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If it looks like a village, then it “worked.” The full name of Peru’s latest fab resort-spa is “Pueblito Encantado de Colca” — the Enchanted Village of Colca.
Only the Himalayas outdo the Andes in terms of height, but in terms of diversity, the Andes are hard to beat: you can go from a subpolar desert at the top of one peak to a tropical rainforest in the valley below. It was in this wild geography that the Inca, Moche, and Tiwanaku Empires thrived, and where their spirit lives on to this day.
“Colca” refers to the majestic Colca Canyon, and you “Jeopardy” buffs will know that this cleft in the Earth is widely regarded as the deepest on the planet. About an hour by air from modern Peruvian capital of Lima and 30 minutes from the ancient one at Cusco, it was this awesome setting that Aranwa, one of South America’s go-to guys for luxury, built the Pueblito Encantado. The property is designed to complement the natural beauty of its surroundings, and is the very image of an Andean village (if Andean villages held a max of 41 guests), but with a few oh-so modern twists, like the solar-powered heat and hot water. Being “eco” was a founding idea: in addition to verdant greenery and hummingbirds buzzing the air, there is a small organic farm that provides the kitchen with fresh quinoa, beans, corn and several other Peruvian delicacies. In a nod to a colonial plantation past, the water-powered grain mill that greets guests at the resort’s entrance is used to grind grain and make flour for the kitchen.
“Rustic” is the rule, but that’s doesn’t mean “roughing it” is. While it would be serious stretch to say the Colca Vallye is party-central, it is very much a prime destination to discover that there is more to life than a party. In addition to the fully stocked spa, the world-famous La Calera geothermal spring is a stone’s throw away. In other words, this is a chance to see how the Peruvians kick back and take in the scenery. The views are spectacular, the food top notch, and the friendliness comes at you by the truckload.
Also nearby is Peru’s second city of Arequipa, located three hours away at an altitude of 7,661 feet (be prepared for some breathless moments as your body adjusts to the altitude). Arequipa is referred to as the “White City,” as it is almost completely built of white volcanic stone.
Keep in mind the Pueblito Encantado de Colca is not a gay destination per se, just a really, really good one. For more information, go to www.aranwahotels.com/colca.php. Steele Luxury Travel has fantastic airfare deals to Peru. E-mail [email protected] or call 646-688-2274 fir the best pricing!