Family Adventure in Peru's Colca Canyon

A Day of Fire and Steam

Today was a day of dramatic landscapes and natural wonders, a true testament to the raw beauty of Colca Canyon. From the hissing Geiser de Pinchollo to the imposing Volcan Sabancaya, every moment felt like stepping into a different world. It’s days like these that remind me why Olivia and I decided to start this travel blog in the first place – to share these incredible experiences with all of you.


Explore the breathtaking Geiser de Pinchollo in Cabanaconde, where nature's wonders come alive amidst the Andes.

Our day began early, with a hearty breakfast at Las Terrazas. I must admit, I'm not usually one for early starts, but the promise of what lay ahead was enough to get me out of bed. Ethan, surprisingly, was also eager to get going, camera in hand, ready to capture the landscapes. Olivia, ever the pragmatist, made sure we were all properly layered up; the Andean air can be quite crisp, especially in December.

First on the agenda was the Geiser de Pinchollo. The drive there was an adventure in itself, winding through narrow roads that clung to the mountainside. The landscape was starkly beautiful, a mix of rugged terrain and cultivated terraces, a testament to the ingenuity of the local people. As we approached the geyser, the air grew thick with the smell of sulfur, a telltale sign of the geothermal activity beneath our feet.

The Geiser de Pinchollo itself was quite a sight. Hot water shot out from the earth, reaching impressive heights with a sound that reminded me of a jet engine. Ethan was immediately captivated, snapping photos from every angle. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the power of nature on display. The geyser is located in the district of Cabanaconde, about 20 minutes from Cruz del Cóndor. The name Pinchollo possibly comes from the quechua words «picchi» (promontory) and «ullu» (man’s penis), which translates to «short penis». Another possibility is that it comes from the aymara word «uyu», which means canchón. Olivia, always interested in the local culture, struck up a conversation with a local guide, learning about the geological processes that create these geothermal wonders.

Nature's artistry is not confined to gentle landscapes; it roars and hisses, reminding us of the powerful forces shaping our world.

After spending a good hour at the geyser, soaking in the atmosphere and taking in the views of Hallimarka, we hopped back in our trusty vehicle and set off towards our next destination: Volcan Sabancaya.


Experience the awe-inspiring beauty and geological wonders of Volcan Sabancaya, an active volcano offering breathtaking views and unique adventures in Peru.

The drive to Volcan Sabancaya was nothing short of spectacular. The landscape transformed into a high-altitude desert, with towering volcanoes dominating the horizon. Sabancaya, meaning tongue of fire in Quechua, is an active stratovolcano in the Andes of southern Peru. It is part of the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes. Sabancaya is part of a volcanic complex together with Hualca Hualca and Ampato.

As we drove closer, we could see plumes of smoke and ash rising from the crater, a clear indication of the volcano's activity. It was a humbling experience, standing in the shadow of such a powerful force of nature. I couldn't help but think about the geological history of this region, the immense forces that have shaped this landscape over millions of years. The volcano has had confirmed eruptions going back to 1750, with the current eruption period starting in 2016.

We spent some time taking photos and simply admiring the view. Ethan, of course, was in his element, experimenting with different angles and filters. Olivia, ever the cautious one, reminded us to be mindful of the altitude and to take it easy.

By lunchtime, we were all feeling quite peckish, so we made our way to Restaurant Turístico Misti Wasi in Chivay. This restaurant is known for its traditional Peruvian dishes, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The restaurant is open from 11 AM to 4 PM. I opted for the alpaca steak, a local specialty, while Olivia went for a quinoa salad. Ethan, predictably, chose the chicharrón. The food was delicious, hearty, and exactly what we needed after a morning of exploring. The restaurant had a warm and inviting ambiance, with decor that reflected the Andean culture.

After lunch, we decided to indulge in a bit of retail therapy at Mr.Benic Store / Mujer Bonita. Olivia was on the hunt for some local handicrafts, while Ethan was keen to find a souvenir to take back to his friends. I ended up buying a rather fetching alpaca wool scarf, perfect for the Kelowna winters. The store had a wide array of goods, from textiles to ceramics, all made by local artisans.

For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves to a meal at Chicha por Gaston Acurio. This restaurant, located in Arequipa, is renowned for its innovative take on traditional Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant focuses on local produce and sustainably sourced ingredients. The menu was a delightful mix of familiar flavors and unexpected twists. I tried the rocoto relleno, a local specialty, while Olivia opted for the chupe de camarones. Ethan, adventurous as ever, went for the cuy, or guinea pig. The meal was a culinary experience, a true celebration of Peruvian gastronomy. Chicha combines culinary tradition with modern creativity.

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves reflecting on the incredible experiences we had shared. From the geothermal wonders of Pinchollo to the volcanic majesty of Sabancaya, every moment had been a feast for the senses. It's days like these that make all the planning and preparation worthwhile.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to visit Volcan Keyocc and Puente Inca. I am particularly excited about visiting Volcan Keyocc, hopefully we will be able to get some great pictures. And of course, we'll be sure to sample some more of the local cuisine, with breakfast at El Balcón de Don Zacarías, lunch at Restaurant Turístico Colca, and dinner at Colca Buffet Restaurant. We might even stop by Bar HAKUNA MATATA for a nightcap.

Until then, good night from Colca Canyon!

I am so glad that we chose to travel as a family for this trip. It has really brought us closer together. I am looking forward to sharing more adventures with Olivia and Ethan.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go charge my camera. I forgot my power bank today, so I need to make sure it is fully charged for tomorrow’s adventures!

Here’s to more unforgettable experiences!