Choqolaqa Stone Forest
Complete 2025 Guide

Perched at 4,900 meters above sea level in the heart of the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the Choqolaqa stone forest is a spectacular geological site shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion. Less known than its neighbor Imata, this labyrinth of volcanic rocks offers a lunar landscape of raw beauty, where silence is broken only by the Andean wind.

🧭 Unique features of the Choqolaqa Stone Forest

• Altitude: 4,900 m – one of the highest accessible sites of its kind.
• Origin: Volcanic rocks (tuffs and ignimbrites) from ancient eruptions of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes.
• Estimated age: Over 10 million years.
• Area: Approximately 5 km² of rock formations.

🗿 Iconic rock formations of Choqolaqa

Differential erosion has carved strange silhouettes that local tradition has named:

• El Sapo (The Toad) 🐸: A massive rock evoking a giant toad ready to jump.
• El Castillo (The Castle) 🏰: A series of upright columns reminiscent of a medieval fortress.
• Los Frailes (The Monks) 👨‍🦲: Rows of anthropomorphic stones, like a procession of hooded monks.
• El Hongo (The Mushroom) 🍄: A mushroom-shaped formation typical of cornice erosion.

🐾 Wildlife and flora of the reserve around Choqolaqa

The reserve hosts remarkable biodiversity perfectly adapted to the extreme conditions of the Altiplano:

🌅 Must-see viewpoints at Choqolaqa

• Main viewpoint: Panoramic view of the entire site and distant volcanoes.
• Sunsets: Orange and red hues set the rocks ablaze, creating a magical atmosphere (best time: 5pm-6pm).
• From the central labyrinth: Wandering between the columns reveals changing perspectives.

🚗 Access to Choqolaqa from Arequipa

• Route: Take the PE-34 road towards Puno. After about 90 km, turn towards the village of Chiguata, then follow the track leading to the reserve (last dirt section, passable with regular vehicle in dry weather).
• Distance: 110 km (2h30 drive).
• Recommended departure: Early morning (around 6am) to enjoy the light and observe animals.

💰 2025 prices and tickets

Visiting Choqolaqa is included in the Boleto Turístico del Colca (Circuito Sur), priced at 70 soles. This ticket also grants access to other sites in the reserve and canyon.

• Optional guide: 50 soles for a 2-hour guided tour (recommended to understand geology and ecosystem).
• Photo fee: None, photography is free.

🧳 Tips for a successful visit

⚠️ Precautions

• Altitude (4,900 m) can cause acute mountain sickness: acclimatize in Arequipa (2,335 m) for 1-2 days beforehand.
• Stay on marked trails to protect formations and avoid falls.
• Do not approach wild animals.

Choqolaqa's location within the reserve allows combining the visit with other remarkable sites:

• Laguna Salinas (20 km away): A salt lake where you can spot Andean flamingos, gulls and ducks. Ideal late morning.
• Misti volcano trek: For the more adventurous, trails start from Chiguata (guide mandatory).
• Wildlife watching: Vicuñas and viscachas are common on the access road.
• Photography: A polarizing filter is recommended to saturate sky and rock colors.

For the ancient Collagua and Cabana cultures, these standing stones were sacred. They were considered dwellings of the apus, the protective spirits of the mountains. According to local legend, these rocks are the petrified bodies of giants who dared to defy the gods.

• Ritual significance: Offerings of coca leaves and chicha were placed at the foot of the tallest formations to gain favor from the deities.
• Official protection: The site is part of the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, created in 1979, ensuring its preservation.

💡 Bring water and snacks, as there are no shops on site. Follow reserve guidelines to protect this geological gem.