Earth cuts. The Deepest Canyons on the Planet

Canyons are usually mentioned among the most amazing and delectable creations of nature. Millions of years, turbulent river flows have flowed on the surface of the earth, neutralizing all the obstacles in its path and gradually eroding deep valleys. Over time, the rapid flow of water dried up, and only deep gorges were left on those places. These amazing creations of nature differ not only with impressive appearance, but also with a unique ecosystem. Many of them are habitats of rare species of animals and birds; rare species of plants grow in canyons. Deepest canyons of the planet are incredibly beautiful and, at the same time, very dangerous. Steep cliffs ready to collapse at any moment, rapid rivers flowing at the floor, predatory animals and insects all together form danger attracting adventurous tourists to these places.

Colca Canyon is one of the leaders in depth, as it is about 3400 meters deep. Given that the length of the canyon is more than 100 kilometers, it can safely claim to be one of the biggest on the planet. Location of the canyon is also highly unusual. It is situated in the Andes, at an altitude of 3260 meters above sea level. The main feature of these sites is their unique nature. Colca Canyon is a habitat of the largest bird of prey, condor. The scope of its wings can reach 3.3 meters; some great lookouts, including La Cruz del Condor, were built to watch these majestic birds and natural beauty of surroundings.

Many travelers visiting the canyon tend to get to Sangaye. Here, there is a unique plateau with tropical climate; it is the real tropical oasis with palm trees surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. It’s better to explore scenic spots of the canyon accompanied by a guide, as the gorge is still in danger of collapse. While walking through the most picturesque places of the canyon, tourists should definitely look into one of the picturesque Andean villages. Small mountain villages can be found on both sides of the gorge. Next - Yarlung Zangbo Daxiagu

Yarlung Zangbo Daxiagu, PRC

Yarlung Zangbo Daxiagu located in Tibet is more than 6,000 meters deep, that makes it an undisputed leader among canyons. The gorge is approximately 500 kilometers long; it has a very unusual shape of a horseshoe. Mountains surrounding the canyon are incredibly high; their snow-capped peaks are lost on the background of the light blue sky. They attract fans of climbing. Only professionals can conquer mountain tops around the canyon. The unique ecosystem is among main distinctive features of the Yarlung Zangbo Daxiagu; depending on the altitude, its climate ranges from subtropical to arctic. Complete article

Capertee, Australia

The largest canyon in Australia is Capertee. It has not only an impressive scale, but also a solid age. The valley was formed millions of years ago, so today its slopes don’t seem so steep. However, extreme land cliffs can be found there. Conquering them alone isn’t recommended to fans of climbing, as rocks are very fragile and may collapse. Complete article

Kali Gandaki Gorge, Nepal

Kali Gandaki Gorge and the river flowing along its bottom owe their names to Hindu goddess Kali, who is the personification of the powerful forces of nature. The exact depth of the canyon remains unknown; it’s estimated that latter is more than 6,000 meters deep. Kali Gandaki Gorge is surrounded by majestic mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, whose height is more than 8,000 meters. Annually snow-capped peaks attract thousands of travelers. If tourists consider these places to be natural landmarks, then for the indigenous peoples they have been sacred since ancient times. Complete article

Grand Canyon, USA

You can say without a doubt that the most famous canyon in the world is the Grand Canyon. It is situated in the 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 parameters don't allow to qualify for the world championship, it’s a landmark of world importance and the center of attraction for millions of tourists. Age of the canyon is about 10 million years. It has been carefully studied by scientists who have discovered a lot of amazing features. Complete article

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

The canyon with such an unusual name is in Namibia; it is famous for its amazing harmonious appearance. The length of the canyon is 161 kilometers and the depth is only 550 meters, which is quite modest in comparison with global giants. However, it can really claim to be one of the first places in the world for its beauty. The canyon owes its name to the longest river in Namibia, Fish River. Canyon formation occurs continuously, as the river is swift and bubbling stream in the rainy season. In times of drought, the river dries up, so small lakes form at the bottom of the canyon. Complete article

Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru

Cotahuasi Canyon is the deepest in Peru, its depth is 3,535 meters. It is flanked by two majestic mountain ranges, Soliman and Coropuna. Gorgeous waterfalls are other local natural attractions; the most beautiful of them is Sipia. The name of the canyon can be translated from Quechuan as 'home for all;' many tiny mountain villages and settlements were settled on the slopes of the gorge during colonial times. Spanish colonizers have built bullrings there, some of which have survived to these days. Complete article

Tara River Canyon, Montenegro

Tara River Canyon is in Montenegro. This one is the deepest in Europe; the depth of the gorge is about 1300 meters and the length is about 80 kilometers. This canyon is located on the territory of the Durmitor National Park, so it constantly attracts fans of ecotourism. Tara River Canyon and the river forming it received their names after the ancient Illyrian tribe that once lived in these places. Tara River is one of the main attractions of the country; it has an unusual cascade structure and its length has more than 40 significant rifts. The river is crystal clear, so you can safely drink from it. Experienced travelers enjoy this event celebrating the amazing taste of river water, which can’t be compared with any another. Complete article

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

In South Africa, in the province of Mpumalanga there is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the planet - Blyde River Canyon. Its maximum depth is 1,372 meters and the length of the gorge is 26 kilometers. Men have begun exploring the canyon more than 100,000 years ago; in ancient times the valley was home to the Swazi tribes. During the study, scientists have discovered cave paintings in the canyon, as well as the remains of ancient people who died in tribal wars. Complete article

Copper Canyon, Mexico

Located in Mexico, Copper Canyon is a collection of six small canyons, which are usually considered natural formations. The name of the canyon fully reflects one of the main characteristics - slopes of the gorge are of saturated copper-red color. Over time, the slopes of the canyon were covered with green moss that was considered a copper deposit by Spanish colonizers. Walking up the steep mountain slopes remains one of the favorite pastimes of tourists; the luckiest may see rare species of native predators. That’s why unaccompanied walks in some areas of the gorge are prohibited. Complete article

Antelope Canyon, USA

For about 240 kilometers from the Grand Canyon there is another prominent landmark, 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 being accompanied by a guide. Conditionally the canyon is divided into two - the top and bottom parts; they both feature incredibly beautiful rocky formations appealing to photographers from around the world. Visitors to these sites will have a great opportunity to stroll along the fabulously beautiful sandstone cliffs and through narrow slits, between which light barely comes, giving these places certain atmosphere of mystery. Complete article

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

Charyn Canyon is situated in 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 of the canyon is simply amazing. The must see place of the excursion program is Valley castles. It is an area where amazing natural formations are concentrated. The most famous is the rock shaped like a castle tower. Many pleasant surprises are waiting for nature lovers, as there are more than 1,500 plants, about 80 species of animals and over 100 species of birds in the canyon. It should be noted that many forms of local flora and fauna are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. Complete article