Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chivay
054 / POP 6300 / ELEV 3630M
Chivay is the Cañón del Colca's unashamedly disheveled nexus, a traditional town that
has embraced tourism without losing its high-country identity. It is equipped with en-
chanting views of snowcapped peaks and terraced hillsides, and serves as a logical base
from which to explore the canyon.
The market area and main square are good places to catch a glimpse of the decorative
clothing worn by local women.
Sights & Activities
Chivay is a good starting point for canyon hikes, both short and long. Likewise, you could
hit the trails on a bike.
BiciSport
(
9am-6pm)
, behind the
9-58-807-652; Zaramilla 112;
market, rents wheels for about S5 per day.
ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY
(Huayna Cápac; admission S25)
No light pollution equals excellent Milky Way vistas. The
Casa Andina hotel has a tiny observatory which holds nightly sky shows. The price in-
cludes a 30-minute explanation and chance to peer into the telescope.
| Observatory
LA CALERA HOT SPRINGS
(admission S15; 4:30am-7pm)
A 3km stroll to the northeast, these alfresco springs provide
warm water - as well as the whoops of zipliners as they sail overhead.
| Thermal Baths
COLCA ZIP-LINING
( 95-898-9931;
www.colcaziplining.com
;
2/4 cables S50/100)
Dangle terrifyingly over the Río
Colca while entertaining bathers in the hot springs below.
| Ziplining
Sleeping & Eating
HOTEL POZO DEL CIELO $$
( 34-6547;
www.pozodelcielo.com.pe
; Huascar; d/ste S88/135; )
Looking a bit like something
Gaudí might have crafted, 'Heaven's Well', as the name translates, is all low doorways,
weirdly shaped rooms and winding paths. Surrealism aside, this is a functional, comfort-
able abode with individually crafted rooms and a fine
mirador
(lookout) restaurant.
| Hotel
