A full-day, high-altitude outing from Arequipa to the Pillones Waterfall and the Stone Forest of Imata. Expect steep rocky descents, bone-dry puna winds and surreal volcanic formations at roughly 4,000–4,600 m.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning air bites with altitude as the van eases away from Arequipa and the city’s colonial silhouette shrinks behind you. Roads push into puna grasslands, and after roughly two hours you stand at a high trailhead where cold wind and thin oxygen sharpen every breath. The route drops sharply for about 30 minutes over loose rock and river-stepped scree before the Pillones Waterfall appears—water daring the high plateau and silvering against black, volcanic stone.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
10–12 hours
Fitness Level
Should have good aerobic fitness and be acclimatized to high altitude; comfortable with steep, rocky descents.
Wildlife
History
The area lies within traditional Andean herding lands adjacent to the Salinas y Aguada Blanca Reserve, where local communities have grazed camelids for centuries.
Conservation
Visitors should stick to trails, avoid disturbing grazing animals and take all trash back to Arequipa; the high puna is fragile and slow to recover from trampling.
Reserve your spot on the Pillones Waterfall and Stone Forest of Imata (exclusive) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize first
Spend 24–48 hours in Arequipa before this trip to reduce altitude sickness risk; move slowly on the trail if you feel breathless.
Sturdy footwear
Wear stiff-soled hiking boots with good ankle support for the rocky descent and river-side scrambling.
Sun and wind protection
High UV and gusts are common—use sunscreen, sunglasses and a windproof shell even on cold days.
Watch your step on the descent
The 30-minute descent to the falls is steep with loose scree—use trekking poles and descend deliberately to protect knees.
Sturdy hiking boots
Protects ankles on steep, rocky descents and provides traction on river-side paths.
Trekking poles
Stabilizes balance on loose scree and reduces impact on knees during descent.
Insulating layers + windproof shell
High-altitude conditions change rapidly—layers let you adapt to sun, wind and cold.
winter
Sun protection (sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen)
Thin air increases UV exposure; protect skin and eyes even on overcast days.
summer