Chivay is the first tourist town that you come to on the road between Arequipa and the Colca Canyon. There is a splendid view as you arrive. There are terraces cut into the valley as far as the eye can see.
Chivay is a little town where it's good to stop for a day or two. It's a modest-sized town with a population of about 4500. It's not overflowing with things to do but I have very good memories of it.
The market in the main square is full of culinary delights typical of the region. The caldo de cabeza, is a local speciality that I don't necessarily recommend. Beware the faint-hearted, it's a broth made from head, and sometimes the head is easily recognisable on the plate! On the other hand, the alpaca kebabs are excellent.
Chivay is the first tourist town that you come to on the road between Arequipa and the Colca Canyon. There is a splendid view as you arrive. There are terraces cut into the valley as far as the eye can see.
Chivay is a little town where it's good to stop for a day or two. It's a modest-sized town with a population of about 4500. It's not overflowing with things to do but I have very good memories of it.
The market in the main square is full of culinary delights typical of the region. The caldo de cabeza, is a local speciality that I don't necessarily recommend. Beware the faint-hearted, it's a broth made from head, and sometimes the head is easily recognisable on the plate! On the other hand, the alpaca kebabs are excellent.
Perched at an altitude of 3,650m and completely hidden by the surrounding mountains, the small village of Chivay is nevertheless a classic part of Peru's tourism.
Its geographical position on the Canyon de Colca route attracts a large number of tourists. As a consequence, Chivay has lost its authenticity. It is not unusual to be offered a photo with an eagle or an owl in the market.
Despite everything, if you move away from the crowd a bit, it is possible to find the true soul of Chivay. I advise you to have a look round Martín Muñoz church in the little square. It is very typical of the area, decorated according to the Indian beliefs of the region. Once you have had the tour of here, you should take the road to the canyon or Arequipa.
Perched at an altitude of 3,650m and completely hidden by the surrounding mountains, the small village of Chivay is nevertheless a classic part of Peru's tourism.
Its geographical position on the Canyon de Colca route attracts a large number of tourists. As a consequence, Chivay has lost its authenticity. It is not unusual to be offered a photo with an eagle or an owl in the market.
Despite everything, if you move away from the crowd a bit, it is possible to find the true soul of Chivay. I advise you to have a look round Martín Muñoz church in the little square. It is very typical of the area, decorated according to the Indian beliefs of the region. Once you have had the tour of here, you should take the road to the canyon or Arequipa.
