The Sibayo town also know as Rumillaqta neighborhood (Stone Village). It is characterized by its stone and mud constructions with thatched roofs. Its streets have the same layout since its foundation in the Colony (1776). They stand out:
The colonial Church of San Juan Bautista restored in the mid-eighteenth century. It has a large atrium, which fulfilled the function of the cemetery atrium, and allowed the development of Collagua funerary rituals.
Built in ashlar, it has a Latin cross plan. Suspension bridge. It has been restored on the Colca River and allows the connection of the inhabitants who live in the upper part. Collagua Culture Ecomuseum and Away Wasi Artisan Center. In this interpretation center, the visitor can observe and participate in the transformation process of the alpaca fiber, following traditional techniques.
The Sibayo town is located in one of the deepest canyons in the world and habitat of the Andean Condor, where you can be part of the textile customs, the raising of llamas, the cultivation of the land, and other activities typical of this high Andean landscape.
What Are The Tourist attractions of Sibayo?
Experiential Tourism
Some of the inhabitants of this town have been dedicated to tourism for more than 30 years, an activity that is complemented by raising South American camelids, fishing and the production of handicrafts. It is for this reason that there are families willing to host tourists, while they share their daily activities in what is called experiential tourism.
A unique opportunity to live in their houses made of stone, perfectly equipped to live with visitors. No frills, but with the smile of the hosts, who share their table and their daily tasks.
Funerary Complex of Amaytera
This complex is located 3.2 kilometers from the main square of Sibayo. A cemetery used by the ancient Collaguas, and considered as a cult to the dead. A road that must be done on the banks of the Colca River; next to a hill, birthplace of the springs. This is a route that takes about an hour and a half to travel. Place inside which you can visit the mummy Juanito. A pre-Hispanic vestige where, according to the locals, there were several mummies, but only two were able to survive the looting.
Chullpas of Huañaccascca
If you are interested in knowing more vestiges, you must walk another 7 kilometers, from Amaytera, to see the Chullpas of Huañaccascca. Place where you can see some intact funerary bundles that seem to have survived time. A walk along the river that takes more than three hours.
The Collagua Culture Ecomuseum or Sibayo-Awaywasi Craft Interpretation Center
This Ecomuseum of Native Art of Arequipa was created in order to publicize the cultural identity of this picturesque Arequipa town. A place where visitors can learn about the techniques and tools used to produce the beautiful embroidery of the items used in the picturesque clothing of the people of Sibayo, including mantles, ponchos, among others, heritage from the ancient Collaguas.
The Suspension bridge of Sibayo
A restored construction made on the Colca River, which connects the center of Sibayo with the upper part, where the town’s trade is carried out. If you are a lover of fishing on this suspension bridge you can try to catch some trout.
Gastronomy
Good food is something that stands out in Sibayo, as it has typical dishes made from trout, alpaca, potatoes, quinoa and mashua. You can’t leave this place without trying the alpaca brochettes, the quinoa mousse, and the traveling corn soup.