Bird Watching & Andean Condors:
The skies of Colca Canyon hold many delights
for bird watchers. Numerous species live in the Colca Valley including the largest
humming bird in the world (collibri), eagles and woodpeckers.
The Colca Canyon is the natural habitat of the majestic
Condor, the sacred Andean Bird, perhaps the best known of the indigenous bird life.
These huge vultures, with wing spans of up to 3.2 metres are known for their elegant and
spectacular flight. Most often seen at the Cruz del Condor, these magnificent
birds are a delight to behold.
Cycling:
What better way to discover the Colca Canyon
than by bicycle, with the freedom to explore as and where you wish?
Bicycles are available upon request for guest use.
Spend an afternoon touring the valley at a sedentary pace, stopping to marvel at the
gigantic cactus and prickly pears along the way. Alternatively, up your speed for an
energising ride along the tracks and roads of the Colca Canyon.
For those guests who prefer to take part in accompanied
rides, two hour tours leave Las Casitas del Colca daily at 10.00 and at 14.00.
The ride leaves Chivay in the direction to Sacsayhuaman towards
Coporaque. After crossing the river at the Cacapi bridge the tour
continues to the Church of Yanque. A stop of made here to visit Sister Antonia
and her mission before returning by the short cut, which was the Yanque old road.
For the tour helmet, kneepad and gloves are provided.
Fly Fishing:
The cool waters of the Colca River are teeming
with trout. Cast a fly over one of the pools along the river in
an effort to tempt the fish from their watery abodes.
At 07.00 a guided fishing excursion departs from the Las Casitas del Colca. Walk
down through the property on the path to the Colca River. Guests walk along the Colca
River in the direction of the Chacapi bridge. Once the bridge is reached the
guests cross the river and return towards Las Casitas del Colca, fishing the opposite
bank. As you fish, the fishing guide will share his knowledge of the
art of fishing with flies and weights. The trip is available for anglers of all
levels of experience.
Alternatively, try your hand at fishing on our three trout ponds on the property.
Guests will be given a rustic fishing rod; a wooden stick, fishing line and hook, and
invited to catch all they can.
Any catch can be prepared for you by our chefs.
Horse Riding:
Meandering through the Colca Canyon on horse
back is truly an experience never to be forgotten. As you are carried through the
landscape, reminisce to a time when only people and horses traversed the Colca
Valley. The horses will transport you to areas of the Colca Canyon
which may not otherwise be accessible. Stop alongside the river to rest
and allow the horses to drink from the cool waters.
Each day two organised horse rides take place which guests are invited to join.
At 09.00 guests depart Las Casitas del Colca on
horseback and take the old road to Yanque. The route crosses the Cervantes Bridge on
the way to Ichupampa, visiting Lagunilla. At Lagunilla the horses are left to rest
while guests return to the Las Casitas del Colca in a vehicle. Guests who
would prefer to go to Uyu Uyu on the morning ride can request this in advance.
At 14.00 guests are taken to Inchpampa in a vehicle where they meet their horse for the
afternoon. Guests then return to the Las Casitas del Colca on horseback,
stopping to visit a lagoon before crossing the bridge and returning via the old road from
Yanque
Star Gazing:
In the Colca Canyon, where the skies are clear
of atmospheric and light pollution, the opportunity to star gaze simply should not be
missed. A telescope has been installed for guest use allowing you to study the stars
of the Southern Hemisphere. Stare up at the night sky whilst the peace of the
Colca Canyon envelops you. A truly breathtaking experience.
Feeding the Young Alpacas:
The farm at Las Casitas del Colca raises
a variety of animals including horses, cows and baby alpacas. At 7.00, 13.00
and 17.00 guests are invited to assist our farm workers with the bottle feeding of the
young alpacas. Lasting around fifteen minutes, this is a real opportunity to get close to
nature. Whilst you are on the farm, our farm workers will be delighted to explain the
techniques of farming in the Colca Canyon. Guests should also take the opportunity
to visit the vegetable garden and see our range of organic produce. You can
even select the contents of a nice fresh salad direct from the fields.
Walking and Trekking:
The Colca Canyon is a popular destination
hiking and trekking as there are countless different walking routes available.
For those looking for a shorter walk, exploring the twenty four hectares of the
grounds of Las Casitas del Colca by foot is fascinating. Wandering in the
heart of the property you can pass by the trout ponds, the chapel and the prickly
pear orchard, call in to see the animals at our little farm or stroll through
our extensive Vegetable Garden. Throughout the property are viewpoints giving
magnificent views of the Colca Canyon.
For those looking to walk slightly further you can follow
the path down past the horse paddock which leads to the Colca River.
Routes are clearly marked by colourful stones so that guests do not lose their way.
Guests can take the path besides the Chapel which leads off the
property. Following a path running alongside the river, in
thirty minutes you will arrive at the rustic Chacapi Thermal Springs where a welcome dip
can be taken before returning home.
For guests who would prefer a moderately difficult accompanied walk, Las Casitas
del Colca organises a two hour walk to Sifon and back, passing through Yanque.
For those looking for a real challenge and a longer trek, Las Casitas del Colca can
organise a walking guide for you. It is also possible to hire donkeys (burros)
to carry your gear. A recommended route is at Tapay. This area of the
Colca Canyon is very beautiful due to a microclimate and remains green year
round. The walk lasts two to three days depending on fitness levels.
Accommodation in Tapay is provided but it very rustic.
Treks generally can vary from easy to difficult due to the slope of the hills. When
walking always take plenty of water with you and sun protection is essential. If you
are walking alone, locals will be able to direct you as there are hundreds of confusing
paths in the canyon.
Cooking Classes:
Discover the secrets of Peruvian cuisine,
considered one of the most diverse in the world. Thanks to many influences
throughout history, Peruvian cuisine combines the flavours of four continents and offers
an eclectic variety of traditional dishes.
Cookery lessons are available with our chefs, introducing you to the
textures and flavours of this exciting and varied cuisine. Guests will be provided with a
typical Peruvian ingredient such as quinoa and once the dish has been demonstrated,
are invited to attempt to prepare it themselves.
Ingredients for lessons are sourced from the fields around the property, ensuring fresh
produce.
Volunteer Work:
Mother Antonia's Mission, located in the
nearby village of Yanque, houses a soup kitchen for the poor. A member of the Order
of the Maryknolll, Sister Antonia has lived in Peru for 53 years and worked with the
Yanque community for over 36 years providing 600 breakfasts a day to anyone in need. Bread
is baked daily and lunch is cooked at weekends. The mission is run purely on
donations from tourists and anonymous benefactors.
Las Casitas del Colca aims to assist Sister Antonia in her work and the fields
surrounding the property are lent to the Mission to grow food for the soup
kitchen. Volunteer work can be organised for any guest wishing to be involved in
this admirable work.
