Las Casitas del Colca sits on the left bank of the Rio Colca, 8 km from Chivay, in an Andean valley surrounded by pre-Incan terraced fields and traditional villages. The lodge comprises 20 individual casitas scattered across an estate that includes a vegetable garden, a small Andean farm, and a spa named Samay ("rest" in Quechua).

Why stay here

Colca Canyon ranks among Peru's major southern attractions, particularly for condor-watching and immersion in Collagua and Cabana village culture. Las Casitas del Colca offers a rare formula: luxury accommodation that remains rooted in the valley's agricultural life. The vegetable garden supplies much of the restaurant's produce, the farm houses emblematic Andean wildlife (llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, guanacos), and the spa draws on local pharmacopoeia (coca leaves, medicinal herbs, Peruvian clay).

It serves as a comfortable base for exploring the valley without sacrificing rest after high-altitude days—Chivay sits at 3,600 meters elevation.

Atmosphere

The casitas are built with local materials: brick walls, timber roofs and artisanal tiles, Laja stone floors. The architectural approach echoes Andean hamlet design, with low-slung volumes scattered across the grounds rather than a central building. At night, soft lighting and the altitude provide a particularly star-filled sky, viewable from the bathtub in the bathroom beneath a glass ceiling.

The casitas

The lodge features 20 casitas divided into three categories:

• Presidential casita (197–212 m²): the largest, with separate lounge, bar, butler service and six-person hot tub.
• 16 valley-view casitas (120 m²): sweeping panoramas over the canyon.
• 3 garden-view casitas (120 m²): quieter exposure, facing the gardens.

Each casita features a private terrace, heated plunge pool, underfloor heating, lounge area with fireplace and king-size bed. Marble bathrooms include double shower (indoor and outdoor) and a bathtub beneath a glass ceiling. Full amenities: minibar, safe, Wi-Fi, iPod dock, luxury robes and toiletries.

Dining, spa and services

The restaurant showcases contemporary Peruvian cuisine: trout ceviche (raised in estate ponds), roasted guinea pig, quinoa pasta, and reimagined international dishes like ostrich carpaccio. Guests can visit the vegetable garden to hand-select ingredients for their evening meal. The bar offers Peruvian wines and local cocktails.

The Samay spa includes a treatment room with bathtub, a double room, two single rooms, sauna, hot tub, private patios and relaxation lounge. Treatments use regional products: heated basalt stones, Peruvian clay, coca leaves, Andean coffee and medicinal herbs.

The estate also encompasses a vegetable garden (5 natural greenhouses, flower beds, prickly pear orchard) and a small farm with 3 trout ponds, horses, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, guanacos, chickens, cattle, guinea pigs and rabbits. Culturally, the lodge offers weaving demonstrations, Peruvian cooking classes and Andean ceremonies.

Location and access

The lodge sits 8 km from Chivay, the main town in Colca Valley, and approximately 160 km north of Arequipa. Allow nearly 3 hours of driving from Arequipa, with a gradual climb through the high plateaus. The arrival airport is Rodriguez-Ballón in Arequipa; the lodge arranges private transfers on request. Nearby: Yanquee Museum, Uyu Uyu archaeological site, pre-Incan ruins of San Antonio and the colonial church of Coporaque.

When to visit

The dry season from April to November remains most favorable for Colca Canyon: clear skies, passable trails and optimal conditions for spotting condors from Cruz del Cóndor mid-morning. Nights stay cool year-round at this elevation, making the casitas' underfloor heating and fireplaces invaluable. The rainy season (December–March) greens the landscape but may hamper certain excursions.

Combine with your itinerary

Las Casitas del Colca fits logically into a circuit linking Arequipa, the canyon and Lake Titicaca. To extend your nature and altitude experience:

• La Hosteria in Arequipa, an urban stop before ascending to the canyon.
• Suasi Island Lodge, on Titicaca, for consistent high-plateau exploration.
• Sanctuary Lodge Machu Picchu to conclude your journey near Cusco.

Discover our Peru trips and integrate Las Casitas del Colca into your bespoke itinerary.