Chivay

Chivay is a lively town in the Colca Valley, serving as the main base for expeditions into one of the world's deepest canyons. The town is famous for its 'La Calera' hot springs, where travelers can unwind after long hikes. In the main square and local market, you can admire the colorful traditional costumes and embroidered hats of the local Collagua and Cabana women. Just a short drive away lies the 'Cruz del Condor' viewpoint, where majestic Andean condors can be observed soaring at close range. The area surrounding Chivay is characterized by pre-Inca agricultural terraces that are still in use today. Local gastronomy features specialties like alpaca chicharron and sancochado soup. The climate is mild during the day but can drop below freezing at night. The best time to visit is from April to November. Chivay is mostly reached via a spectacular three-hour bus ride from Arequipa, crossing the 4,910-meter Patapampa Pass. The town provides a good selection of accommodations, from basic hostels to comfortable lodges, making it the great place to experience highland culture and nature.

Nearby cities

Arequipa

Known as the 'White City'.

Tacna

The "heroic city" of Tacna sits on Peru's southern border, rich in patriotic history and desert charm.

Puerto Maldonado

The capital of biodiversity in the southern Amazon basin and the gateway to the pristine Tambopata and Manu reserves.

Moquegua

An elegant colonial city nestled in a fertile valley, known for its world-class Piscos and sunny streets.

Urubamba

A peaceful town in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by majestic Andean peaks.

History & landmarks

Santa Catalina Monastery

A colorful, historical monastery in Arequipa that looks like a small city of its own with streets and plazas.

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The most important Catholic church in Arequipa, famous for its white facade made of volcanic sillar stone.

Nature

Cotahuasi River

The Cotahuasi River forms the Cotahuasi Canyon, considered the deepest canyon in the world, even deeper than the Colca Canyon.

More places

Nevado Mismi

A glaciated mountain peak whose meltwater ultimately flows into the Atlantic Ocean after a long journey through the Amazon.

Chachani

A massive volcanic complex near Arequipa, often considered the easiest six-thousander to climb due to the lack of glaciers.

Sabancaya Volcano

An extremely active, heavily glaciated stratovolcano near the Colca Canyon, often emitting ash clouds.

Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve

A high-altitude protected area established to protect the habitats of vicuñas and flamingos.

Cerro Verde Mine

A massive open-pit copper mine located near the city of Arequipa.

Misti Volcano

A cone-shaped stratovolcano whose snow-capped summit is the symbol of Arequipa.

Mount Ampato

A dormant, ice-capped volcano in the Andes where the famous Inca ice mummy 'Juanita' was discovered in 1995.

Colca Canyon

One of the deepest canyons in the world, carved by the Colca River, and an ideal spot for observing the Andean condor.