A young Belgian woman has gone missing while trekking to a famous canyon in Peru.

Natacha de Crombrugghe, 28, went missing while making her way to the Colca Canyon in the province of Caylloma located in south-western Peruvian region of Arequipa.

Her parents reported their daughter’s disappearance to the Belgian consulate in the Peruvian capital Lima on 23rd January, the last day they knew of her whereabouts.

Natacha’s last post on Facebook on 20th January was taken at the famous Inca citadel Machu Picchu and was shared with the message: “Machu Picchu isn’t simply beautiful, it’s sublime!”

The Colca Autonomous Authority (Autocolca) reported that rescue teams have been scouring the route along the bank of Colca River to the Sangalle oasis, which the Belgian woman is believed to have taken.

The search operation has also included the areas of Achachihua, San Miguel and Jesana.

Famous mountain rescuer Eloy Cacya is reportedly leading the search due to his extensive experience.

According to reports, the young woman was travelling alone to the Colca Canyon after staying in a hotel in the district of Cabanaconde ahead of visiting the lush green oasis of Sangalle.

It is unknown if she made an itinerary or made contact with other tourists and travellers before setting off.

The local authorities have not ruled out the possibility that she became lost in the area and suffered an accident.

The search continues.