Chivay, Peru !

The Town Center (Plaza de Armas) of Chivay. The main attractions are
the Church and the local market just steps from the town center.

Traveling from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon, Chivay is a must-stop-and-visit small town for all tourists. It is where the Colca Canyon starts. We had a nice lunch buffet at the local restaurant - where I had the opportunity to "taste" Guinea Pig. ;)

The 18th century, colonial style church at the town center.

The local market. It was just like visiting a small town/village market in India !!!

Is it black or dark blue ??? :)

I heard that there are more than 3000 types of potatoes in Peru !!! I was able to capture at least 4 of them :) 
I tasted few types of the Peruvian potatoes during breakfast, lunch and dinner.
They are definitely tasty but very starchy!

Look at the differences in the dress and the hat these women are wearing.
Each type represents the village they come from!

Visiting the historic, world famous places like Ollantaytambo, Machu Pichhu and Cusco is a truly inspiring experience. In those places, we mostly encounter other tourists and locals associated with selling something for the tourists. But, if you really want to experience the life and spirit of the natives in their own environment, there is nothing more rewarding than visiting a small town like Chivay!