UNESCO declared the Colca Valley as a Geopark, where the canyon considered the deepest in the world is located, and the Valley of the Volcanoes, where the small volcanic domes are located.
The first tourist attraction is in the province of Caylloma and the second in Castilla, but what is a geopark?
It is a territory that has an important and varied geological formation, but with a cultural, ecological and ethnic importance.
Said declaration will allow promoting tourism in the different locations that the geopark involves, as well as economic development.
VALLEY OF THE VOLCANOES OF ANDAGUA
In the Valley of the Volcanoes of Andagua, visitors will find approximately 85 domes that erupted from the ground with lava. Among the most important cones are the Huanacaure twin volcanoes, located 2.2 kms. The ascent lasts approximately 30 minutes, from where the other domes are observed. The twins are approximately 181 and 131 meters tall, respectively.
According to Ingemmet, in this area there are superimposed lavas, ashes, the product of eruptions more than a million years ago. The landscape of the province of Castilla stands out for its lagoons, dams, waterfalls, canyons, and mountains. That is why tourists should visit these attractions selected and described by the Colca Autonomous Authority (Autocolca).
Chachas Lagoon
It is a natural attraction in the district of Chachas whose waters disappear by underground infiltration in the Herjo crab and flow into the Mamacocha lagoon in the town of Ayo.
Panahua Falls
Getting to the Enchanted Valley of Panahua takes approximately 45 minutes. There you can see four waterfalls that freeze in the coldest months of the year, between June and October.
The Mamacocha Lagoon
It is an oasis in the middle of the lava formations. Its waters are crystal clear, fed by the underground waters of the Andagua River. In the area there is the pejerrey, otters or “huallaque”, of great scientific interest. They can be seen in the morning and at noon.
Huancarama thermal baths
They are located in the Huancarama annex, 15 minutes from the Orcopampa district. There are also the thermal complexes, they have accommodation services and the temperature of the waters ranges between 35 and 54.5 degrees Celsius.
COLCA CANYON
In the Colca Valley, nature is dazzling, as it has a diversity of flora and fauna, hot springs, geological faults and platforms that paint the hills in a peaceful environment. Their ethnic group based on the Collagua and Cabana culture invite you to share their traditions.
In the valley is located the Colca river, the snow-capped peak of Ampato at 6,300 meters above sea level, the Sabancaya volcano, among others.
These are the attractions that can be found in the Colca Valley.
Colca Canyon
Considered one of the deepest canyons in the world. Its deepest part has been calculated at 4,160 meters. It is located in the town of Canco, district of Huambo, almost on the provincial border between Caylloma and Castilla; that makes it one of the deepest canyons on the planet. The canyon is a geological formation produced by a fault in the earth’s crust, on which the ancient erosion of the waters of the river of the same name continues to act. The most touristic sector of the canyon is found in the towns of Chivay and Cabanaconde due to its accessibility.
In this area you can see the condor, the Parihuana, the Llama, the Huanaco, the Alpaca, the Vicuña, the Taruca, the Fox, the Vizcacha, among others.
Uskallacta-Chivay Archaeological Complex
About 10,000 years B.C. the first settlers settled in geographical and climatic conditions very similar to those of today. Later these ancient settlers were expelled by two well-differentiated ethnic groups, the Collaguas and the Cabanas. The archaeological complex has chullpas-type constructions, the rooms have square and rectangular shapes, the rooms are cobbled with flagstone type stone that give the appearance of bricks.
Ethnological Museum La Calera -Chivay
It is located inside the thermal baths of La Calera and shows the daily life of the inhabitants of the Colca Valley, there are samples of crafts, typical costumes, among others.
Fortress of Auqueniquita-Achoma
It consists of two circular walls approximately five meters high and three meters wide.
Citadel of Mauka Caylloma-Caylloma
It was the first Spanish settlement in the place, it is known as the old town. It is located near the annex of Chuchucapilla and has a large construction with a Spanish structure, but the Collagua-style constructions are still preserved.
“The Pasture”
It is approximately 1 hour and a half walk, from the town you can see “Colcas” structures made by the Collaguas for storage and others, following a bridle path that ends in the bathermal baths of la calera in the district of chivay
Occolle-Yanque Amphitheater
The Occolle amphitheater, also called the coliseum of the Incas, belongs to the Collagua culture, which due to the shape of its platforms and its hydraulic system could be considered an agricultural laboratory. It has two types of platforms that differ in height, which follow the contour of the semicircular slope, a shape that allows the creation of favorable microclimates for crops, protecting them from frost.
Archaeological Complex of Uyo Uyo-Yanque
It is located within the peasant community of Yanque Urinsaya, on an almost flat slope on the right bank of the Colca Valley, between the Pampaqhawana and Quesea rivers. The archaeological complex is made up of four sectors, the urban sector made up of sectors I and II, sector III or agriculture made up of 26 terraces, and sector IV or cemetery.
The citadel of Uyo Uyo is the old town of Yanque that shows compartments intended for both ceremonial use and housing with small roads and aqueducts.
This ancient town is the best place to explain the organization of a rural Inca town. It is the largest pre-Hispanic village in this area on the right bank of the Colca Valley, recognized as a cultural heritage of the Nation.
Pallaclli- Yanque Caves
They are located on the tutelary hill of the district of Yanque called K’iparani, they have a depth of 20 meters in which three caves can be seen, in one of which cave paintings can be seen.
Yuraccacca Model -Yanque
This model is located in one of the farms located on the way to the Pallacclli caves, it was carved on a white rock where you can see the terraces of Llactacucho and the Mismi and Huarancante snow-capped mountains, important snow-capped mountains in the Yanque district. It is said that in the past, as there was no paper and pencil to be able to design their terraces, terraces and the irrigation system, they used this model litho system, generally used by the Wari culture.
Ccahuasa-Yanque stone mill
The Stone Mill is located in the farmland called Ccahuasa, it is formed by huge stone wheels that are called flying wheels and a gutter which is 6 meters long, 20 centimeters wide and 35 centimeters high, it was used to give movement to the huge stones that were moved thanks to the hydraulic force, which came from the channel.
Shininea-Yanque Tombs
Shininea is located on the left bank of the Colca River, in an inaccessible area perpendicular to the wall of a narrow canyon 50 meters deep where the ancient inhabitants have built a series of circular stone walls at different levels in an almost vertical position to the river. Whose function was funerary since there are human bone remains and remains of offerings, hanging tombs, built of stone and mud attached to the wall and superimposed on each other, they have small doors, false vault ceilings and cornices, with an extension of about 50 centimeters long.
Archaeological Complex of Ccallimarca-Cabanaconde
The Archaeological Complex of Ccallimarca belonging to the Cabana culture is located on the hill of the tutelary hills of Cabanaconde, Ccallimarca, Chico and Grande. The structure is built with stone and mud in a wide plaza. Some depressions can be seen in the enclosures, which show the Andean worldview of the inhabitants of the time. The economy of this citadel was due to agriculture since they built many terraces and platforms that were used to grow potatoes, olluco and quinoa.
La Cruz del Cóndor-Cabanaconde viewpoint
Located 42 km northeast of Chivay, from the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to Cabanaconde you can appreciate the depth of the canyon in all its splendor. This point is strategic to observe the gliding of the condor, a large ancient bird that flies through the air taking advantage of the rising thermal current. From 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. there is a greater probability of observing the condor gliding.
Provincial Inca Palace – Casa Junco Ninahuaman -Cabanaconde
It is located a few meters from the Cabanaconde District square with an impressive landscape of the countryside, the snow-capped mountains and the terraces that give the place a good view. This house used as a palace in ancient times is closely related to history and a mixture of cultures since it contains characteristics of the Cabana and Inca cultures, which is why it is located in an intermediate phase between both cultures. It is one of the best preserved houses in the province of Caylloma and very important because it maintains its lordship to this day.
Tombs of Choquetico-Coporaque
Located at 3,262 meters above sea level, on the left bank of the Colca River, they were built by the Collaguas approximately in the year 1200 AD. They are formed by holes excavated in the steep slopes of Cerro Cabanaconde, 27 km.
of Chivay. These tombs were the enclosure of important figures of the region, generally made for the chiefs of each community.
Platforms of Ch’oqpayoc-Coporaque
Considered a Collagua ceremonial center, it is made up of terraces, galleries, a lagoon and stone aqueducts used by the local inhabitants.
Pumachiri-Coporaque Military Fortress
The military fortress of Pumachiri is surrounded by three fences built with huge stones, it has 3 entrance gates to its top, on the south side of its fortress there are 3 towers where the soldiers were probably camouflaged in the fight against the Spaniards or against them. peoples who fought in the time of expansion. In the middle of the fortress there is a tunnel covered with rubble and herbs, which is said to have its exit and connection with the fortress of Cotallaulli in Chivay.
Llactapampa or Maucacoporaque (Coporaque)
What does “old coporaque” mean 3 kilometers from the town. This archaeological complex occupies a large area made up of a large number of inhabitants, numerous chullpas and beautiful terraces.
House of the Muslims or the intendant-Ichupampa
It is said that it belonged to a mayor from the colonial era and is one of the oldest in the valley, when the Spanish arrived their customs merged.
Archaeological remains of Lari
We mention the following: Potrero Uruya, Chontawayqu, Surimana, Pintata, Charasuta, Ayamaqo, Maucallacta, Qawarambo, Lloqta and Bisuyo.
Lost Citadel of Malata – Madrigal
The Lost Citadel of Malata is an ancient town that was occupied by the Collaguas settlers, it is located on the right bank of the Chimpa Fortress, about 20 minutes by truck from the Madrigal district. This is a place where we find remains of constructions of the ancient Collaguas with Tiahuanaco influence, there are also archaeological remains of the Wari and Inca culture, the constructions are surrounded by abundant flora typical of the area.
Chimpa-Madrigal Fortress Archaeological Site
The Chimpa Fortress is a magnificent example of the Collaguas buildings, built entirely of stone and considered cultural heritage of the Nation. It presents an imposing observatory from where you can see the deepest part of the Colca Canyon, this enclosure consisted of an architectural complex of strategic and ceremonial control. From the top you can see the towns of Madrigal, Lari, Ichupampa, Pinchollo, Cabanaconde and Tapay.
Chullpas of Huañaccascca-Sibayo
La Chullpa is located in the Huañaccascca ranch. It is a stone-based construction with a coating on the door frame, its entrance has a cavity approximately 70 centimeters wide and approximately 1.5 meters high. It is currently the best preserved chullpa in the citadel.
Sibayo town
It is considered the most typical town in the Colca Valley because it conserves almost intact both the architectural appearance and the customs of its inhabitants. Sibayo is a town made of stones, a place of customs rooted in the roots of the Colca. The decorated llama represents the means of transportation in the area, it has its chest, jaquina (of the head), on its back loaded Peruvian flags.
Rumillacta or Stone Town-Sibayo
It is a set of dwellings that date back to pre-Hispanic times, occupy an area of 250 m2 and are built with stone and mud. Within this complex and its surroundings, for example, the Casa del Cacique, a stone construction with a residential distribution of the time, can be seen. It has three rooms, a kitchen, living room, bedroom and an oven and a few meters further is the Colonial house of Santa María Pata, a 500 m2 construction that has windows and doors carved in ashlar.
Callali village
The history of Callalli dates back to 10,000 years BC. period where the entire extension of the Valley was occupied by hunters and collectors of camelids who left traces of their presence along their survival routes. In later periods it was occupied by the Collagua ethnic group of Aymara origin and who, according to oral tradition, descend from the Collaguata mountain, which is why they took that name. Later they were annexed to the Inca Empire by Mayta Cápac, who in the mid-fifteenth century sent members of his panaca to settle in Callalli, thus consolidating the Inca presence in the region, Callalli then became an important center of administration and management of the upper part of the Collagua region and in turn adopted the Quechua organization, so it was divided into Urinsaya and Hanansaya partialities.
Llapa Yanahuara-Callalli
This small town located 2 hours from the town of Callalli and which stands out for having Collaguas constructions with a clear Inca influence, as it has architectural peculiarities such as trapezoidal windows, there is also a huaca from which a little water flows near a small
In a rocky enclosure, these elements represent the process of fertilization of the earth.
Dinosaur Footprints – Viscayacu-Lluta
It is located at an altitude of 3354 meters above sea level. The existence of these dinosaur footprints dating back 150 million years. In this place there are more than 20 very well preserved petrified footprints, within an approximate area of 250 square meters, exposed on a rock wall on the edge of the road.
This rock was possibly from a lacustrine bed that would later have been covered by mud and finally dried and hardened quickly by a tropical sun, thus preserving it through geological time.
The towers of Chocolaca-Tisco
It is approximately 4 hours on the unpaved road towards the annex of Cota Cota. These towers are part of a stone forest and are cliffs eroded by the action of wind and rain that show us a great diversity of forms, the main ones are these towers that are called enchanted.
Former colonial settlement of Ran Ran-Tuti
His name means “stony”; It is a group of stone houses around a small colonial church. This settlement is uninhabited but the population gathers for the festivities of San Antonio and the Immaculate Conception in the month of September. The colonial church has approximately 300 m2 and is made of stone, quincha and mud. In the back of this church there is a rock on which the mark of the virgin can be seen. It has a small parish house and a patio where bullfights take place in the patron saint festivities.
Archaeological Centers of Tuti
Tuti has large Collagua archaeological centers built in stone such as Pucara Grande, La Aldea and Chullpas de Auquimarca, the Colcas and the Collagua tombs of Cayrachuco, as well as cave paintings in the areas of Qoqoire and Tarucamarca. Legend has it that the Inca threw the rod at him and he followed the path traced by the rod to return to Cusco. On this route you can see rock formations such as the Footprints of the Inca that can be seen near the Pumunuta hill, Cayrachuco or El Huequito del lnca is a rock formation located 2 kilometers from Tuti and that gives rise to this legend.
Pre-Inca ruins of Ccaccatapay -Tapay
It is the old town of Tapay, it is a town center walled with stones and all its architecture is made of stones, it is 1 km. from the town of present-day Tapay.
Wall of Tambo-Huambo
Leaving the town, towards the countryside, all its splendor opens up to the visitor. In contrast, part of a colossal wall can be seen, which must have extended to the river itself. It is a stone construction up to 10 meters high, which is supposed to have been a protection fortress in times of war between the existing tribes, especially the Jayaquimas and Huapulljas.
Kupuraime-Huambo Necropolis
Located on the slopes of Cerro Jayaquima, in the western part of the district. It constitutes a complex of numerous and gigantic chullpas of square and rectangular shapes, the same as the chullpas of San Miguel. The construction is based on edged stones with a predominance of elongated slabs.
Archaeological Complex of Sonccoquilla-Huanca
Set of buildings made for defense purposes for the area. It is located on a rocky mountain near Huanca, where the Wari and Inca cultures come together. The archaeologist Lucy Linares Delgado distinguished 5 sectors, being the main one, the superior one that is located at the top and is the best preserved, since its military character stands out.