Arequipa is the gateway to the Colca valley. Most people book a two day tour from Arequipa. You leave early in the morning and return the following afternoon. Most people choose an established tour company. Others arrange transportation and accommodations on their own. We booked a tour and found it very good. Something to note: Mama Yacchi is a tour only hotel. From what I could gather you cannot book rooms on your own.

When we arrived at our accommodations for our one night stay in the valley we were pleasantly surprised. We ended up staying with our group in La Casa De Mama Yacchi in the very small town of Coporaque. It is a simple hotel built out of local materials. The main area of the lodge/hotel was a huge circular room that had a thatched roof (not as bad as it sounds) and a massive mast holding the roof up in its center. The wood made for a very warm and inviting place. Large windows and doors opened up to a downhill view allowing in natural light. The large room had two levels. The lower level was the eating area. The upper level, around the edge, was a bar and a relaxing landing with couches, chairs, and a great fireplace.

The rooms of the hotel were in separate pod style buildings. Each pod had 6-8 rooms. Each pod had its own mini courtyard in which all of the rooms were accessible from. The rooms themselves were very pleasant. We had three rooms as there were six of us traveling. All three rooms were similar. Two beds, private bathroom, small desk, chairs, etc. The rooms were very clean and the rooms made a very good overall impression. The bathrooms consisted of a stand-up shower, sink, and toilet. There is 24/7 hot water in each bathroom. As usual we suggest showering at night as there is usually short supply in the morning.

We found the food service of the hotel was superb. There is an emphasis on local cuisine. When we arrived for lunch were treated to an alpaca barbecue, cold salads, soups, and breads. For supper we were treated to a fantastic buffet. There were many delicious local dishes. While the emphasis was on local cuisine they made an effort to have familiar and not-so-frightening dishes for the less adventurous.The severs were friendly people who laughed with us a lot. Some spoke english, most only spanish. The tables at which you eat are long tables that you share with the other guests. This provides a great pub style feel. We were lucky to dine with a jovial crew of Australians and Germans.

The most memorable part of the hotel is definitely the view. It is perched higher up in the valley and looks down into the valley with soaring snow covered peaks framing the view. It was breath taking. Each room has a unique view from its windows.

Overall this was an enjoyable spot. We really appreciated the local flavor. The only downside, and some would see this as a bonus, is that there is no Internet access. There is electricity in the rooms.

See more pictures of the hotel and the area surrounding it in our travel gallery.