Chivay, Arequipa: What to See and How to Visit La Calera Hot Springs

Chivay is one of the best-known towns in the Colca Valley and one of the main gateways to the Andean landscapes of Arequipa. Surrounded by mountains, agricultural terraces, and traditional communities, it's a place where travelers can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the valley before continuing to the viewpoints of Colca Canyon.

One of its main attractions is La Calera Hot Springs, a complex of naturally heated pools located just a few kilometers from the town center. After traveling along high-altitude Andean roads and admiring the valley's landscapes, relaxing in these warm waters can be an especially enjoyable experience.

If you're wondering what to see in Chivay, Arequipa, how to get there, what to do nearby, and how to visit the hot springs, this guide provides practical recommendations for planning your stay.

You can also complement your trip with our complete Colca Canyon travel guide, where we introduce the region's main natural and cultural attractions.

Chivay is located in Caylloma Province, in the Arequipa region of southern Peru. Sitting approximately 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level, it is one of the most important towns in the Colca Valley because of its location and tourism services.

Many travelers arrive in Chivay as part of an excursion from Arequipa, since the town serves as a gateway to traditional villages, hot springs, and the canyon's viewpoints.

However, Chivay is more than just a place to stop along the way. Its main square, market, local cuisine, and Andean atmosphere offer an opportunity to discover everyday life in the valley's communities.

It's also a convenient place to spend the night before visiting Cruz del Cóndor. Staying in the area makes it easier to spread out travel time and avoid an excessively long day on the road from Arequipa.

At Dreamy Tours, we recommend making Chivay part of the experience, especially if you have two or three days to explore the Colca Valley.

The most common way to reach Chivay is by road from Arequipa. The journey generally takes approximately three to four hours, although travel time may vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and stops along the way.

The route passes through Yura and continues toward Patahuasi, crossing high-altitude Andean landscapes and sections of the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. During the journey, you may spot vicuñas and admire vast plains surrounded by volcanic mountains.

One of the highest points along the route is Patapampa, known as the Andes Viewpoint, located approximately 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) above sea level. From there, the road descends toward the Colca Valley until reaching Chivay.

You can travel by public transportation, private vehicle, or organized excursion. If you choose public transportation, we recommend checking departure and return schedules in advance, as services may vary.

For more detailed information about the route, read our guide on how to get to Colca Canyon from Arequipa.

One of the best ways to discover Chivay is by walking through the town center and taking time to observe everyday life. Unlike major urban destinations, much of its appeal lies in the local atmosphere, traditional buildings, and proximity to the valley's landscapes.

The main square, or Plaza de Armas, is a good place to begin. Around it, you'll find representative buildings and spaces where residents gather throughout the day.

You can also visit the local market, where regional products, food, and everyday goods used by the valley's communities are sold. It's an interesting place to discover ingredients used in Andean cuisine and experience local commercial activity.

Along the town's streets, you'll also find shops, small restaurants, and establishments offering services to visitors. If you have enough time, we recommend exploring the center at a relaxed pace while respecting the daily activities of local residents.

You can complement your visit with excursions to nearby villages such as Yanque, Maca, and Achoma, which are included in different Colca Valley sightseeing routes.

La Calera Hot Springs are among the most visited attractions near Chivay. Located approximately three kilometers from the town center, the complex features pools designed for visitors to enjoy naturally heated water.

The facilities use the area's thermal waters, which are channeled and conditioned for recreational use. Pool temperatures may vary depending on the specific area and operating conditions.

One of La Calera's greatest attractions is its setting. Surrounded by mountain landscapes, the pools provide an opportunity to relax after exploring the Colca Valley and spending several hours traveling through the region.

This experience is especially recommended for travelers spending a night in Chivay, as they have greater flexibility to enjoy the facilities.

Our 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour includes a visit to La Calera on the first day, after arriving in the valley.

To reach La Calera Hot Springs from Chivay, you'll need to travel toward the outskirts of town. The complex is approximately three kilometers from the center, so the journey is usually short by vehicle.

You can get there using local transportation available in Chivay, a private vehicle, or transfers included in an organized excursion. Before leaving, it's worth confirming return transportation options, especially if you plan to stay until the end of the visiting period.

Although some travelers prefer walking, it's important to consider the destination's altitude, road conditions, and the physical effort involved. If you've just arrived from Arequipa, traveling by vehicle may be more comfortable.

If you're joining a tour, check whether transportation to the pools is included in the program. A tour that includes a stop at La Calera doesn't necessarily include the entrance ticket.

For travelers who want to arrange a visit with accommodation and transportation, our 3-Day Colca Canyon Tour also includes a stop at the hot springs.

Before visiting La Calera, we recommend confirming current opening hours, admission fees, and access conditions. These details may change due to administrative decisions, facility maintenance, or operational circumstances.

It's also important to check which pools are open during your visit. Avoid planning your trip based solely on schedules or prices published on older websites.

To enjoy the facilities, bring swimwear, sandals, a towel, and a change of dry clothes. Keep valuables secure and follow the instructions provided by the complex's staff.

If you're not accustomed to hot water pools, start with short sessions and avoid spending too long in pools with high temperatures. Leave the water if you feel dizzy, weak, or unwell.

Remember that hot springs are a recreational experience. They shouldn't be considered a medical treatment or a cure for illnesses.

Although La Calera is one of the main attractions, Chivay offers other experiences that allow visitors to discover the Colca Valley from a different perspective.

You can walk around town, visit the market, try traditional dishes, and enjoy the surrounding landscape. Chivay is also a starting point for exploring natural viewpoints, agricultural terraces, and nearby communities.

Some activities worth considering include:

• Exploring the Plaza de Armas and the streets of the town center.
• Visiting the market and sampling local products.
• Enjoying the valley's traditional cuisine.
• Relaxing at La Calera Hot Springs.
• Exploring nearby villages such as Yanque and Maca.
• Organizing an excursion to Colca Canyon's viewpoints.

You don't need to fit all these experiences into a single day. If you prefer a relaxed journey, you can spread them throughout your stay and leave time for rest.

For more attractions in the region, you can also explore our guide to tourist attractions in Arequipa.

Chivay is one of the main bases for visiting Cruz del Cóndor, one of the most famous viewpoints in Colca Canyon. From here, visitors can admire the canyon walls and, when natural conditions are favorable, watch Andean condors soaring overhead.

Although both destinations belong to the same tourist circuit, Cruz del Cóndor isn't located within Chivay. Reaching the viewpoint requires continuing by road through the valley, passing traditional villages and agricultural areas.

Excursions that include an overnight stay in Chivay usually schedule the viewpoint visit for the following morning. This arrangement avoids having to travel all the way from Arequipa before reaching the main condor observation area.

For recommendations on watching these birds, read our article Cruz del Cóndor: How to Visit and the Best Time to See Condors.

You can also learn more about this species in our guide to the Andean condor in Peru.

Chivay offers different types of accommodation, ranging from simple establishments to hotels designed for travelers seeking comfort and relaxation in the valley.

When choosing where to stay, we recommend considering location, access to the town center, available services, and how easily you can continue toward Cruz del Cóndor the following day.

If your main goal is to visit the hot springs and rest before exploring the valley, one night may be enough. However, if you'd like to discover nearby villages, spend more time enjoying the local cuisine, and make use of your accommodation's facilities, you may want to stay longer.

If you're looking for an experience with two nights in the region, consider our 3-Day Colca Canyon Tour, which allows you to enjoy the activities without rushing.

Food is another good reason to spend time in Chivay. Local restaurants and dining establishments offer Andean dishes prepared with regional ingredients such as potatoes, quinoa, corn, and other products grown in the valley.

Among the options you may find are traditional soups, dishes made with local ingredients, and hearty meals that are especially enjoyable during cold days at high altitude.

The atmosphere of local markets and small restaurants offers a glimpse into everyday life in the destination. We recommend choosing establishments with good hygiene standards and checking dish availability, as menus may change.

If you're taking an organized excursion, confirm whether lunch or dinner is included. On several Colca Canyon itineraries, certain meals are paid for separately.

You can also take advantage of your stay in the region to discover the White City's cuisine. Our guide to 20 must-see places and things to do in Arequipa features cultural and culinary experiences that you can combine with your visit to the valley.

Chivay is located approximately 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level, a considerable altitude for travelers arriving from Lima or other cities near sea level.

The road from Arequipa also crosses higher areas, including Patapampa, located at approximately 4,800 meters (15,748 feet). For this reason, altitude is an important consideration even if your trip doesn't include demanding hikes.

We recommend getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous physical activity when arriving at high elevations. If you experience significant or persistent altitude-related symptoms, stop the activity and seek medical attention.

Weather conditions can vary considerably between day and night. Temperatures may drop during the early morning and after sunset, so bringing warm clothing is advisable.

Between April and November, conditions are generally drier, while the likelihood of rain increases from December to March. During any season, we recommend carrying sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and a warm jacket.

Choosing between two and three days depends on how much time you want to spend in the Colca Valley and your preferred travel pace.

Our 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa allows you to arrive in Chivay on the first day, visit La Calera Hot Springs, and spend a night in the area. The following day, the journey continues to Cruz del Cóndor and other villages in the valley before returning to Arequipa.

Meanwhile, our 3-Day Colca Canyon Tour offers a second overnight stay and more free time to enjoy the region. It's an appealing choice for travelers who don't want to fit every activity into a tightly scheduled itinerary.

If you're still deciding how much time you need, we recommend reading our comparison of Colca Canyon in 1 or 2 Days: Which Option Should You Choose?, where we explain the main differences between both options.

At Dreamy Tours, we believe Chivay deserves more than a quick stop. Its natural surroundings, hot springs, and proximity to Colca Canyon's main attractions offer a more complete experience when your itinerary includes at least one overnight stay.

If you're planning a trip through southern Peru, you can also explore the White City first with our Arequipa in One Day guide before continuing to the valley.

Discover our Arequipa and Colca Canyon tours, compare the available experiences, and choose the itinerary that best matches your schedule and travel style.