ABOUT LAS CASITAS DEL COLCA -
in their own words:
Las Casitas del Colca provides a chance to
relax during a Peruvian touring itinerary. This is a rare opportunity to rest and
reflect in the beauty and tranquillity of the Colca valley. Spend a few days in harmony
with the canyon and its community, complete with the freedom to do as little or as much as
you wish.
Built from materials from the surrounding area and
decorated in a local style, twenty individual casitas nestle in a stunning rural setting.
Each casita features its own private plunge pool and
terrace while the spacious indoor accommodation boasts a bedroom and lounge area.
Rural past times here include fly fishing, horse trekking,
agricultural and animal farming. Guests may relax with gentle strolls, swimming in the
“natural” pool or simply admire the amazing views. At night, telescopes
are trained on the brilliant stars shinning in an unpolluted sky.
Water comes from natural springs and food from the
surrounding fields, prepared in the hotel’s open kitchen and served in the cosy
dining room.
HISTORY:
Located in southern Peru, approximately 100 miles (160km) northwest of
Arequipa, the Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world at 10,725 ft (3,269
m) – more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States but the walls
are not as steep.
The Colca Valley is a colourful Andean valley formerly
inhabited by the Collaguas and the Cabanas. Local people still maintain ancestral
traditions and continue to cultivate the pre-Inca stepped terraces.
Las Casitas del Colca is built on some 20 hectares (0.077
sq miles) located at a place named Parque Curiņa .
In addition to the farm and guest accommodation, there is a
chapel once used to celebrate the festival of the Virgin of Purification or the Virgen de
Chapi on 1st May. (Chapi is an area of Arequipa and the virgin is the patron saint of the
district.)
The property originally belonged to Mr. Mauricio de Romaņa
one of the pioneers in promoting the Valley of Colca and was acquired by Orient-Express on
the 1st January 2002.
Las Casitas del Colca is located 160 km (100 miles) north
of Arequipa, the “White City”, close to the colonial village of Yanque and 12 km
(5 miles) away from the village of Chivay. It is situated over 3260 meters above the sea
level (11876 feet) on the left bank of the Colca river cutting through the Andes.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
The private accommodation is located in individual casitas. The majority
of the casitas occupy a total area of approx 120m2 of which 80m2 is indoors. Each is
constructed with brick walls and roofs of wood and handcrafted tiles. The floors are
laid with stone in the bedrooms and terraces, marble in the bathroom and tiles in the
showers.
All casitas offer a foyer leading to the bedroom area and
lounge area with fireplace, sofa and writing desk. The bathroom has separate indoor
and outdoor showers and a bathtub. Over the bathtub is a glass roof allowing guests to
relax in the bath whilst appreciating the star-lit sky. All casitas feature a terrace with
heated plunge pool and garden.
ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDE:
- 11 Twin Casitas are 120m2 in size with two twin beds
- 8 King Casitas are 120m2 with one king bed
- The large Presidential is 197m2 in size with one king bed
|
Accommodations facilities:
- Telephone
- Wi-fi internet facility
- Air conditioning
- Under floor heating
- Minibar
- Personal in-room electronic safe
- Hairdryer
- Laundry and room service are available from 5.00 to 22.00
hours
- Fire detectors
|
RESTAURANT & BAR:
Las Casitas del Colca has an intimate dining room located in the main
building serving traditional and international dishes using fresh ingredients from the
property’s own farm. The open kitchen allows guests to see the
chefs at work preparing the dishes.
The terrace, with its amazing views of the canyon provides
the ideal place to enjoy the buffet breakfast each morning.
The Lobby Bar boasts a large variety of the best quality
liquors, cocktails and refreshments. Guests may prefer to dine in the privacy and
comfort of their own room with our 24-hour Room Service.
HOTEL FACILITIES:
The hotel has a wonderful Spa located just a few minutes walk from the
hotel lobby. With treatment rooms, the Spa offers a range of treatments based on
indigenous ingredients. A number of different massages are available to guests, from
Reiki, Shiatzu and Aromatherapy to a special Andean massage – a combination of a
relaxing massage and an ancient ritual developed by the Andean people
The heated free-form swimming pool is designed to appear
natural and blends into the local landscape. Swimming here makes you feel part of
nature.
The computer centre in the main lodge allows guests
download digital images from their camera on to disc, creating precious space for more
fabulous photographs. The internet facility lets guests use email or blogs to stay
in touch with the family. Combined with your own images “wish you were
here” was never more modern.
