gandaki River flowing through the grand gorge was a trade route for transporting goods between Tibet and India. Today, the canyon is one of the attractions of Tibet.
The bravest among the locals regularly venture into the gorge to search for sacred stones called "saligrams" in the murky waters of the river. These stones are indeed quite unusual; they are fossilized fragments of mollusks that lived in the river millions of years ago. These amazing stones are valued in India more than gold due to their unique healing properties. Travelers will also have the opportunity to dedicate their leisure time to this dangerous yet fascinating activity. Descending to the bottom of the gorge can only be done with an experienced guide, as only locals know the shortest and relatively easy paths to the riverbanks. Saligrams are just one of the many mysteries of the Kali Gandaki Canyon.
The Kaperti Valley, Australia
Length: 450 km. Width: 30 km.
This majestic canyon is the largest in Australia and is known for its turbulent landscape and high sandstone cliffs. Its valley was formed millions of years ago. Due to its age, the Kaperti Valley is not as deep as some other canyons on this list, but it compensates for its lack of depth with its size. The canyon is nearly 450 kilometers long and about 30 kilometers wide. Starting from its source, the Kaperti River carves its way through Triassic rock.
The indigenous Virajuri people have a very extensive history on this land, as shown in their 2000-year-old mountain art. Many ancient treasures have been excavated here – for example, diamonds in abandoned mines dug into the mountainside. One prospector found 77 precious stones in six days!
Walking through the ancient mines is also unsafe; any loud noise or awkward movement can lead to their collapse. Abandoned mines are far from the only attractive feature of the Kaperti Valley; it remains an ideal place for exploring natural attractions and biking.
The Tsangpo Grand Canyon, China
Length: 500 km. Depth: over 6000 m.
The deepest canyon on Earth is located in Tibet, high in the Himalayas. The greatest depth of the Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon is 6009 meters, and its length is 504 kilometers. The Tsangpo River, flowing through this grand gorge, appears as a small stream from the height of the canyon, with a minimum width of 80 meters.
The river is popular among rafters, although rafting on it is considered extreme. The canyon's ecosystem is unique – lush vegetation coexists with the snow-capped peaks of the mountains. These places are hard to access, so the flora and fauna have remained pristine.
It has a very unusual horseshoe shape. The surrounding mountains are incredibly high; their snow-capped peaks blend with the heavenly expanse and become barely distinguishable. It is these mountains that attract rock climbers; conquering the mountain peaks surrounding the canyon is only possible for highly skilled professionals. Among the distinctive features of the Tsangpo Canyon is also its unique ecosystem; depending on the altitude, the climate varies from arctic to subtropical.
On the southern slope of the canyon stands Namjagbarwa Mountain – the main peak of the Eastern Himalayas, soaring to 7,782 meters.
A scientific expedition organized by the Chinese Academy of Sciences named this canyon the longest and greatest among the deep gorges of the world.