Choqolaqa Stone City | Full Day Tour Arequipa

The Stone Forest of Choqolaqa Tour from Arequipa is one of the most surprising and little-explored tourist experiences in southern Peru, ideal for those seeking unique destinations, stunning natural landscapes, and adventure tourism in the Arequipa region. Located in the district of Tisco, province of Caylloma, this enigmatic place stands out for its ancient rock formations originated by ancient volcanic eruptions and the constant erosion of the Andean wind. Also known as Nauqqa Arequipa, which in Quechua means “Ancient Arequipa,” this destination holds deep historical, geological, and cultural value.

The Choqolaqa Stone Forest

The Choqolaqa Stone Forest is famous for its imposing stone structures that take on surprising shapes similar to animals, temples, towers, and human figures, creating a surreal landscape that seems taken from another world. This natural setting has given rise to various local legends that narrate the existence of an ancient city that was turned to stone, adding a mystical and cultural component to the experience. Therefore, the tour to Choqolaqa is not only a tourist visit but also a journey through the history and ancestral beliefs of the Andean peoples.

During the tour, travelers will enjoy panoramic views of the Arequipa highlands, surrounded by mountains, volcanoes, and extensive high-Andean plains. The tour includes short and accessible walks within the stone forest, allowing visitors to explore the rock formations up close, appreciate their magnitude, and capture spectacular photographs. This destination is perfect for lovers of photography, light trekking, and nature tourism, as it offers unique landscapes in Arequipa little known by traditional tourism.

In addition to its geological wealth, the Choqolaqa Stone Forest offers an authentic cultural experience, as visitors can interact with the local communities of the Tisco district, who preserve their traditions, customs, and Andean lifestyle. The hospitality of its inhabitants and their connection with nature further enrich the travel experience.

The one-day tour to Choqolaqa from Arequipa is an excellent alternative for those who wish to step off the conventional routes like the Colca Canyon and discover a different destination, full of mystery, natural beauty, and living culture. This excursion combines adventure, history, and extraordinary landscapes, making it an ideal option for travelers seeking authentic experiences in the Andes of Peru and wishing to explore one of Arequipa’s best-kept secrets.

 Itinerary 

Day 1 – 1-Day Choqolaqa Stone Forest Tour from Arequipa

03:00 a.m. – 03:30 a.m. | Pick-up from hotels in Arequipa

The Choqolaqa Stone Forest tour begins with the pick-up of passengers from their hotels located in the Historic Center of Arequipa. From this point, we start a journey of approximately 7 hours toward the district of Tisco, in the province of Caylloma, crossing impressive landscapes of the Arequipa highlands.

Scenic route through the highlands: Imata, Condoroma, and Challuta

During the journey to Choqolaqa, we will travel through various high-Andean towns such as Imata, Condoroma, and Challuta, where you can appreciate rural life, typical fauna like alpacas and llamas, and extensive plains surrounded by mountains. The trip includes approximately 4 hours on paved roads and 3 hours on unpaved roads (dirt tracks), which turns this experience into a true adventure toward a little-explored destination in Arequipa.

10:00 a.m. | Start of the hike toward the Choqolaqa Stone Forest

Upon reaching the access point, we will begin a guided hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Choqolaqa Stone Forest, located nearly 5,000 meters above sea level. This route involves a moderate ascent, so a good physical condition is recommended. During the walk, the guide will provide information about the geology, history, and legends of the place. It is essential to wear warm clothing, sun protection, and preferably trekking poles for better stability on the terrain.

11:30 a.m. | Exploration of the Choqolaqa Stone Forest

Upon arriving at this impressive natural destination, you will have approximately 1 hour to explore the stone forest, admire its ancient rock formations, and capture unique photographs. This volcanic landscape stands out for its natural structures that simulate figures of animals, temples, and towers, being one of the most surprising attractions of nature tourism in Arequipa.

itinerary

02:00 p.m. | Return hike and transfer to Arequipa

We will start the descent back to the starting point with a hike of approximately 1 hour. Upon finishing, we will board the tourist transport again to undertake the return trip to the city of Arequipa.

05:00 p.m. | Stop for lunch in Condoroma

On the way back, we will make a stop in the town of Condoroma, where you can enjoy a local lunch (not included) and recover energy before continuing the journey.

10:00 p.m. | Arrival in Arequipa

The tour ends with the arrival in the city of Arequipa in the evening, dropping passengers off at their respective hotels or at a nearby central point. This full-day excursion is ideal for those seeking adventure, high-altitude trekking, and discovering one of the most enigmatic and little-known landscapes of southern Peru.

¿What does the Tour include?

Complete tourist transport from Arequipa

Includes round-trip transfer in comfortable and safe tourist transport from the city of Arequipa to the Choqolaqa Stone Forest. The service includes pick-up from hotels located in the Historic Center and strategic stops at viewpoints in the Arequipa highlands to enjoy the Andean landscapes.

Organized logistics for high-altitude tour

The route is designed to provide a safe experience on high-Andean roads, with planned times, rest stops, and accompaniment throughout the journey to one of Arequipa’s most remote and surprising destinations.

Professional bilingual tour guide

The tour includes an official guide in Spanish and English, who will provide detailed information about the geology, history, culture, and legends of the Choqolaqa Stone Forest. Additionally, the guide will accompany the group during the hike and throughout the excursion to ensure an enriching experience.

Food included during the tour

A typical breakfast is offered en route (Chivay area or surroundings) to start the day with energy. Likewise, the tour includes a box lunch (sandwich, fruit, snack, and drink), ideal for staying active during the high-altitude hike. A vegetarian option is available with prior coordination.

Trekking experience in the Arequipa highlands

This tour combines transport and a guided walk, allowing for the exploration of the Choqolaqa Stone Forest through a moderate trekking route, ideal for travelers seeking adventure and direct contact with nature.

Assistance and security on high-altitude routes

For greater peace of mind, the service includes a first aid kit, portable oxygen, and basic assistance throughout the journey, which is especially important considering the altitude is near 5,000 meters above sea level. The team is prepared to provide support for any eventuality during the tour.

¿What is not included?

Entrance fees and Tickets to the Choqolaqa Stone Forest

The cost of admission to the archaeological and natural site of Choqolaqa is not included and is paid directly in the area (approximate cost of S/ 10). This contribution supports the maintenance of the area and the development of the local communities in the Tisco district.

Food and Additional Personal Expenses

During the tour, travelers are responsible for extra consumption such as energy snacks, hydrating drinks, or additional purchases of supplies. It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations, as there are no ATMs or card payment terminals in the high-Andean zone.

Optional Support Services (Horseback Riding)

For those travelers who prefer to avoid the physical effort of the uphill hike due to the altitude, there is an option to rent horses managed by local residents. This service has an additional cost and is subject to availability upon arrival at the start point of the trekking.

Tactical Equipment and Mountain Clothing

Each participant must have their own personal equipment, including thermal high-mountain clothing, trekking shoes with good grip, sunscreen, and accessories for the cold. The tour does not cover the rental of clothing or specialized mountain equipment.

Travel Insurance and Medical Coverage

It is specially recommended that each tourist has travel insurance that covers adventure activities and trekking at high altitude. Being a destination located near 5,000 meters above sea level, prevention through adequate medical coverage is fundamental to ensuring a safe experience in the Peruvian Andes.

Recommendations

Preparation and acclimation for the Choqolaqa Tour

To perform the Choqolaqa Stone Forest tour safely, it is recommended to spend at least 1 or 2 nights in Arequipa or the Colca Valley (Chivay) before the excursion. This allows for adequate acclimation to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness (soroche). Avoid doing the tour on the same day as your arrival and try to rest well the night before, in addition to eating light meals.

Climate in the Choqolaqa Stone Forest and best time to travel

The best season to visit Choqolaqa is between April and November, during the dry season in Arequipa, when there are clear skies and better conditions for trekking and photography. Temperatures can vary between 3 °C and 15 °C during the day, dropping even below 0 °C in high areas, so it is fundamental to be prepared for sudden weather changes in the highlands.

Recommended clothing and equipment for high-altitude trekking

Due to the altitude and weather conditions, it is recommended to wear layers: a thermal or windbreaker jacket, gloves, a hat, and trekking shoes with good grip. It is also important to have sunglasses, sunscreen, a small backpack, at least 1 liter of water, and light snacks to maintain energy during the hike.

Recommendations

Cash and personal expenses

dmission to the Choqolaqa Stone Forest costs approximately S/ 10 and is paid in cash directly in the area. It is recommended to bring additional money for local purchases, tips, or optional services. It is important to consider that there are no ATMs or stable signals in much of the journey.

Health, safety, and altitude in Choqolaqa

The tour reaches altitudes near 4,800 masl, so it is fundamental to stay well-hydrated, walk at a moderate pace, and consume infusions like coca or muña tea to alleviate possible symptoms of altitude sickness. In case of any discomfort, the tour guide must be informed immediately to receive timely assistance.

Responsible tourism and environmental respect

During the visit to the Stone Forest, it is important to care for the natural environment by avoiding damage to the rock formations, which are considered natural heritage. Always carry your waste with you and respect the local culture, asking for permission before taking photographs of the inhabitants.

Final recommendations for the traveler

Carry your identification document (DNI or passport) with you, keep your cell phone or camera fully charged to capture the landscapes of the Arequipa highlands, and always follow the guide’s instructions to enjoy a safe and organized experience in this unique destination of southern Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Where exactly is Choqolaqa located?

The impressive Choqolaqa Stone Forest is located in the town center of Cota Cota, within the district of Tisco, province of Caylloma, in the Arequipa region. It is a high-Andean destination that stands out for its unique geology and natural landscapes.

¿At what altitude is the Choqolaqa Stone Forest located?

This destination is situated in a high-altitude zone, ranging between 4,800 and 5,200 meters above sea level (masl). Because of this, it is considered a high-mountain tour that requires proper prior acclimation in the city of Arequipa.

¿How to get to Choqolaqa from the city of Arequipa?

The most common land route to reach Choqolaqa follows the itinerary: Arequipa – Chivay – Tisco – Cota Cota. The trip lasts approximately 5 to 7 hours, combining sections of paved road with rural dirt routes, so it is recommended to travel in authorized tourist transport units.

¿How long does the hike to the stone forest take?

The trek toward the rock formations of Choqolaqa has an estimated duration of 45 minutes to 1 hour and a half. The total time depends on the group’s walking pace and adaptation to the altitude, as the trail has sections of ascent.

Frequently Asked Questions

¿How many hours does the full-day tour last?

The Choqolaqa Stone Forest tour is a full-day excursion that demands between 12 to 15 hours of activity. It usually starts in the early morning (03:00 a.m.) to return to Arequipa at night, including transfers, hiking time, and tourist stops.

¿Is the tour to Choqolaqa recommended for children or seniors?

Due to the extreme altitude and physical demand of the trekking, this tour is generally recommended for those over 12 years old and people in good physical condition. It is not advisable for seniors with respiratory or heart problems or mobility difficulties.

¿Is the entrance price included in the tour?

Generally, the payment of the Tourist Ticket or entry ticket (approx. S/ 10) is not included in the tour cost and must be paid in cash directly at the local access control managed by the community of Cota Cota.

¿What is the average cost of the tour to Choqolaqa?

The price of a one-day excursion to Choqolaqa varies between S/ 180 and S/ 250 per person, depending on the services included, the size of the group, and the season. It is one of the adventure routes with the best quality-price ratio in Arequipa.

¿What is the legend about the origin of Choqolaqa?

Local mythology says that Choqolaqa was an ancient and prosperous metropolis full of palaces and temples. According to the legend, the inhabitants disobeyed the Apus (tutelary gods of the mountains), who as divine punishment turned the entire city and its inhabitants into stone, creating the enigmatic landscape we see today.

¿What figures can be seen in the stone formations?

Thanks to natural erosion, the forest features amazing figures that visitors often identify as condors, elephants, castle towers, seals, and human profiles, making it a perfect destination for landscape photography lovers.