Family Adventure in Peru's Colca Canyon

Day 3: Waterfalls, Views, and Volcanic Pizza

Today was all about embracing the raw beauty of Colca Canyon. We ventured off the beaten path to discover hidden gems, savored the local flavors, and soaked in the kind of views that make you feel utterly insignificant – in the best possible way. It was a day of adventure, good food, and family bonding that I’ll not soon forget.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at MARAY carnes y pizzas a la piedra volcánica. I’m not usually one for pizza in the morning, but when in Peru, right? The volcanic stone cooking method gave the crust a unique, smoky flavor that paired surprisingly well with my coffee. Olivia opted for something a bit more traditional, while Ethan, predictably, went for the burger. It was a great start to what promised to be an adventurous day.


Discover MARAY: A Volcanic Stone Cooking Experience with Authentic Peruvian Flavors in Arequipa.
Fueled up, we set off towards Catarata de Huaruro, a waterfall I’d read about in a few online forums. Getting there was a bit of a trek, the kind that makes you question your life choices halfway through, but the views along the way were more than worth it. The path wound through small villages and along the edge of the canyon, offering glimpses into the daily life of the locals. It was a stark reminder of how different life can be, and I found myself reflecting on our comfortable existence back in Kelowna.

Ethan, of course, was in his element, scrambling over rocks and pointing out interesting plants and insects. Olivia, ever the pragmatist, kept us supplied with water and snacks, and I tried my best to capture the scenery with my camera. I'm hoping to get some great landscape shots to add to my collection.

Sometimes, the best experiences are the ones that require a little effort to reach.

Finally, after a couple of hours, we reached the waterfall. Catarata de Huaruro wasn’t the biggest waterfall I’ve ever seen, but it was definitely one of the most beautiful. The water cascaded down the rocks into a clear pool below, surrounded by lush vegetation. We spent a good hour there, just soaking it all in and taking photos. Ethan even braved a quick dip in the frigid water, much to Olivia’s dismay.


Experience the breathtaking Catarata de Huaruro, a stunning hiking area in Peru where nature's beauty and adventure meet amidst majestic waterfalls.
Next on our list was Mirador De Tapay, a viewpoint that promised panoramic views of the canyon. The drive there was an adventure in itself, with hairpin turns and steep inclines that tested my nerves (and the suspension of our bus). But once we arrived, all the stress melted away. The view was simply stunning. From our vantage point, we could see the vast expanse of Colca Canyon stretching out before us, a tapestry of colors and textures that seemed to go on forever.


Discover breathtaking views at Mirador De Tapay, a serene viewpoint in San Juan de Chuccho offering stunning panoramas of the Colca Canyon.
I tried to capture the scene with my camera, but no photo could truly do it justice. It was one of those moments where you just have to put the camera down and be present, to fully appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Olivia and Ethan felt it too. We stood there in silence for a few minutes, just taking it all in.

By this point, we were all starting to feel a bit peckish, so we made our way to La Granja del Colca for lunch. This place came highly recommended, and it didn’t disappoint. The restaurant is set on a beautiful farm, with stunning views of the canyon. We sat on the terrace, enjoying the warm sunshine and the fresh air, while we waited for our food to arrive.


Experience breathtaking views and local hospitality at La Granja del Colca – your perfect retreat by Colca Canyon.
I opted for the alpaca steak, which was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth. Olivia had the trout, which she declared was the best she’d ever tasted, and Ethan, predictably, ordered another burger. The food was delicious, but the real highlight was the setting. It felt like we were a million miles away from civilization, surrounded by nothing but natural beauty.

After lunch, we did a little shopping at OrkoTextil. Olivia was keen to pick up some souvenirs, and I have to admit, I was tempted by some of the beautiful alpaca wool sweaters. We ended up buying a few small gifts for friends and family back home, and a cozy blanket for our camping trip later in the week.


Explore OrkoTextil in Orcopampa for unique clothing, showcasing the rich textile heritage of Peru with modern flair.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Restaurant Incafe for dinner. This place was a bit more touristy than La Granja del Colca, but the food was still good, and the atmosphere was lively. They had a buffet with a wide selection of local dishes, including alpaca meat, which I was keen to try again.


Savor authentic Peruvian cuisine at Restaurant Incafe in Colca Canyon – a must-visit for food lovers exploring Peru's rich culinary heritage.
After dinner, we walked back to our accommodation, feeling tired but content. It had been a long day, but a good day. We’d seen some incredible sights, eaten some delicious food, and spent some quality time together as a family. As I lay in bed that night, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this amazing place with the people I love most.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to explore the Cueva de Mollepunko and the Mollepunko Caves. I've heard they're fascinating and a bit spooky, which Ethan will love. We'll be having breakfast at colca food, lunch at Centro Gastronomico Cultural Peru Andino, and dinner at RESTAURANTE SUMAC MIKUY. And if we have time, we might even check out Muspay Quilla, a local bar, for a nightcap. It's going to be another exciting day in Colca Canyon!

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” I feel incredibly fortunate to be writing my own chapter with Olivia and Ethan in this amazing corner of Peru. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?