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Imata Stone Forest and Pillones Waterfall

Posted On: 19 March 2024 #TierrasVivas 445

Located about 150 kilometers northeast of Arequipa, on the route that goes to Puno and Juliaca, are these two spectacular natural attractions, very close to each other. At the Pillone Falls you can see a waterfall with several waterfalls about 15 meters high. These waters fall from a river with rocks that were worn down over millions of years due to erosion. They can be seen from a side viewpoint close to them. The Piedras Imata forest, for its part, contains enormous rocks of volcanic origin with various shapes that were also shaped by the erosion of the winds, the sun and the rains. Despite not being one of the most visited destinations by tourists in Arequipa, both places are two of the best kept secrets in the region. Some agencies include these two sites as stopping points on a tour to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.

What to do in the Imata Stone Forest and Pillone Waterfall?

Imata Stone Forest. In this site you will find curious geological formations from millions of years ago, where you can imagine different human and animal forms. Pillone waterfall. In a river with rocks eroded by the effect of water, this waterfall can be seen from a viewpoint, which has a free fall of around 15 meters. Wildlife watching. On the way to reach these places it is very common to encounter native animals of the local fauna, such as vizcachas, llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. Visit the town of Imata. Although the town is very small and does not have major activities of interest, it has a viewpoint from where you can see beautiful views of the area's mountains under an immense sky.

How to get to the Imata Stone Forest and Pillone Waterfall?

You can reach Imata by car from the center of the city of Arequipa by taking Highway 34S, a journey that takes around two hours and 45 minutes. From there, the Stone Forest is about 11 kilometers away - 10 minutes by car. Access to the falls is on Highway 34S about 12 kilometers before reaching Imata. To go by bus you must take one at the Arequipa Land Terminal that goes to Juliaca or Puno, but you must get off first since Imata is halfway there. Tickets there cost between 15 and 20 soles, plus 1.5 soles for boarding fees to places within the Arequipa region. Another option to make this visit is to take a tour from the tourism companies that are located in the center of Arequipa, near the Plaza de Armas. The price of this excursion is usually between 75 and 100 Peruvian soles, with the trip included.

Flora

Due to the high Andean location (above 4,200 meters above sea level) there are not many species of flora in both the Pillones waterfalls and the Imata stone forest. The icchu, wild straw from the Andes that grows in high altitude geographies, is the plant that is most established in the place. This wild grass serves as food for the numerous vicuñas and other camelids that inhabit the site.

Fauna

Both the Imata stone forest and the Pillones waterfalls are habitats of different species of Andean animals, such as: the torrent duck, the huallata, the vizcachas, the vicuñas, the swallows and more.

How much does it cost to go?

Tours to the Pillones waterfalls and the Imata stone forest cost approximately 90 Peruvian soles (about 30 US dollars on average). All services include: transportation, entrance fees and tour guide. Another way to visit these tourist attractions is to go on your own. To do this, you must take public transportation to the town of San Antonio de Chuca. After walking to the Pillones waterfalls, you must pay the entrance fee to the place (2 Peruvian soles).

Climate

The climate in the Pillones waterfalls as well as the Imata stone forest is cold. Due to its high Andean geography, the minimum temperature (during nights) can drop to -4ºC. During the day, the maximum temperature can reach up to 15ºC. The rainy season occurs from November to February. The rest of the year, rain is not frequent, it is the dry season.

Recommendations:

Hours and entry. Both the falls and the forest are free to access and can be visited at any time of the day, although due to the high sun exposure it is recommended to visit them in the morning. What to bring? Comfortable and warm clothing, trekking shoes, sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, water, snacks and camera. Caution with altitude sickness. Being located at more than 4600 meters above sea level, the effects of soroche can cause inconvenience. It is advisable to bring pills against altitude sickness and coca tea. It is better to spend a day getting comfortable in Arequipa before making this visit.

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Edwin Caviedes Profesional guide

Edwin Caviedes is the founder and manager of Tierras Vivas, a company that benefits native people communities.