Colca Canyon

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Colca Canyon is in Peru's Southern Sierra (Peru) | Southern Sierra region, near Arequipa.

Colca Canyon Halal Travel Guide

Cañon del Colca - Peru 01 (3786242172) - Landscape

The Colca Canyon in southern Peru's Arequipa region is an area of astounding scenic beauty, and one of Peru's top tourist destinations. It is best known as one of the world's deepest canyons, reaching a depth of 4,160 m (13,640 ft), whose depth can most easily be appreciated from the Cruz del Condor, a viewpoint where Andean Condors can be seen most days throughout the year. It also offers a vibrant indigenous culture, high-quality handicrafts, and a range of activities from adventure sports to mystical tourism and tourist home-stays. The valley also features an incredible amount of Inca and pre-Inca agricultural terraces and the irrigation systems necessary to operate them.

Chivay is the hub of the valley, 160 kilometers from the regional capital, Arequipa, and most visitors will want to take advantage of the La Calera thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) 3 kilometers outside of town. Between Arequipa and Chivay, visitors will enjoy passing through a range of unique ecological zones, from desert to altiplano to dry tundra.Animals spotted en route or in the valley include herds of vicuñas (a wild relative of llamas and alpacas) and a variety of birds, of particular interest the giant hummingbird, eagles, Andean geese, flamingos (September through March), and of course the mighty Andean Condor, which can be spotted at Cruz del Condor.

A journey to the Colca Valley takes about 3½ hours via public bus, across the high Andean plateau, reaching a high point of 4800 meters (15,800 ft) — so take care with altitude and cold — at the "Mirador de los Volcanes," which offers fine views of several volcanoes that soar to more than 6,000 m (20,600 ft).

Tourists generally arrive in Chivay, a nice and very friendly town at the beginning of the canyon, with plenty of hotels and hostels, and restaurants--as well as La Calera thermal spas (Muslim Friendly). Chivay is a good place to look for high-quality, locally-produced crafts, in particular goods hand-knitted from 100% alpaca fiber, and elaborately embroidered goods produced by hand on sewing machines (hats, coin purses, belts, etc.) Such crafts are also available in some of the miradors (scenic overlooks) along the highway, and in surrounding towns, but do not be confused by cheaper, industrially-produced knock-offs.

Other towns in the valley offer a range of cultural, adventure sports, archaeological, and other activities. Between Callalli, at the high end of the Colca valley, and Tapay, in the depths of the Colca canyon, you'll find a range of lodgings and activities, as well as microclimates that vary with altitude. In the cold, dry, highlands, livestock production predominates, focused on alpaca and llamas; in the middle zone, agriculture is more important, featuring products such as corn, quinoa, barley, beans, and a variety of potatoes, as well as dairy production; in the canyon, due to the warmer climate, fruit production is feasible, including avocados, lucuma, peaches, and apples.

History

The Colca valley was first populated by hunters and gatherers, probably about 6,000 years ago. Cave art at Mollepunku, near Callalli, is thought to represent the domestication of the alpaca at about that time. There is little evidence of continual habitation until two cultures arrived at about the same time, about a thousand years ago: the Cabanas, Quechua-speaking descendants of the Wari culture, and the Collaguas, Aymara-speakers from the Puno/Lake Titicaca region. They constructed vast expanses of agricultural terraces in the valley, creating irrigation systems to water their crops.

The region takes its name from the qolqas (colcas) that are found throughout the valley, mud and stone granaries built into cliffs or caves where the dry, cool climate makes for an ideal "refrigerated" storage for crops or seeds. (These can be seen at various places throughout the valley, but most easily at the "Puente Sifon" in Yanque.)

In the late 14th century and the Inca arrived, taking the Colca valley into their empire through intermarriage. They helped to perfect the construction of irrigation channels and terraces, and their influence is visible, too, in the stonework of some of the archeological sites.

With the Spanish conquest in the 16th century came the "Toledan reductions," in which the local governor demanded that the population be concentrated in a few major towns throughout the valley, instead of dispersed in their small settlements. This was the origin of most of the towns that are found today. The churches in each town were predominantly constructed between the 16th and 19th centuries.

The Colca first became known to the outside world after the 1981 Canoandes rafting expedition, in which a group of Polish adventurers made the first successful descent of the canyon, and first publicized the possibility of its being the deepest in the world. The construction of Project Majes, a 100-km canal that takes water from the Colca river to irrigate the Majes region, brought hundreds of workers to the area in the 1980s, and a 1991 article in National Geographic magazine all combined to kick off a tourism boom that began in the early 1990s, and hasn't stopped growing yet.

Landscape=== Volcanic.

Flora and fauna

Cañón del Colca - Detalle - Alpacas

The canyon is home to the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), a species that has been the focus of worldwide conservation efforts. The condors can be seen at close range as they fly past the canyon walls, and are a popular attraction. The Andean Condor typically lives about 60-70 years, and has a wingspan of 2.1-2.7 m (7-9) feet. It is commonly referred to as the "Eternity Bird," as the bird is a symbol of long life and eternity. 'Cruz del Condor' is a popular tourist stop to view the condors. At this point the canyon floor is 3,960 feet (1,200 m) below the rim of the canyon.

Other notable bird species present in the Colca include the giant hummingbird and the largest member of the hummingbird family, as well as the Andean goose, Chilean flamingo, and mountain caracara. Animals include vizcacha, a rabbit-sized relative of the chinchilla, zorrino, deer, fox, and vicuña and the wild ancestor of the alpaca.

Climate

The climate is generally cool and dry. The Andean Summer (November through March) is reliably dry, with sunny days and clear, cold nights. Be prepared for temperatures below freezing, particularly in June, July, and August. The rainy season begins, usually, in December, and lasts through April, with February being the wettest month. Temperatures remain cool, with rain or rain showers most days. The valley is at its most beautiful in April and May, when the fields are green and the mountains snow-capped.

Fees and permits for Colca Canyon

Visitors are required to purchase the Boleto Turistico (Tourist Ticket) for S/70, administered by Autocolca and the regional tourism authority. The Boleto Turistico provides access to the tourist circuit of the Colca, which includes the entire region, both below Chivay (Cruz del Condor, Colca canyon) and above it (Tuti, Sibay, Callalli). The money collected goes for tourism promotion and infrastructure, and development of community-based tourism.

What to See

• Malata Museo (apparently closed, as of April 2014) is a small yet interesting insight into village life in the Canyon. S/1 or so. Worth the 15 minutes presentation by the keen Vanessa, in English, Spanish or Quechua.
• Yanque Museo: Located by Yanque`s plaza de armas, this small museum run by the Catholic university of Santa Maria, offers an interesting insight to the valley's historical and cultural legacy. Entrance: S/5 (students S/2.5).

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Colca Canyon

Pérou.- le Canyon de Colca (4) - Admiring the views

• Colca Canyon Tour: the Colca Valley is an area of astounding scenic beauty, with giant Andean terraces and a deep canyon that reach a depth of 3140 metres. A journey to the Colca valley will take you throughout high Andean plateau, reaching at one point a high pass of 4800 metres, which offers fine views of the volcanoes. Along the way visitors can enjoy unique natural sceneries, as well as animal life; such as herds of vicuñas (a wild relative of llamas and alpacas) and various types of birds, of which stand out the giant hummingbird, eagles, gooses and the mighty andean condor. If you like adventure tours and they canyon also offers wonderful treks down to its button, descending throughout huge mountains, exploring oasis-like valleys and thermal springs, and camping outdoors.
• Independent trekking: The tours run from Arequipa cost about S/140 for 2 nights, not including the entrance fee (S/70) and have a restricted route. It is feasible to do this on your own, staying in hospedajes in the canyon and in Cabanaconde (the gateway town for the canyon). Suggested itinerary: get bus to Cabanaconde from Arequipa (5 hours, S/17). Stay the night in Cabanaconde. Next morning take the 06:30 truck to Cruz Del Condor (S/4), watch condors. Get the 09:30 bus back to Cabanaconde (S/1-2). Next, walk down the canyon to the Oasis de Sangalle and eat lunch and swim in one of the 5 pools there. At 16:00 or so walk up to either Malata or Cosñirhua and stay and eat at the Museo or Marizio's respectively. Next morning walk to Llahuar and stay there and sit in the thermal spas (Muslim Friendly). Next morning get out at 06:00 and walk to Cabanconde to take the 11:15 bus back to Arequipa (or walk to Solo and take the 06:00 truck and then the 09:00 bus from Cabanaconde to Arequipa). No guide required. The only bit you might get lost on is finding the right path to Llahuar from the thatch rest area (it's straight down), and the last day route to Cabanaconde after the bridge (it's a small path near a big rock - ask!).

Halal Restaurants

Please be informed that on some destination such as Colca Canyon we had no local Muslim/a that has researched some of the area. If you are a Muslim/a and have been to Colca Canyon or would like to maintain the eHalal Guide to Colca Canyon, please contact us at guides@ehalal.io or email us your updates.

Food is more expensive than in town. You will have to budget around S/8 per meal in the canyon and around S/3.5 at the rim such as in Cabanaconde or Chivay.

good drinks by the lomo dam sation

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Colca Canyon, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Colca Canyon. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Colca Canyon and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Colca Canyon. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Colca Canyon. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Colca Canyon: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Colca Canyon.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Colca Canyon: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Colca Canyon, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Colca Canyon.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Colca Canyon, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Colca Canyon, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Colca Canyon and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Colca Canyon, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Colca Canyon, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Colca Canyon without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Colca Canyon is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Colca Canyon.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Colca Canyon is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Colca Canyon, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Colca Canyon Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Colca Canyon

eHalal Group Colca Canyon is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Colca Canyon. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Colca Canyon.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Colca Canyon ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Colca Canyon. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Colca Canyon, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Colca Canyon are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Colca Valley 2007 36 - Lodging

In the Colca Canyon there is an abundance of affordable hospedajes in Chivay, Cabanaconde and at the bottom of the canyon, such as in San Galle, Malata, Cosñirhua or in San Juan de Cuccho. Price range around S/8 per day and person.

• One of the more luxurious lodging options is Las Casitas del Colca, an all inclusive luxury hotel by the Orient-Express group. Deep in the heart of the Colca Canyon and the hotel boasts twenty individual casitas featuring private heated plunge pools and private terraces with fantastic views of the canyon. Facilities include a luxurious spa, fine dining restaurant, cocktail bar, swimming pool, a vegetable garden which supplies the restaurant kitchen and a small farm home to horses, cows, llamas and baby Alpacas. The hotel can also arrange a variety of activities for guests on or off site, including horse riding, cookery courses, trout fishing, treks, star gazing, local volunteer work and trips to see the famous Andean Condors, all of which are included in the stay price.

• Refugio del Colca - Located on the road to Yanque and is five minutes from Chivay, capital of the province of Caylloma. To get there, take a vehicle from Chivay to El Refugio. You can take the cars to go to Yanque and stay in el Refugio. is the perfect hideaway for your holidays in the Colca Valley, located along the Colca River in a historical and cultural setting; the perfect combination of nature, culture and comfort.

• The Colca Lodge is a great place to stay in the Colca Canyon area. The lodge sits near the bottom of the canyon near the Uyo Uyo ruins. You can walk to the ruins from the hotel. They also have their own thermal baths with a small bar nearby so you can sit in the thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) and order a drink while watching the river flow by. The lodge itself is nicely done with thatched roofs and beautiful grounds. The location is very peaceful and the food is magnificent.

• Tradicion Colca Lodge On the Chivay-Cabanaconde road - Yanque village - Prov. Caylloma - Arequipa ☎ +51 54424926 US$57 double Charming French-run hotel specialized in adventures and horseback rides in the valley villages and in the Canyon as well. The three star hotel has sauna, jacuzzi and massages. A complete spa center. Includes an equitation center and a small astronomic observatory with a 54mm telescope. Tasty food.

• Julia Ocsa Family House Canocota ☎ +51 958711159 Julia Ocsa house is a family run host includying activities with local residents.

Cabanaconde

• Pachamama hostel - Calle San Pedro, Cabanaconde -15.6221558, -71.9787188 two blocks away from Plaza De Armas direction Chivay ☎ +51-054-767277 S/40 for double with shared bathroom Run by a Peruvian with great English, that has years of experience as a tour guide in the canyon. Rooms are basic and affordable, but the restaurant at night is a lively place with a great fire-oven Pizzas and a rich alcohol café. The website includes some feasible itineraries in the canyon, more tips available when you will ask.

Inside the canyon

• Llanhuar Lodge -15.5815291, -72.0090115 S/40 for double with shared bathroom, S/20 for a basic dorm bed A great place to stay is in the canyon at a place called Llahuar lodge. They have thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) right next to the river, you can jump in to cool of and climb back into the hot pool. Come around 3pm to still enjoy the sun and a great view. In the evening they serve Vegetarian menu for S/10. The best trip is a 4 day hike from Cabanaconde to Llanhuar Lodge then to the remote an sweet village of Fure to visit the waterfall then back via the Sangalle area (Oasis).

• Paraiso Lodge Oasis de Sangalle -15.595727, -71.9770917 S/30 for double with shared bathroom - Nice lodge in Oasis de Sangalle with a swimming pool, volleyball field and hammocks. Small restaurant on site, with set menu for dinner for S/15.

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