Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Yanque to Pinchollo
Further along the main road on the south side of the canyon, the spreading landscape is re-
markable for its Inca and pre-Inca terracing, which goes on for many kilometers and is
some of the most extensive in Peru.
The next big village along the main road is Pinchollo, about 30km from Chivay. From
here, a trail climbs toward
Hualca Hualca
(a snowcapped volcano of 6025m) to an active
geothermal area set amid wild and interesting scenery.
Cruz del Cóndor
Some overhyped travel sights are anti climactic in the raw light of day. This is not one of
them. No advance press can truly sell
Cruz del Cóndor
(admission with boleto turístico)
, the
famed condor viewpoint. Located about 50km west of Chivay, a large family of Andean
condors nest at a rocky outcrop here and - weather and season permitting - can be seen
riding the currents between 8am and 10am on most days. It's a mesmerizing scene,
heightened by the 1200m drop to the river below and the sight of
Nevado Mismi
standing
3000m above the canyon floor on the other side.
Cabanaconde
054 / POP 2700 / ELEV 3290M
Only a fraction of visitors to Cañón del Colca make it to ramshackle Cabanaconde, but for
those seeking greater tranquility, its attractions are obvious. The Colca is significantly
deeper here with steep, zigzagging paths tempting the fit and the brave to descend 1200m
to the eponymous river.
Activities
The most popular hike in the area is the spectacular two-hour descent from Cabanaconde
down to
Sangalle
, where there are
natural pools
(per person S5)
for swimming, as well as
food and drink. Note that the return trek is a steep and thirsty climb - 1½ to three hours,
depending on your level of fitness.
