Colca Lodge is located in the midst of ancestral farming terraces at 3,250 metres elevation in the Colca Valley and 3 hours from the city of Arequipa. The road to Colca passes through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a meseta (plateau) at 4,000 metres altitude. This is the habitat of the delicate vicuna,a wild member of the South American camelid family, which was rescued from extinction in the 1970s. The lodge also offers great opportunities for viewing the magnificent Andean Condor.
The rustic 45 bedroom lodge is built of traditional materials in keeping with the natural environment. There are three suites including the bridal suite with its own jacuzzi, as well as double, twin, triple and quadruple rooms. All rooms have heating, hot water (from solar power), mini bar and a terrace, but no TVs. Hot water bottles are put in the beds at night which are always very welcome on cold nights (especially in June!) There are 3 restaurants. The evening buffet is served in the main restaurant and specialises in 'Alpandina' cuisine, combining local Andean produce and alpine techniques, resulting in flavourful and well-balanced meals. Puye Restuarant has a more intimate atmosphere, while the barbecue by the river offers grilled trout and meat. Additional facilities include 2 bars, a library, a living room with a large fireplace and a games room. A particular attraction are 3 private thermal baths which are fed by volcanic hot springs - a perfect place to relax under a star-filled sky after a day of exploring the Colca Valley! The water of the hot springs is rch in lithium, an element that promotes relaxation.
The Eco-spa at Colca Lodge has been carefully designed to offer a unique sensation of wellbeing, comfort and total relaxation in natural surroundings on the banks of the Colca River. Treatments offered here include massage and facials. There is a steam room and a jacuzzi, which use natural geothermal energy.
Most people who visit Colca Lodge will be accompanied by their own guide and driver and will explore traditional Colca villages and visit the Cruz del Condor. For those with some free time the lodge offers activities (for an additional charge) including horse riding, cycling, trekking and an exhibition of alpacas. There are also a number of interesting walks in the area surrounding the lodge, including trails to the Uyo Uyo ruins and the ‘Amphitheatre' where the pre-Incas used to prepare the finest seeds to be stored at the ‘Colcas.'
