Cabanaconde is a district belonging to Caylloma, a town that is part of the Arequipa Region. Ideal place for those who love nature, tranquility, adventure, archaeological sites and ancient Peruvian traditions.
Hiking is one of the main tourist attractions of this small town, since most of the trekking routes made through the Colca Valley start in this cheerful town. Although to enjoy the best of tourism in Cabanaconde you must take long hiking trails, it is possible to visit this town and its surroundings to find places with unparalleled beauty, within a short distance.
The routes that start in this district take us to places with the most beautiful views of the Colca Canyon. This includes the Mirador de Tapay, Mirador la Cruz del Cóndor, Mirador de Achachihua, Nevado de Bomboya, among others. It is also possible to observe impressive terraces from the Pre-Inca era and various other archaeological ruins.
Cabanaconde town has approximately 3,000 inhabitants reside, mainly dedicated to agriculture and livestock. People who take advantage of the terraces built by the pre-Inca inhabitants for the production of corn and other crops.
Folklore
The traditional clothing of Cabanaconde is characterized by embroideries of various colors, a reflection of the nature that surrounds them.
The Cabana hat is another of the typical accessories of this district, but whose use has spread to other inhabitants of the Colca Valley. However, in the past it was used exclusively by the inhabitants of Cabanaconde in order to be distinguished from the neighboring community of Collagua.
Festivities
The Wititi Dance was named in 2015 as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO due to its pre-Inca origin. In Cabanaconde, you can see this dance during the patronal festival, an event that takes place from July 13 to 17. However, it also becomes common to observe this dance during other holidays.
How to get to Cabanaconde?
Cabanaconde is located 5 hours and a half from Arequipa, by bus, specifically in the province of Caylloma, located at more than 3,200 meters above sea level, on the left bank of the Colca River.
If you are going to trek in this town, then you must come with everything you need to walk in the heights.
This includes shoes, comfortable clothing, repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, coat, water and other utensils that depend on your stay and travel goals, such as camping tents, flashlights, ropes, among others.
It is mandatory to pay a tourist ticket to tour the Colca Valley.
Some towns of the Colca have signal for the cell phone.
If you are going to spend several days in the canyon, you should bring enough money, because in many places you will not find ATMs or card holders.
Book your accommodation and Cabanaconde bus in advance as they can fill up quickly.
You can also hire a local guide. This becomes essential if you don’t know this place due to its difficulty.
It is advisable not to come with excess luggage.
If you want to continue exploring more places, from Cabanaconde you can find buses that take you to Puno from Cabanaconde region.
Lookouts are beautiful places, but you should never explore downhill as it is too dangerous. Always make sure you stay in a safe area.
At all times you must seek the support of a local to go to the places you want to visit and not get lost in the valley or take dangerous routes.