Excursion to Pillones Waterfall | Nature among Rocks and Waterfalls

Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Arequipa to one of the Andes’ hidden treasures: the imposing Pillones Waterfall and the mystical Stone Forest of Imata. This full-day excursion is perfect for lovers of gentle trekking, photography, and unique natural landscapes.

During the trek, you’ll discover old railway lines, high Andean landscapes, and rock formations sculpted by wind and water. The hike to the waterfall will take you along trails surrounded by enormous boulders until you reach a spectacular cascade, where you can connect with nature in its purest form.

You’ll also visit the magical Stone Forest, a natural gallery of stone figures sculpted over centuries, where every corner is a picture postcard. This experience combines adventure, culture, and scenic beauty in a single day filled with natural energy and breathtaking views.

Itinerary: Pillones Waterfall and Imata Stone Forest Tour | Arequipa

Full Day – Nature, Hiking, and Andean Landscapes

Pick-up and departure from Arequipa (6:30 – 7:00 a.m.)

We begin our adventure with a pick-up from your hotel in the historic center. Aboard our tourist transport, we head towards the high Andean region of Arequipa. Along the way, the urban landscape transforms into vast plains where vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas graze freely. This first leg of the day offers an authentic view of the Peruvian Altiplano.

Stop in Patahuasi – Acclimatization and Traditional Mate Tea

Our first stop will be in Patahuasi, a strategic point for acclimatizing to the altitude. Here you can enjoy a traditional coca or muña tea, ideal for preventing altitude sickness. You’ll also have time to take photos of the volcanoes and mountains surrounding the area, as well as enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Hike to Pillones Waterfall

We’ll head to the trailhead leading to Pillones Waterfall. The hike takes approximately 40 minutes, passing rock formations, crystal-clear streams, and typical high-altitude vegetation. Upon arrival, we’ll find the waterfall surrounded by enormous boulders polished by time. You’ll have time to rest, enjoy the view, and take photos in this unique natural setting.

Countryside Lunch (not included)

After the hike, we’ll go to a local restaurant or country area where you can sample traditional dishes such as fried trout, alpaca cracklings, or energizing Andean soups. It’s the perfect time to share experiences and take a short break before continuing.

Visit to the Imata Stone Forest

We will continue to the fascinating Imata Stone Forest, a place where wind and time erosion have sculpted columns, towers, and figures that resemble ancient rock guardians. We will walk among the most well-known formations while the guide shares stories, local legends, and the geological origin of the site. The landscape conveys a sense of mysticism and tranquility.

Return to Arequipa (5:00 – 6:00 p.m.)

After the visit, we begin our return to Arequipa. During the journey, you can appreciate the sunset over the puna, illuminating the mountains and the vast Andean grasslands. We will arrive in the city in the afternoon, concluding this unforgettable excursion to the Pillones Waterfall and the Imata Stone Forest.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

🚌 Round-trip Tourist Transportation

Tourist transportation from the historic center of Arequipa, equipped with comfortable seats, seatbelts, panoramic windows, and air conditioning, driven by personnel trained for interprovincial travel.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Tour Guide (Spanish)

Accompaniment by a guide with knowledge of local history, geography, and ecology, who will provide cultural and safety information throughout the tour.

🏞️ Entrance to the Imata Stone Forest and Pillones Waterfall

Access to the main attractions of the tour: the Stone Forest (ancient geological formations) and the Pillones Waterfall, one of the most picturesque in the Arequipa highlands.

📸 Scheduled Scenic Stops

• Free time for photos at key points along the route, such as:
• Pampa Arrieros: a historic railway stop.
• Patahuasi: the perfect place to acclimatize with coca tea.
• Bosque de Piedras (Stone Forest): an ideal spot for artistic photos.

🩺 Basic First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit will be available on board the transport for minor injuries, dizziness, altitude sickness, or other emergencies.

📞 Assistance During the Tour

Continuous communication with the tour operator for assistance in case of emergencies or changes due to weather conditions.

❌ What’s not included?

🍴 Meals (breakfast and lunch)

Breakfast and lunch are not included. Lunch is usually eaten in the town of Patahuasi (at affordable, traditional restaurants). We recommend bringing your own snacks or fruit.

🥤 Hot or cold drinks

Water, yerba mate, and other beverages are not included during the trip. It is recommended to bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person.

🧳 Clothing and personal equipment

The tour does not provide warm clothing, rain ponchos, trekking poles, hats, gloves, or backpacks. The terrain can be slippery and cold, so appropriate clothing is recommended.

🧼 Personal hygiene items

Towels, toilet paper, soap, and other personal products are not included. Bringing your own toiletries is advisable.

📸 Camera or drones

Visitors must bring their own photographic equipment. Drone use is permitted only in certain areas and at the traveler’s own risk.

💸 Tips for the guide or driver

Tips are not included. This is a voluntary acknowledgment of good service.

🎟️ Additional expenses or entrance fees to unspecified sites

If you wish to do additional activities, purchase souvenirs or enter unspecified private areas, these costs are your responsibility.

🌟 Recommendations

🎒 Wear appropriate clothing for the high Andean climate
The weather in the area can vary from intense cold to heat with direct sun exposure. It is recommended to dress in layers and bring a windbreaker, hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

🥾 Wear hiking shoes or boots with good traction
The hike to the waterfall includes areas with slippery rocks, slopes, and narrow passages. Appropriate footwear will prevent accidents and enhance your experience.

💧 Stay hydrated
Due to the altitude, it is important to drink water regularly. Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person.

📷 Protect your camera or cell phone from water and drops
The waterfall area is humid, and it is easy to slip. Bring waterproof cases and straps to prevent loss or damage to your devices.

🍫 Bring energy snacks and fruit
The hike can be quite strenuous. Nuts, dark chocolate, or energy bars are excellent options to keep you active.

🌿 Respect nature and don’t leave any trash. Don’t remove rocks or disturb the environment. Bring a bag to collect your own trash and help conserve this unique ecosystem.

💵 Bring cash in soles. In intermediate towns like Patahuasi or Imata, there are no ATMs and cards are not accepted. Cash will be useful for buying snacks or lunch.

📶 Be aware of limited cell service. There will be no cell phone coverage for much of the hike. Let your contacts know if you will be offline for the day.

📸 Take advantage of the scenery for unique photos. The stone forest and the waterfall offer ideal natural settings for memorable shots, so don’t forget to charge your camera or phone before the tour.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hike to Pillones Waterfall difficult?

Yes, it is of moderate to high difficulty. It includes a rocky descent of approximately 1 hour, so good physical condition and trekking boots are recommended.

Can children or seniors go?

It is not recommended for children under 8 years old or people with reduced mobility, heart or respiratory problems, due to the altitude and physical demands of the route.

At what altitude is Pillones Waterfall located?

It is located at over 4,000 meters above sea level, so it is possible to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. It is recommended to acclimatize in Arequipa at least one day before the tour.

Is a guide mandatory?

Yes, for safety and to enrich the experience, the tour is always conducted with a professional guide.

Can I do the tour on my own?

Technically, yes, but it is not recommended due to the difficulty of access, lack of cell phone signal, and unfamiliarity with the route. Additionally, tourist vehicles are authorized to enter restricted areas.

Is the tour canceled if it rains?

During the rainy season (January to March), the tour may be canceled or rescheduled for safety reasons, as the trail becomes very slippery.

Can I swim in the waterfall?

Swimming is not permitted for safety reasons. The current is strong, and the surroundings can be dangerous.

Is food included?

No. Breakfast and lunch are at the traveler’s expense. We recommend bringing snacks, and lunch is served at restaurants in the town of Patahuasi.

Can I bring a drone?

Yes, but with caution. You must be in control of the equipment and respect the privacy of other tourists. Flying it over the waterfalls is not permitted.