Chivay
The capital town of the Colca Valley at an altitude of about 3,630 meters. It is the overnight base for two-day tours, with a town square, market and hot springs nearby.
Chivay is the base for Colca Canyon tours, and most two-day group tours spend the night here. Beside the Plaza de Armas in the town center stand a church and a market, where you can see Cabana women in embroidered long skirts and embroidered hats. Many restaurants serve alpaca meat and traditional buffets. In the evening you can visit the nearby La Calera hot springs or watch folk song and dance performances. From Arequipa it takes about 3 to 4 hours by bus or tour. The altitude is high, so watch for altitude sickness on your first night.
Opening hours
All day