On April 1, the Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca (Enchanted Village of Colca), a brand new resort and spa opened in Peru’s Colca Valley on the on the banks of the Colca River, a destination rich in Andean legends, colonial traditions and most notably the ‘Cruz del Condor’ or Valley of the Condors. Built at an investment of more than US$3.5 million, the property is designed to complement the natural beauty of its surroundings, with a clean, modern aesthetic. Each of the 41 guest accommodations offer views of the surrounding majestic Andes Mountains and feature solar-powered heat and hot water.
Truly enchanting, the resort’s stunning grounds are abundant with lush gardens and are a habitat for hummingbirds, which can be seen throughout the property. It features two natural cascading waterfalls, one of which is accessible for guests to enjoy an al fresco shower, as well as a lake stocked with trout that provides water views for the restaurant and patio.
In addition to verdant greenery, trees and blossoming flora, there is a small organic farm that provides the kitchen with fresh quinoa, beans, corn and more. As a nod to its colonial plantation past, a water-powered grain mill that greets guests at the resort’s entrance has been completely restored and is still used to grind grain and make flour for the kitchen. And at night, the property is transformed into a natural planetarium with a blanket of stars overhead, and a light show of shooting stars across the sky.
“We are thrilled to introduce a new level of quality and service to the Colca canyon, one of the most tranquil destinations in Peru,” said Gabriel Alavarez, Deputy General Manager of Aranwa Hotels Resorts & Spas. “
“The resort’s location offers spectacular mountain and river views and, with a low profile design, guests will feel as though they are staying a Peruvian village.”
Thought to be the world’s deepest canyon at twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, portions of the Colca Canyon are uniquely habitable, with pre-Colombian terraced fields still supporting agriculture and human life today. In addition to the awesome physical splendor, visitors come to see the unforgettable sight of the gracefully soaring Andean condors at Cruz del Condor.
For guests looking to explore the region, Pueblito Encantado del Colca is ideally situated from a few rather indigionous experiences. Located just ten minutes from the town of Chivay with its vibrant market, it is a gateway to ancient Andean traditions, mysticism, and religious festivals that few have seen up close. Also nearby is the famous La Calera hot springs. Those feeling more adventurous can explore Arequipa; located three hours away at an altitude of 7,661 feet Arequipa is referred to as the “White City”, as it is almost completely built of white volcanic stone and is Peru’s second largest city.
About Aranwa Hotel Resorts & Spas: A growing Lima-based hotel group, Aranwa offers luxury accommodations and service along with authentic immersion into Peruvian culture and the local destination. The group includes: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness (opened 2008), a resort located in the Urubamba Valley, Vichayito Bungalows & Tents, a resort in the North beaches of Peru (opened 2008), and Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel (opened 2010), housed in a restored 16th Casona, and Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa (opening November 2013). The company’s mission is not only to provide superb hospitality and promote guest wellness and health with state-of-the-art spa treatments, but also to seek harmony with the environment and appreciate and respect the local culture. Aranwa Hotels & Resorts is proud to be a member of Preferred Boutique Hotels, a global brand of independently owned luxury boutique hotels. For more information, please visit: www.aranwahotels.com .
