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Tuesday, October 27, 2020peru.travel
Imagine an extensive wasteland surrounded by rocks of great dimension that form together a scene so unusual and amazing that it impresses. Imposing stones that, due to their curious shapes and sizes, seem to have been carved with such mastery in the past that they attract tourists. And then you discover that Peru is the place where fiction becomes reality.
And because you love nature and mysticism, the stone forests of Peru are on your list of next visits.
In the country, there are about 68 stone forests that have been shaped over millions of years as a result of the erosion of water and wind. These forests are located in different geographies and throughout the entire territory. Each one has its own history and unique charm, but they all have something in common: their scenic beauty. Next, know some of these wonders that Peru has so that you can plan your visit.
Pampachiri (Apurímac)
Located three hours from the city of Andahuaylas and one hour from the town of Pampachiri, this place has become a tourist phenomenon only five years ago. It is known as the 'Smurfs house' for the conical shape of its rocks up to 10 meters high, which, together, simulate small houses stacked one next to another. However, it is also named by the inhabitants as the 'The Andean goblins village', as a result of a local legend about the frequent appearances of these fantastic creatures in this place.
It is an extensive 60-hectare forest whose volcanic formation process dates back 3 million years. Visiting it completely can take up to two days; and it is that Pampachiri also offers other attractions such as the Blue Lagoon of Pachuca, located 30 minutes away on foot, perfect for taking a bath in its warm waters in the middle of a privileged landscape.
To get there you must take a bus from Lima to Andahuaylas -whose price is 130 soles with a travel time of 14 hours- and then take a bus for a cost of 15 soles to Pampachiri.
Cumbemayo (Cajamarca)
Located 30 minutes from the city of Cajamarca, this stone forest belongs to the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex. It is a vast area where multiple and varied stone figures lie known as 'frailones', because of their similarity to a procession of friars.
According to research, this place served to worship water, due to the discovery of pre-Inca aqueducts dating from 1000 years B. C. Some of them remain intact to this day. The most important one reaches about one kilometer of length and is carved out of rock. According to legends, this canal transported water from the Pacific Ocean, and had an important spiritual value in relation to this natural resource.
To get to the Archaeological Complex you can take a tour from the Plaza de Armas of Cajamarca. The cost is 20 soles. It starts very early and lasts 5 hours.
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This stone forest belongs to the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex. Credit: PromPerú
Huayllay (Pasco)
For lovers of trekking and adventure, the Huayllay National Sanctuary is one of the best destinations to live great experiences in the middle of nature. Its territory - of more than 6000 hectares - includes dream scenarios between amazing landscapes, impressive rock formations and a particular biodiversity.
Its stone forests, which come to gather about 4000 lithic figures and more than 500 cave paintings, are a delight for the imagination of visitors and an example of the strong bond that the ancient men of this region maintained with the environment. A large number of the monumental rocks that are observed show forms very similar to the bear, cobra, toad, condor, turtle and elephant, as well as human figures like nuns, the kiss of the bride and groom, the angel and the tourist.
To get to Huayllay, you must go to the city of Cerro de Pasco -from Lima it is a 7-hour bus ride- and then take a taxi to the sanctuary, whose travel time is 30 minutes.
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The Huayllay National Sanctuary is one of the destinations to live great experiences in the middle of nature. Credit: PromPerú
Marcahuasi (Lima)
This is another of the most visited stone forests in the entire country. Being located just three hours from Lima -in the district of San Pedro de Casta-, many travelers come here to do multiple trekking routes and camp quietly on its esplanades. The impressive landscape that accompanies the peace of the place and the spectacular sky of stars that can be seen at night, make Marcahuasi a destination full of experiences to live.
To get there, you can travel by car through the Carretera Central towards Santa Eulalia. Once you reach the Autisha bridge, continue to the town of San Pedro de Casta. In this place, a walk of approximately 4 hours begins to the stone forest, which is accessed after paying a ticket of 10 soles for Peruvians and 20 for foreigners. If you do not want to walk, you can take the service of a taxi.
Sources: El Comercio / Rumbos del Perú / Redbus / Andina
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