Family Adventure in Peru's Colca Canyon

Whispers of the Past, Visions of the Present

Today was a day of discovery, a blend of ancient history and awe-inspiring natural beauty. The Colca Canyon is slowly revealing its secrets, and I'm eager to share our experiences. It's remarkable how a place can hold so much history within its dramatic landscapes.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Restaurant Urpicha Del Colca in Yanque. Fuelling up was essential, as we knew we had a day of exploring ahead. The restaurant offered a stunning view of the valley, a perfect backdrop as we enjoyed some local delicacies. Olivia particularly enjoyed the quinoa pancakes, while Ethan devoured a plate of scrambled eggs with Andean cheese. I opted for the traditional mate de coca tea, hoping it would help with the altitude.

Our first stop was Uyo Uyo, an ancient pre-Inca village nestled in the Colca Valley. The ruins are located near the town of Chivay. The hike up to the site was invigorating, a gentle climb that allowed us to acclimatize further to the altitude. As a brewery tour guide, I appreciate the craftsmanship and ingenuity of past civilizations, and Uyo Uyo was no exception. The village, built by the Collagua people around 1300 AD and later occupied by the Incas, is a testament to their advanced architectural and agricultural techniques. Wandering through the stone houses and plazas, I couldn't help but imagine what life was like here centuries ago.


Explore the ancient wonders of Uyo Uyo, a captivating archaeological site in Peru that reveals the mysteries of pre-Columbian civilizations amidst stunning natural beauty.

Ethan, surprisingly, was captivated by the intricate stonework and the stories our guide shared about the site's history. Olivia, ever the librarian, was fascinated by the advanced agricultural terraces and water canals, marveling at how the Collagua people managed to cultivate the land in such a challenging environment. I found myself drawn to the remnants of what was believed to be an astronomical clock, a testament to their understanding of the cosmos.

The stones of Uyo Uyo whisper tales of resilience, ingenuity, and a deep connection to the land.

After spending a couple of hours exploring Uyo Uyo, we made our way to Colca Buffet Restaurant for lunch. We enjoyed a buffet of local dishes, including alpaca stew and causa, a layered potato dish. It was a welcome break, and the food was delicious.

Our next destination was Mirador Ocolle, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Colca Canyon. The landscape was breathtaking, a vast expanse of terraced fields and towering cliffs. The canyon is one of the deepest in the world, and the view from Mirador Ocolle was simply stunning.


Discover the stunning views of Colca Canyon at Mirador Ocolle, a top attraction in Yanque, Peru, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

As someone who appreciates a good view, especially with a camera in hand, I was in my element. I took numerous photos, trying to capture the grandeur of the canyon. Ethan, inspired by the scenery, experimented with different angles and compositions, showing a real knack for photography. Olivia simply stood in awe, soaking in the beauty of the landscape.

The weather in December in Colca Canyon is generally dry, with sunny days and clear skies. The temperature is mild during the day, but it can get quite cold in the evenings. We were well-prepared with warm clothing, but I did regret forgetting the sunscreen. The sun at this altitude is intense, and I could already feel my skin starting to burn.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to unwind at Pachamama Home in Cabanaconde. This place is more than just a bar; it's a cozy spot with a family atmosphere. We enjoyed some local craft beers (naturally, I had to try them!), and Ethan sipped on a coca tea. The bar also serves wood-fired pizzas, which we decided to try. They were delicious, a perfect end to a day of exploration.


Discover the charm of Pachamama Home, a unique hotel and gastropub nestled in Cabanaconde, perfect for relaxation and culinary adventures.

Pachamama Home seems to be a popular spot for travellers exploring the Colca Canyon. It has a restaurant, and offers trekking information. The owner, Ludwig, is a trekking guide, so it seems like a good place to get information about hiking in the canyon.

For dinner, we headed to Restaurante Turístico Q'apaqñan, where we enjoyed traditional Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the food was excellent. We tried the rocoto relleno, a spicy stuffed pepper dish that was a local specialty. It was delicious, but definitely had a kick!


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Restaurante Turístico Q'apaqñan in Chivay, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.

As I reflect on our second day in the Colca Canyon, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude. We've experienced the beauty of the landscape and delved into the history of the region. It's days like these that make travelling with family so special, creating lasting memories and strengthening our bond.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Catarata de Huaruro and Mirador De Tapay. We'll also stop by OrkoTextil, a local shop. I'm looking forward to more adventures and discoveries in this incredible part of Peru. I’m also hoping to spot some condors, having heard that the Mirador Cruz del Condor is a great place to see them. Apparently, they are most active between 8 AM and 10 AM. I’ll set my alarm!

The Colca Canyon has already exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to see what else it has in store for us. It's a reminder that the world is full of wonders, both natural and man-made, waiting to be explored. And what better way to explore them than with the ones you love? I am really glad that we decided to come here for our family adventure. It's a far cry from my brewery tours back in Kelowna, but I am finding that I enjoy the change. I am also finding that my love of history and culture is really being ignited by this trip, which is something I was not expecting. I wonder if Olivia had this in mind when she suggested we come here? I will have to ask her!