It offers a different astonishing panorama on one of the deepest canyons in Peru
The Colca Valley, located in the province of Caylloma in Arequipa, has little-explored natural tourist resources, and the Autonomous Authority of Colca (Autocolca) is putting them into value in order to offer visitors new tourist options to enjoy their stay in the area.
The Achachihua viewpoint is one of those little-known places, but it has much to offer tourists, who, upon arriving, are amazed by the astonishing panorama of the other side of the Colca Canyon.
It is worth noting that the most well-known view of the Colca Canyon is the one seen from the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, a mandatory stop for tourists visiting Colca.
Inter-Andean valleys
From Achachihua, you can also see the inter-Andean valleys of Sangalle, Cinillo, and Chuwirca; areas of green vegetation that make a pleasant impression on visitors.
The valleys of Tapay and San Juan de Chuccho are other views offered by the Achachihua viewpoint, and tourists never fail to photograph them.
Flight of condors
Tourists arriving at the location can also observe the flight of condors, because on this side of the Colca Canyon there are also cliffs and small caves where these Andean birds nest. If they are lucky, they may even see them teaching their chicks to fly.
The natural beauty observed from the viewpoint is impressive, worthy of admiration by visitors, who, although few for now, it is expected to increase their number progressively, due to everything the area has to offer.
Location
The Achachihua viewpoint is located 15 minutes by car from the town of Cabanaconde. Tourists can also reach the location on foot, which would take several minutes longer.
Autocolca has signposted the path to the viewpoint and placed informational panels to guide both national and foreign tourists.
Tourists must reach Cabanaconde and then head toward the Achachihua viewpoint. The path is signposted, but if they take the route with a tour guide, they will not only feel safer, but will also receive more information about the area.
Extending the stay
Solange Málaga Cáceres, manager of Autocolca, stated that they are working to offer more tourist products in Cabanaconde and to ensure that visitors stay more days in the area.
“Achachihua is an alternative for tourists, the view the viewpoint offers is impressive. We are looking to boost the local economy by offering more tourist options,” said Málaga Cáceres.
She explained that the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint is within the jurisdiction of the district of Cabanaconde, but tourists only go to that place and then return to Chivay; they do not reach the town of Cabanaconde.
Autocolca’s objective is to offer more tourist options to visitors, in order to extend their stay in Colca and not just for a full-day trip, as currently happens, the Autocolca manager explained.
The Achachihua viewpoint was inaugurated in April, but Autocolca has only recently begun its tourism promotion.
Other attractions
Solange Málaga stated that Cabanaconde has other tourist attractions that will be improved such as the archaeological center of Calimarca and the Antesana viewpoint, from where you can observe the maize fields (the flagship product of the area is cabanita corn) and the pre-Inca terracing.
The intervention of both locations will take place in about two months, so that more tourists visit Cabanaconde and enjoy its natural and architectural beauty.
In other areas of the Colca Valley, Autocolca plans to turn tourist resources into new tourist options for visitors arriving at the location.