Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Toro Muerto Petroglyphs
A fascinating, mystical site in the high desert, Toro Muerto (meaning 'Dead Bull') is
named for the herds of livestock that commonly died from dehydration as they were es-
corted from the mountains to the coast. A barren hillside is scattered with white volcanic
boulders carved with stylized people, animals and birds. Archaeologists have documented
more than 5000 such petroglyphs spread over several square kilometers of desert. Though
the cultural origins of this site remain unknown, most archaeologists date the mysterious
drawings to the period of Wari domination, about 1200 years ago.
The petroglyphs are visited most conveniently on full-day 4WD tours from Arequipa.
But if you're traveling independently, you can catch a taxi from the village of Corire (due
south of the Cañón del Colca) to where the petroglyphs start (from S40 round-trip). Bring
plenty of water, sunblock and insect repellent.
El Valle de los Volcanes
El Valle de los Volcanes is a broad valley, west of the Cañón del Colca and at the foot of
Nevado Coropuna (6613m), famed for its unusual geological features. The valley floor is
carpeted with lava flows from which rise many small (up to 200m high) cinder cones,
some 80 in total, aligned along a major fissure, with each cone formed from a single erup-
tion. Given the lack of erosion of some cones and minimal vegetation on the associated
lava flows, the volcanic activity occurred no more than a few thousand years ago, and
some was likely very recent - historical accounts suggest as recently as the 17th century.
