Family Adventure in Peru's Colca Canyon

Echoes of the Ancients

Today was a day of delving into the deep past, a chance to touch the very soul of the Andes. We ventured into the heart of Colca Canyon, not for its famed condors this time, but for something even more captivating: the ancient Mollepunko Caves. It wasn't just a sightseeing trip; it felt like stepping back millennia, walking in the footsteps of the earliest inhabitants of this rugged land.


Explore the captivating Mollepunko Caves in Peru, where nature's beauty meets rich history in an unforgettable adventure.

The morning began with a hearty breakfast at colca food. I opted for a traditional Peruvian breakfast, which armed me well for the day ahead. Olivia, ever the librarian, was already engrossed in the guidebook, while Ethan, predictably, was plugged into his music, a world away until the promise of adventure finally piqued his interest. After breakfast, we set off towards the caves. The drive itself was stunning, the landscape unfolding in layers of rock and sky. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of the high sierra, a reminder of how far removed we were from our cozy Kelowna home.

The Mollepunko Caves are located a short distance from Callalli. As we approached, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. These weren't just any caves; they were a window into the lives of people who lived here thousands of years ago. The caves themselves are part of a volcanic lava flow, and inside, the walls are adorned with pictographs dating back to the Lithic age. It’s incredible to think that these paintings, geometric figures, and depictions of animals like camelids and vizcachas were created between 6,000 and 3,000 BC.

As we entered the caves, the temperature dropped noticeably. The air was still and heavy with the weight of history. The light filtering in illuminated the ancient art, revealing scenes of hunters, gatherers, and the early domestication of the alpaca. It was like looking at a prehistoric storyboard, each image telling a tale of survival and adaptation. Ethan, surprisingly, was fascinated, snapping photos and peppering me with questions about the people who made these drawings. Olivia, of course, was in her element, pointing out details I would have missed and sharing insights from her extensive research.

We do not remember days, we remember moments.

It struck me how little has changed in some ways. The landscape, though altered by time and weather, was still the same majestic backdrop. The basic human needs – food, shelter, community – were still the driving forces. Standing there, surrounded by the art of our ancestors, I felt a profound connection to the past, a sense of continuity that transcended time and culture. We spent a good couple of hours exploring the caves, each of us lost in our thoughts and reflections. It was a deeply moving experience, one that I know will stay with us long after we leave Peru.

After our exploration of the caves, we were all feeling a bit peckish. We headed to Centro Gastronomico Cultural Peru Andino for lunch. The restaurant was a delightful experience. We enjoyed traditional Andean cuisine, savoring the flavors of local ingredients prepared with time-honored techniques. Olivia tried a quinoa salad, while Ethan devoured a plate of grilled alpaca. I opted for a hearty stew, perfect for warming us up after our time in the cool caves. The food was delicious, but it was the atmosphere that really made the meal special. The restaurant was filled with locals and tourists alike, all sharing in the joy of good food and good company.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine in Chivay at Centro Gastronomico Cultural Peru Andino - a cultural hub for food lovers.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to visit a local bar. We found ourselves at Muspay Quilla, a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere. I ordered a local beer, while Olivia enjoyed a coca tea, hoping it would help with the altitude. Ethan, of course, stuck to soda. We chatted with some of the locals, learning about their lives and traditions. It was a great way to immerse ourselves in the local culture and get a sense of the community.


Discover Muspay Quilla: A vibrant bar in Chivay offering a lively atmosphere and a delightful selection of drinks and local culture.

For dinner, we chose RESTAURANTE SUMAC MIKUY. The restaurant is known for its authentic Peruvian dishes and warm ambiance. We started with some appetizers, including causa and rocoto relleno. For our main courses, Olivia had the alpaca steak, Ethan went for the trucha frita (fried trout), and I chose the adobo de cerdo (pork stew). Every dish was a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region. The flavors were bold and complex, the ingredients fresh and locally sourced. It was the perfect end to a day of exploration and discovery.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Restaurante Sumac Mikuy in Chivay, where local flavors meet stunning mountain views.

As we headed back to our accommodation, I couldn't help but reflect on the day. We had journeyed into the past, explored ancient caves, and savored the flavors of the Andes. It was a day of connection – to history, to culture, and to each other. And as I looked at Olivia and Ethan, their faces flushed with the glow of a day well-spent, I knew that these were the moments that would stay with us forever.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Planetarium and Observatory Colca. Ethan is especially excited about this, as he has always been fascinated by astronomy. We will also visit Ventana Del Colca, where we hope to get a panoramic view of the canyon. And maybe, just maybe, we will find time for a bit of shopping at Made In Colca. Until then, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of adventure.

It’s funny, isn’t it? How you can travel thousands of miles and still find yourself drawn back to the basics. Give me a good pint, a stunning view, and the company of my family, and I’m a happy man. And Colca Canyon, with its ancient echoes and breathtaking landscapes, has certainly delivered on all fronts. As we prepare for another day of exploration, I can’t help but feel grateful for this opportunity to share this experience with Olivia and Ethan. It's moments like these that make all the planning, packing, and occasional travel mishaps worthwhile. Cheers to the memories we're making, one cave, one condor, and one craft beer at a time!