Chivay is the service hub for the tourist destination Valle y Cañón del Colca and a starting point for exploring the Colca Valley. From here, you can join an organized tour or hire a taxi if you prefer more flexibility. When planning your trip and accommodation, it helps to distinguish between destinations in the town center and those nearby.

Colonial History in the Townscape

Chivay was founded by the Spanish during the viceroyalty of Toledo; its founding is dated approximately to the 16th century. Since colonial times, the town has been a commercial and transport hub, particularly in connection with the mines of Caylloma and Madrigal. The townscape combines colonial architecture with Andean traditions. These include central squares, orderly streets, and house facades with traditional elements.

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

The Templo Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Chivay is a colonial church and part of the tourist route through the Colca Valley. The present-day structure dates from the second half of the 18th century. The church preserves a carved, gilded Baroque altarpiece with Cusco influence, a Renaissance tabernacle, and an 18th-century pulpit. The building’s history and its furnishings can be considered separately: the dating of the present-day building sits alongside furnishings associated with other styles or periods.

Plaza Principal as a Meeting Place and Point of Reference

Plaza Principal lies in the heart of Chivay and serves as a meeting place for residents and visitors. Its features include decorative night lighting and stone columns with local iconography, topped by a condor statue. The square also displays a tourist map of the Colca Valley and Colca Canyon. It connects the central square with an overview of the valley and canyon. Several aspects of Chivay come together in one place: a meeting point in the town center, the design of the plaza, and a view of the tourist region.

Dances and the December Festival

Traditional dances of Chivay include Wititi, Negritos de Chivay, and Turku Tusuy. Wititi is recognized as Cultural Heritage of the Nation and is also part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción is celebrated from December 7 to 12 and is associated with December 8; Wititi competitions are part of the festivities. Dance and festival are thus central to a specific seasonal occasion, while the other dances mentioned add to Chivay’s cultural character. If you would like to plan your trip around the Fiesta, check the dates for the relevant year in advance.

A Nearby Destination: Baños Termales La Calera

The Complejo Turístico Baños Termales La Calera is 3 km from Chivay. The complex includes a small ethnological museum with archaeological finds from the Colca Valley and traditional clothing from the Colca. From Baños Termales La Calera, you can see parts of the terraced landscape and the Río Colca. This information distinguishes the surrounding area from the town center: the church and plaza are in Chivay, while the museum and viewpoint are part of the complex 3 km away.

For the overall travel overview: Chivay.