UJ #8 - Arequipa

INTERVIEW
"IF, APART FROM THE
CONDOR VIEWPOINT,
WE CAN SHOW THEM
SOMETHING ABOUT
WHAT THEY CAN
FIND IN THE ZONE,
VISITORS WILL GO
BACK MUCH MORE
CONTENTED"
Below: Luxury relaxation.
All rooms have heating
provided by the naturally
hot spring water.
The new condor room. The condor is the main
thing people come to the Colca for. But the authorities
in the valley –despite having plenty of money–
have made no attempt to provide information on
this attraction. Tourists to the valley arrive at about
two o’clock in the afternoon and the following day
they go to the condor look-out and then go back to
Arequipa; but they return with no further information
about the condors, how they live, or indeed information
about any other species living in the zone.
“With this in mind, we decided to create an interpretation
centre to enrich visitors’ experiences, a place
where they can learn about emblematic species
such as the condor or alpaca or talk about the humming
birds of the Colca Valley... This is the home
of the largest humming bird in the world. We also
want to show off the native and medicinal plants
that grow here. If, apart from the condor viewpoint,
we can show them something about what they can
find in the zone, visitors will go back much more
contented. This is a place where young and old
alike can interact with nature, and can even choose
a plant and take it to the barbecue area and learn
what dishes can be made with it”.
“Our visitors are longing to learn, not just the adults
but the children as well. The idea is that children
from local schools should come to learn more about
their own environment, and thus be more aware and
respectful of what they have. It’s important that local
people appreciate what they have”.
How is the family experience in your hotel?
The families who come here are Peruvians. Europeans
are older, between 40 and 60 years old,
retired people. Americans sometimes bring their
families, but not often. The thermal pools and the
barbecue are the biggest attractions for families,
children and particularly the youngest get into the
thermal pools and don’t want to leave – they love it.
They also use the interpretation centre, like to see
the alpacas and learn about native plants. Older
children prefer the spa. We also offer other activities
that are perfect for families, such as horse riding,
cycling or walks to nearby destinations.
“For example, there’s a great short walk to the ruins
at Uyo Uyo the largest in the Colca Valley. It takes
twenty minutes to get there and another twenty to
reach the ruins”.
Colca Lodge
Colca Lodge
THE HOTEL OFFERS
VARIOUS ACTIVITIES
FOR FAMILIES:
FROM HORSE RIDING
AND CYCLING
TO CLASSES ON
NATIVE FAUNA
AND TRADITIONAL
PLANTS
Colca Lodge
So what’s new in the hotel?
We’re building a new area based on an Andean village
square, with a terrace and tables operating as
a mini-bistro or small restaurant. This area will be
excellent for corporate visitors as it’s close to the
conference room; it will be good as a social space.
It can also be used for receptions and events such
as weddings. It’s the last thing we’re going to build
and afterwards we’ll concentrate on continual improvements
to our installations and the quality of
the service.
Colca Lodge
Colca Lodge
Colca Lodge
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