The route to Cotahuasi is covered by a unique natural beauty, where wild fauna and flora can be seen, as well as beautiful snow-capped mountains such as Solimana and Coropuna.
This snowy reaches the height of 6425 meters above sea level. for which it is considered the third highest peak in Peru. Due to its height and its enormous water reserve stored in huge blocks of ice and snow, it is considered a very attractive glacier for mountaineering. From the Solimana and Coropuna mountains, the Arma River is born, which later takes the name of the Chichas River, when it joins the Cotahuasi River, it forms the Ocoña River, flowing into the Pacific Ocean with the same name.
The name of this snow-capped mountain comes from two words of Quechua origin that translated into Spanish, give the meaning of “golden mountain”, to this natural attraction of Arequipa that, in addition to being a snow-capped mountain, is a volcano that is crowned by five peaks and it is part of what is known as the Volcanic Mountain Range.
This Nevado is considered by the inhabitants to be an important Apu, therefore an Andean deity who protects the community. This sacred quality of the Coropuna that comes from the Inca times, means that, even today, the inhabitants of Cotahuasi continue to offer offerings to request their care and protection; as well as the blessing of their land.