Chivay

Altitude: 3,652 m / 11,979 ft, Population: 6,532, Phone Code: 054






Chivay, capital of the Cañón del Colca region, is the most popular entry point for the canyon. The town is a bit touristy and shows the wear of world traveler traffic. Those in search of a slightly more laid-back atmosphere should head to Cabanaconde, which is also closer to the Cruz del Cóndor.



As a tourist haven, the town has a variety of hotels, restaurants and bus services. To its credit, Chivay has the only Internet in Colca, the best-equipped clinic, and is the headquarters for police and mountain rescue. Most services are located around the Plaza de Armas, which is dominated by the 18th-century church, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.



In addition to being the first village on the edge of the canyon, Chivay is also the major point linking the two sides. On the opposite side of the bridge is the old Inca road to Cusco and a path that heads up to ancient stone grain stores. Several other Inca storehouses are on the hillside above the trail.

A traditional dance of Chivay is the wititi (or wifalda), which represents the history of a young man dressed as a woman trying to win his girl’s love from another.

Other neighborhoods in Colca Canyon: Yanque, Maca, Cabanaconde, Pinchollo, Coporaque and Huambo.