Atiquipa is a town so small that it hides in the hills of the coast of Arequipa. Only a large welcome sign at kilometer 600 of the Panamericana Sur serves as a confirmation for travelers that they are on the right track and if they take the detour in the direction opposite to the sea, they will find the town.
In the town itself, there is not much to see and the main attractions of the district are scattered around it. Secluded beaches, archeology and nature are the favorite options for those looking to satisfy their explorer soul.
Coming from Lima, we suggest you visit first some pre-Hispanic towns.
One of these is Pueblo Viejo (kilometer 589 on the highway). To get there you must walk for about 40 minutes. You will be able to appreciate their masonry-based buildings with columns, lintels and niches. Then in Ayparipa (kilometer 599), you can see the colcas (deposits) and platforms standing out in the landscape. The Waca gorge in Puerto Inca (kilometer 610) is an archaeological complex you shouldn't miss. The famous chair of the Inca can be found there.
Steep inclines are a constant feature in these walks, so wear sneakers or good hiking footwear.
Of course, the coastal landscapes are the protagonists; especially those decorated by cliffs, green hills and pristine beaches like Jihuay (kilometer 601), or rustic towns like Silaca type (kilometer 596), where it is almost a duty to take a dip in the pools of clear water.
How to get there
Atiquipa is a district in the province of Caravelí, Arequipa.
It's best to go in car, since public transport is difficult to find.
Almost Like Heaven
It is also worth your while to venture into the town of Atiquipa. Go by motorbike or car to the top of the nearby hills, where, 900 meters above sea level, the ecosystem creates a sort of cloud forest. Here, the local people have placed plastic mesh structures, which function as “fog lamps.”
The fog redistributed water and preserves the vegetation, fauna and agriculture intact.
Atop those hills, a cool breeze blows so it is best to wear something warm, even more so if the day is cloudy. The journey takes about 90 minutes.
Get away from modern life and discover Peru through rural tourism.
SUGGESTED PERU TOURS
SUGGESTED PERU TOURS
