Casa Andina Colca

At 11,150 feet (3,400 meters), the Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The area has become a center for outdoor sports—there are fantastic places to hike and mountain bike throughout the canyon. The town of Chivay is set at the spot where the road to Arequipa meets the Colca Valley. It’s a good base for exploring both the canyon and valley, but it also has a number of attractions of its own, including thermal baths and a planetarium (conveniently located at Casa Andina).

With views that extend towards nearby mountains and stone pathways that wind between the cottages and other buildings, Casa Andina Colca is rustic yet charming. The hotel is located a few blocks from Chivay’s small plaza.

The rooms here are set in rustic stone houses that feature thatched roofs and tile floors; some of the newer rooms have hardwood floors and tile roofs. The rooms are simply decorated and clean. They have private bathrooms and hot water showers. There are beds with down comforters and heaters in every room, two amenities that are especially important during the cooler months. Additionally, all rooms have small desks or breakfast tables, and a safety deposit box where you can store laptops, passports, and other important possessions.

One of the hotel’s coolest features is its planetarium and astronomical observatory. There are daily presentations in both English and Spanish where travelers can look through the telescope and learn about the stars and constellations. The night sky here is big and beautiful.

The hotel’s large restaurant has buffet breakfasts and dinners and a nightly folkloric show, which includes music and dancing. The food is inspired by regional specialties, but also includes options like pizza and barbecue.

There is a massage room where guests can relax after a long day of sightseeing. The hotel has public computers where guests can access the Internet, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. Same day laundry service is also offered.