Imata Stone Forest
Geological Site Guide

🧭 Geographic Presentation

The Imata Stone Forest is a geological formation located at:

• Average altitude: 4,447 meters
• Location: District of San Antonio de Chuca, province of Caylloma (Arequipa)
• Distance from Arequipa: 130 km
• Coordinates: 15°37'15"S 71°36'30"W

⏳ Geological Formation

• Age: Approximately 65 million years (Cretaceous-Paleogene)
• Process: Wind and water erosion of volcanic deposits
• Composition: Ignimbrites (volcaniclastic rocks)

🏞️ Structure of Formations

• Natural columns reaching 10-15 m in height
• Evocative forms (mushrooms, towers, silhouettes)
• Surface striated by erosion

🌡️ Climatic Conditions

• Average temperature: 5°C (can drop to -15°C at night)
• Frequent winds (>50 km/h)
• Annual precipitation: 300-400 mm

🚗 Itinerary

• Route: Pan-American Highway South (Arequipa-Puno) to km 154
• Last stretch: 2 km dirt road (accessible by high-clearance vehicle)
• Signage: Indicator sign on the main road

ℹ️ Practical Information

• Entry: Free (2025)
• Visit duration: 45-90 minutes
• Best time: 9am-3pm (less windy)

🌟 Viewpoints

• Natural platform at the entrance (overview)
• Inside the stone labyrinth (dramatic perspectives)
• With snow-capped mountains in the background

🎒 Recommended Equipment

• Wide-angle lens (16-35mm ideal)
• Polarizing filter to saturate colors
• Tripod for long exposures (moving sky)

👕 Equipment

• Windproof and thermal clothing
• Waterproof hiking boots
• High-protection sunglasses
• SPF50+ sunscreen

⚠️ Safety

• Altitude acclimatization required (1-2 days in Arequipa)
• Stay on trails (unstable ground)
• Avoid visiting alone

🐾 Observed Fauna

• Viscachas
• Llamas
• Vicuñas
• Alpacas

🌱 Vegetation

• Ichu (Stipa ichu) - Andean grass
• Tolares (resistant shrubs)
• Crustose lichens on rocks