Family Adventure in Peru's Colca Canyon

Whispers of the Past, Visions of the Present

Today was a day of delving deeper into the heart of Colca Canyon, a journey that took us through ancient mysteries and awe-inspiring landscapes. It's incredible how much history and natural beauty is packed into this region; every stone seems to tell a story, and every vista is a painting come to life. I felt like I was walking through the pages of a history book, with the stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains adding a touch of magic to the experience. As a brewery tour guide, I'm used to sharing the stories behind craft beers, but here, the stories are etched in stone and whispered by the wind.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at RESTAURANT URINSAYA. Olivia and I enjoyed some mate de coca, while Ethan opted for a more familiar scrambled eggs. It's funny how even in the most remote places, you can find something that reminds you of home. Fortified, we set off to explore the wonders that awaited us.


Discover authentic Peruvian cuisine at Restaurant Urinsaya in Chivay - a culinary experience blending tradition and flavor.

Our first stop was the Mirador Morro de Capellan, a viewpoint that offered panoramic views of the canyon. The sheer scale of the landscape was breathtaking. Looking out over the vast expanse, I couldn't help but feel a sense of insignificance, a humbling reminder of nature's power and grandeur. Ethan, ever the curious one, peppered me with questions about the geology of the canyon, while Olivia simply stood in awe, soaking in the beauty. I tried to explain the canyon's formation, mentioning the tectonic activity and the erosive power of the Colca River, but honestly, words seemed inadequate to capture the scene before us.


Experience the stunning panoramic views of the Andes at Mirador Morro de Capellan, a hidden gem in Viraco, Peru.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

Next on our itinerary was the Piedra Intihuatana. This ancient stone, steeped in Incan history, was a truly remarkable sight. The name Intihuatana comes from the Quechua language and translates to hitching post of the sun. It is believed that the Incas used the Intihuatana stone as a solar clock or astronomical calendar, allowing them to precisely determine solstices and equinoxes. As I stood before the stone, I couldn't help but wonder about the people who had stood in that very spot centuries ago, gazing at the same sun and stars. Ethan was fascinated by the precision of the stone's alignment, while Olivia was more drawn to the spiritual significance of the site. I must admit, even I felt a sense of connection to the past, a feeling that we were part of something much larger than ourselves. The stone itself is shaped like a small altar, and its placement on a hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Andes.


Discover the ancient wonders of Piedra Intihuatana in Chivay, Peru - a sacred site steeped in Incan history and breathtaking Andean beauty.

After soaking in the history and the views at Piedra Intihuatana, our stomachs started to rumble, signaling it was time for lunch. We headed to Restaurant del Colca, where we indulged in some local Peruvian cuisine. Olivia and I shared a hearty bowl of quinoa soup, while Ethan devoured a plate of lomo saltado. It's amazing how food can connect you to a place; each bite was a taste of Peru, a culinary journey that added another layer to our experience.


Experience authentic Peruvian flavors at Restaurant del Colca in Arequipa - a culinary gem for every traveler.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to explore the local culture a bit more. We stumbled upon Yuyary Restobar Folklórico, a lively bar that promised traditional music and dancing. Now, I'm not much of a dancer, but Olivia loves to move, and Ethan is always up for trying new things. We stepped inside, and were immediately enveloped by the vibrant atmosphere. The music was infectious, the drinks were flowing, and the locals were incredibly welcoming. Olivia dragged me onto the dance floor, and despite my initial hesitation, I found myself enjoying the music and the company. Ethan, surprisingly, was a natural, picking up the steps with ease and even managing to impress a few of the local girls. It was a moment of pure joy, a spontaneous celebration of life and culture that I'll never forget. I even tried some local beer, and as a brewery tour guide, I have to say it was quite interesting! It was a lighter brew than I am used to, but it had some unique flavors that I really enjoyed.


Experience the vibrant culture and flavors of the Andes at Yuyary Restobar Folklórico, the heart of Chivay's culinary scene.

Dinner was at Mikuna Wassi, where we enjoyed a quiet meal reflecting on the day's adventures. The food was delicious, but the company was even better. We shared stories, laughed, and simply enjoyed being together, a family united by a shared experience.


Discover authentic Peruvian cuisine in Cabanaconde at Mikuna Wassi - a must-visit for every traveler exploring Colca Canyon.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we've had today. Colca Canyon is more than just a beautiful place; it's a place that touches your soul, a place that connects you to the past, and a place that reminds you of the importance of family and connection. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Geiser de Pinchollo and Volcan Sabancaya. I'm looking forward to more breathtaking views and unique experiences, and I'm especially excited to share them with Olivia and Ethan. Before that, though, we plan to stop at Las Terrazas for breakfast. I wonder what new adventures await us tomorrow?