Killawasi Lodge: an adobe lodge in the Yanque valley

Killawasi Lodge is located in Yanque, a small village in the Colca valley, approximately 7 km from Chivay. Built in adobe and stone, it comprises twelve individual bungalows scattered throughout a garden overlooking pre-Incan agricultural terraces and the peaks that frame the valley. The property emphasizes simplicity: local materials, craftsmanship from nearby communities, and a sufficiently isolated location to fully enjoy the Andean sky.

Why stay here

The Colca attracts visitors for its condors and landscapes, but most travelers rush through from Arequipa. Killawasi Lodge encourages the opposite: unpack for two nights, walk through villages, linger over dinner by the fireplace, and gaze upward after sunset. The absence of light pollution allows you to observe the Milky Way with the naked eye, without special equipment.

Another distinctive feature is the scale: twelve bungalows, no more. You avoid the group hotel feel, and the team can suggest hiking itineraries tailored to each guest's pace.

Atmosphere

The adobe buildings retain coolness during the day and warmth at night—two precious qualities at over 3,400 meters of altitude. The common room is organized around a central fireplace, with a bar and a small shop of local crafts (textiles, ceramics). In the evening, lighting remains soft, consistent with the idea of observing the sky: you hear mainly the wind in the eucalyptus trees and, occasionally, the bells of a herd returning home.

The rooms

The twelve rooms are housed in individual adobe and stone bungalows. Each offers:

• a private bathroom with hot water;
• heating, essential at night during the dry season;
• a private terrace facing the valley and cultivated terraces;
• decor in local craftsmanship (woven textiles, wooden furniture).

The approach is artisanal rather than luxurious: spaces are comfortable, finishes are thoughtful, without aiming for an international hotel aesthetic.

Restaurant and services

The lodge's restaurant offers a menu rooted in Andean cuisine, featuring regional produce: rocoto relleno (stuffed pepper, a specialty of Arequipa), grilled trout from Colca's rivers, quinoa with vegetables from the garden. The common room with fireplace and bar serves as a gathering point at day's end, and the craft shop supports the workshops of neighboring villages directly.

Location and access

The lodge is situated in the Yanque valley, approximately 7 km from Chivay, the main hub for Colca. From Arequipa, expect about 160 km of road, roughly half a day's travel, crossing Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Park: high plateau, lagoons, vicuñas, and the Patapampa pass at over 4,800 meters. Transfer can be arranged by private vehicle or bus to Chivay, then local taxi to Yanque.

When to visit

The dry season, April to November, remains the most favorable period: clear skies for observing condors in the morning at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint (about forty kilometers away) and starry nights at the lodge. Nights are cold, sometimes near freezing from June to August—hence the value of heating. From December to March, the rainy season greens the terraces but can complicate hikes and cloud the sky.

In the surroundings

• Cruz del Condor Viewpoint (~40 km): observation of Andean condors early in the morning.
• La Calera hot springs: mineral thermal waters about 15 minutes by car, near Chivay.
• Colca villages: Yanque, Maca, and Cabanaconde, with their colonial churches and markets.
• Hikes through pre-Incan terraces and to viewpoints overlooking the canyon.

Planning the rest of your journey

Killawasi Lodge fits naturally into an itinerary connecting Arequipa, the Colca, then Cuzco and Machu Picchu. To plan this journey, consult our Yanque guide and our suggestions for trips to Pérou.