Arequipa, Peru’s stunning second-largest city, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The "Pillones Waterfalls and Stone Forest" tour promises an unforgettable experience, combining a captivating hike through the Bosque de Piedras de Puruña and an awe-inspiring descent to the Pillones Waterfall. With breakfast included and a bilingual guide on hand, this 10-hour excursion offers a seamless way to take in Arequipa’s breathtaking landscapes. What secrets await beyond the stunning vistas?
Key Points
- This tour offers a 10-hour excursion to Pillones Waterfalls and Bosque de Piedras de Puruña in Arequipa, with hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide.
- The itinerary includes a 40-minute hike through the Stone Forest and a 20-minute visit to the Pillones Waterfall, as well as a stop at the Pampa de Arrieros.
- Breakfast is included, but lunch and entry fees to the waterfall and stone forest are at the passenger’s expense.
- The tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments due to the challenging hike, and a passport or ID card is required for participation.
- Itineraries are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, and the Pampa de Arrieros and Bosque de Piedras de Puruña offer cultural and natural experiences.
Tour Overview
The tour offers an opportunity to experience the captivating Pillones Waterfalls and the unique Stone Forest in Arequipa.
Witness the captivating Pillones Waterfalls and the unique Stone Forest in Arequipa on this engaging tour.
Lasting 10 hours, the tour costs from Kč 923 per person and features free cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later.
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide, but excludes entry fees to the waterfall and stone forest.
Passengers will have the chance to enjoy traditional Mate de Coca at Patahuasi to avoid altitude sickness during the 40-minute hike through the stone forest.
Looking for more options in Arequipa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with pickup from the Historical Centre of Arequipa.
The first stop is Pampa de Arrieros, a historical site with cultural significance.
Next, the group embarks on a 40-minute hike through the Bosque de Piedras de Puruña, a unique stone forest formation.
The tour then descends to the mesmerizing Pillones Waterfall for 20 minutes.
The day concludes with a return to the Plaza Mayor de Arequipa by 5:30 PM, ensuring a well-rounded experience of Arequipa’s natural wonders and historical landmarks.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes hotel pickup from the city center, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual tour guide who speaks both Spanish and English.
Breakfast is provided, while lunch is at the passenger’s expense. Entry fees for the Pillones Waterfall (S/. 2) and the Bosque de Piedras (S/. 5) aren’t included.
Any activities or services not specified in the itinerary are also excluded.
It’s important to note that this tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, and participants should bring their passport or ID card.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Experience Details
Enjoy the natural beauty and unique landscapes of the Pillones Waterfalls and Stone Forest in Arequipa. This tour provides an opportunity for photography and connection with nature.
Guests will hike through the Bosque de Piedras de Puruña for 40 minutes, taking in the captivating stone formations. They’ll then descend 20 minutes to reach the stunning Pillones Waterfall.
To help avoid altitude sickness, the group will enjoy a traditional Mate de Coca at Patahuasi. This full-day excursion showcases Arequipa’s diverse natural wonders, allowing travelers to enjoy the region’s stunning scenery.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
It’s important to note that this tour may not be suitable for guests with mobility impairments, as the hike through the Bosque de Piedras de Puruña and descent to the Pillones Waterfall can be challenging. Participants are advised to bring their passport or ID card for the tour. Plus, itineraries are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
| Requirement | Details |
|————-|———|
| Mobility | Not suitable for those with impairments |
| Identification | Passport or ID card required |
| Itinerary | Subject to change |
Pampa De Arrieros: a Historical Significance
The Pampa de Arrieros holds historical significance as a former transportation hub where mule drivers, known as "arrieros," would transport goods and resources across the rugged Andean terrain.
This vast, open plateau was a crucial stopover point for the arrieros, where they’d rest their animals and trade with local communities.
Today, visitors can gain insight into this important part of Arequipa’s history by exploring the Pampa de Arrieros and imagining the bustling activity that once took place here, connecting distant regions and enabling the flow of essential goods across the mountains.
Bosque De Piedras De Puruña: a 40-Minute Hike
After experiencing the historical significance of the Pampa de Arrieros, the tour next takes visitors to the Bosque de Piedras de Puruña. This unique stone forest offers a 40-minute hike through an otherworldly landscape of towering rock formations. Guests can marvel at the surreal geological wonders and snap captivating photos. The trail winds through a maze of intricately sculpted stone pillars, allowing visitors to fully enjoy this natural wonder.
| Feature | Details |
| ——- | ——- |
| Duration | 40 minutes |
| Terrain | Rugged, uneven |
| Highlights | Towering rock formations, dramatic landscapes |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for those with mobility issues |
Pillones Waterfall: A 20-Minute Descent
Descending for 20 minutes, the tour then arrives at the stunning Pillones Waterfall.
The cascade tumbles over 40 meters of rock, creating a mesmerizing display of rushing water. Visitors can admire the powerful flow and take photographs from various vantage points.
The tour allows enough time to explore the waterfall and its surrounding area thoroughly. Guests can feel the mist on their skin and hear the thunderous sound of the water.
This natural wonder is a highlight of the Arequipa tour, offering a chance to connect with the region’s remarkable landscapes.
Since You Asked
Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?
There is no mention of an age limit for this tour. The tour description does not specify any age restrictions or requirements. Participants of all ages can join the tour, as long as they meet the mobility and physical fitness needs.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks for the tour. However, lunch is not included in the tour package, so any additional meals or snacks would be at the passenger’s own expense.
Are There Any Special Requirements for the Hike?
The tour has some requirements for the hike, including bringing proper footwear and being in good physical condition, as the descent to the Pillones Waterfall is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size. Travelers can book the tour as individuals or in groups, and the tour will run as long as there’s at least one participant. The tour price remains the same regardless of group size.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
The tour duration can’t be extended, but participants have the flexibility to spend more time at specific sites if needed. However, the overall tour length remains fixed at 10 hours.
The Sum Up
The "Pillones Waterfalls and Stone Forest" tour in Arequipa offers a captivating adventure, showcasing the region’s natural wonders. With a guided hike through the stunning Bosque de Piedras de Puruña and a visit to the magnificent Pillones Waterfall, this excursion promises unforgettable experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes. The tour’s inclusions, such as hotel pickup and round-trip transportation, make it a convenient and immersive way to explore Arequipa’s natural beauty.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Food & Drink Experiences in Arequipa
More Tours in Arequipa
More Tour Reviews in Arequipa
Still browsing? Here are more Arequipa experiences we've covered recently
- Rock Climbing in Arequipa, Perú
- Arequipa: 3-Hour Mountain Bike Tour
- From Puno || Excursion to Copacabana and Sun Island ||
- Arequipa: Private City Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery
- AREQUIPA COLCA CANYON FULL DAY TOUR ENDING IN PUNO
- Arequipa Food Tour | Gastronomic Tour
- Arequipa Walking Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery
- AREQUIPA|| 1 Day the Pillones Waterfall + the Forest of Stones
- Photography Tour in Arequipa
- Arequipa: Pichu Pichu Bike Tour
- Arequipa Tour + Alpaca World
- From Arequipa: Climbing in the Chilina Valley
