Posada Gloria Colca Hotel occupies a unique position in the Colca Valley: situated in the village of Tapay, on the north side of the canyon, it is accessible only on foot. To reach it, you descend 3 to 4 hours of trail from Cabanaconde, a starting point reached by car or bus from Arequipa. This approach walk is part of the experience: it filters visitors and ensures tranquility once you arrive.

Why stay here

Posada Gloria welcomes travelers who hike through the canyon and seek a simple stop run by local hosts. Gloria and her husband Victor welcome guests personally, speak Spanish, English, and French, and know the trails like the back of their hand. The village's isolation, the décor featuring traditional materials, and the opportunity to dine overlooking the garden set the tone immediately: you come here to disconnect, not to tick off tourist boxes.

Atmosphere

Tapay is home to only a few dozen inhabitants. No roads, no shops, no traffic. The house is organized around a patio and garden onto which the rooms open. Gloria and Victor run the establishment as a guesthouse: they take time to explain hiking routes, warn of trail conditions, and adapt breakfast to each guest's needs. In the evening, the common space brings together hikers who share stories of their daily stages.

The rooms

Several configurations are offered: single, double, and triple rooms, some with mountain views. The décor uses traditional local materials—wood, Andean textiles, stone—in keeping with the village's dwellings. Each room includes:

• A private patio overlooking the garden
• A wardrobe or closet and clothes drying rack
• A dining area
• Toiletries

The bathroom may be shared or private depending on the room type chosen, with hot water in all cases—a real comfort at this altitude and in such isolation.

Services and dining

Reception operates 24/7. Wi-Fi is available despite the remoteness, which remains rare enough in the canyon to be worth noting. Laundry service is offered on request, useful between hiking days.

Breakfast is ordered à la carte, in continental or American style. A few examples: banana-chocolate crêpe, egg-avocado, tea or coffee. Vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free diets are accommodated on request—mention this when booking.

Location

Tapay sits on the north side of Colca Canyon, below San Miguel Viewpoint and within reach of the Condor's Cross, the classic observation point for Andean condors. Access is on foot only: 3 to 4 hours downhill from Cabanaconde, longer on the way up. Cabanaconde is reached by bus or car from Arequipa, allowing half a day for the journey.

When to visit

The dry season, from April to November, offers the best conditions for hiking in the canyon: passable trails, clear skies, reliable condor spotting in the morning. The rainy season (December to March) makes certain stretches slippery and can complicate access. May and June remain pleasant months, with vegetation still lush after the rains.

Nearby

Beyond San Miguel Viewpoint and the Condor's Cross, the valley holds several worthwhile stops. The thermal springs at Chivay and Yanque allow you to recover after hiking. Neighboring villages maintain traditional life, with occasional festivals and craft workshops depending on the season. If you extend your stay in the region, Las Casitas del Colca offers a more upscale approach on the Yanque side, while La Hosteria in Arequipa makes a logical stop before or after the canyon.

Planning the rest of your journey

Colca Canyon fits naturally into a broader Peruvian itinerary, between Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, and Cusco. To build your route, consult our Pérou travel ideas and other addresses such as Isla Suasi Hotel on Lake Titicaca or Villa Barranco in Lima.