Cruz del Condor
Condor Cross Lookout, at a point 1,200m (3,900 ft) above the depths of Colca Canyon, is the finest spot in the world to view South American condors – the world’s largest bird, with wingspans reaching 3.5m/11 1/2 ft. – up close as they soar overhead every morning. The spot is 50 km (31 miles) west of Chivay. Because everyone goes in the morning (from 8am to about 10am, when most of the condors set out along the river), it can get very crowded. If you’re looking for a more serene experience, visit Cruz del Condor on a private tour in the afternoon, when the condors return from their hunting expeditions downriver. Although timing their return is an issue, you have the benefit of being virtually alone at the site. Apart from the condors, the spot along the canyon is excellent for birdwatching of other species and viewing native Andean flora. Occasionally you’ll see children demonstrating the huititi, the traditional dance of Collaguas, in which males dress in ornamental women’s clothing. At the site, there are bathrooms and local women selling water, handicrafts, sweaters and scarves, and other souvenirs. Above all, we recommend that all visitors to Cruz del Condor be very responsible to the region’s ecology, avoiding excessive noise and movement, especially when observing the sensitive condors.

Colca Villages
Along both banks of Colca Canyon are a series of ancient, traditional villages with colonial churches and locals (the Cabana and Collagua peoples) known for their spectacularly colorful, embroidered dress. Villages include Yanque, Maca, Cabanaconde, Coporaque, Lari, Pinchollo, Ichupampa and Madrigal. Each village is crowned by a colonial church. The valley’s incredible agricultural terraces, most of which predate the Incas, can best be appreciated from the Mirador de Ocolle, overlooking an “amphitheater” formed by terracing. One of the most beautiful Colca villages is the old town of Sibayo, with its beautiful church and houses constructed entirely of river stones. The Colca villages are fascinating for their history, traditional architecture (which in the case of Sibayo is unique), and representative temples. Each of the 15 churches is a world unto itself, with its own religious objective, art, iconography, and state of conservation. Every detail in mestizo (or colonial) barroque religious art is worthy of study, a microcosm that speaks to the cultures’ beliefs and simbiotic relationships between the Spanish settlers and indigenous peoples, expressed magnificently in symbols like guitar-playing mermaids carved into the portal of Yanque’s church. Easter Week in the Colca villages remains a well-kept secret. The ancient celebrations are full of mystery and ritual, not yet contaminated by outside and modern influences or tourism.

Embroidery workshops
Casa Andina arranges hands-on workshops by a cooperative in a local village; in addition, a local artisan is in attendance daily in the hotel’s fireplace lounge, embroidering the hats, sashes, belts and other items of local Colca dress.

Observatory & Planetarium
Casa Andina’s onsite, domed Planetarium features daily evening programs (“Colca: Deep Canyon, Deep Sky”), in both Spanish and English, focusing on the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere and Inca cosmology. Trained astronomy guides also instruct guests in observing the moon and stars, including the Southern Cross, in the vast Colca sky—virtually unpolluted by artificial light—with an enthusiast telescope.

La Calera Hot Springs
Just outside of Chivay are the relaxing and clean La Calera hot springs, large pools of natural hot springs waters that are perfect for recuperating after hiking or mountain biking.