Majes Valley and Dinosaur Footprints

04:30am We will start with the pick up from your hotels located in the historic center or meeting point at the main square of the city.

The Petroglyphs Tour will take you to discover the impressive samples of rock art in the Majes Valley, Arequipa. During this tour, we will explore the famous Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto, an archaeological complex with thousands of pre-Hispanic engravings that offer a unique window to the past. In addition, we will visit the Querulpa Dinosaur Footprints, a fascinating paleontological site where you can observe fossilized footprints of dinosaurs that inhabited the region more than 100 million years ago. To complete the experience, we will visit a local vineyard, where you will learn about the production process of the region’s wines and pisco, with the opportunity to taste some of its best varieties. This tour combines history, nature and tradition, providing a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Majes Valley.

We will visit the Toro Muerto Petroglyphs, one of the most impressive and enigmatic archaeological sites in Peru, located in the Majes Valley, in the Arequipa region. This rock art complex is considered one of the largest in South America and houses more than 5,000 rock engravings dating from between 500 and 1000 A.D., belonging to pre-Inca cultures such as the Wari.

Main characteristics:

• Rock art: The petroglyphs of Toro Muerto consist of a series of engravings and drawings on large rocks, representing geometric figures, animals, human beings and scenes that could be related to religious beliefs, rituals or the daily life of ancient civilizations.
• Location: The site is located about 80 kilometers from the city of Arequipa, in an arid area of the valley, making it an isolated place but of great interest to archaeologists and tourists.
• Diversity of figures: Among the engravings, there are representations of camelids, snakes, abstract forms and anthropomorphic figures, which have been the object of diverse interpretations. Some studies suggest that they could have had a ceremonial or astronomy-related purpose.
• Cultural heritage: The Toro Muerto Petroglyphs are an invaluable cultural heritage, and their preservation is crucial to understand the beliefs and artistic expressions of the civilizations that inhabited the region.

On-site activities:

• Guided tour: Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the meaning and history behind the engravings, with local guides specialized in petroglyph interpretation.
• Photography: The natural beauty of the surroundings and the impressive collection of engravings make this site an ideal place for photography.
• Exploration: The area is ideal for hiking and exploration, as the engraved rocks are distributed over a wide area, allowing tourists to enjoy a quiet and educational tour.

Visiting the Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto is a unique experience for lovers of history, archeology and art, allowing them to discover the legacy of ancient Andean cultures in an impressive natural environment.

After visiting the petroglyphs, our next stop will be the Querulpa Dinosaur Footprints. They are one of the main paleontological attractions in the Arequipa region, specifically in the Majes Valley. This site, located near the town of Querulpa, is famous for housing an impressive collection of fossilized dinosaur footprints that inhabited the area more than 100 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period.

Main characteristics:

• Fossilized footprints: The dinosaur footprints at Querulpa are imprinted in the rocks of the region, and can be observed up close in different areas of the site. These footprints were left by dinosaurs of various species, including herbivores and carnivores, allowing scientists and visitors to learn more about the fauna that inhabited the area in prehistoric times.
• Diversity of footprints: Tracks of different sizes can be found at the site, some of which can be more than 1 meter long. These footprints allow us to understand the behavior of the dinosaurs, such as their movements, size and type of locomotion.
• Geological context: The footprints are found in rock formations that have been preserved over the centuries, making them a valuable testimony to the geological history of the region. The site offers a unique view of what the landscape was like in prehistoric times.
• Accessibility: The Querulpa dinosaur footprints are located in an area that is easily accessible to tourists, and a guided tour is available to explain the importance of the site and its paleontological history.

On-site activities:

• Guided tour: Visitors can take a tour with specialized local guides who provide detailed information about the footprints, the dinosaurs that left them and the geological history of the region.
• Photography: This site is ideal for photography, as the fossilized footprints, combined with the arid and mountainous landscape of the Majes Valley, offer spectacular scenery.
• Exploration: Tourists can walk through the area and explore different areas where footprints are found, allowing them to experience the prehistoric history of the region up close.

Importance:

The Querulpa Dinosaur Tracks are an invaluable testimony of life on Earth millions of years ago. This paleontological site is not only fascinating for science and history lovers, but also offers a unique experience for those who wish to connect with our planet’s remote past.

After this fascinating visit, we will head to the picturesque village of Corire, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious local gastronomy, savoring traditional dishes that reflect the rich culture and authentic flavor of the region.

We will visit Chancharay, a recreational complex where we can take advantage of the swimming pools and enjoy unique moments with friends and family. The Chancharay Spa is a tourist attraction located in the region of Arequipa, known for its hot springs and relaxing natural environment. This spa is ideal for those seeking to enjoy a moment of rest and wellness, surrounded by the beauty of the Andean landscapes.

Main characteristics:

• Natural environment: The spa is located in a stunning natural environment, surrounded by mountains and vegetation, which offers a quiet and comforting experience. It is a perfect place to disconnect and enjoy the peace of the landscape.
• Facilities: Chancharay has several pools of different temperatures, adapted to offer a comfortable and pleasant experience. In addition, the place offers massage services and other complementary therapies for a complete wellness experience.
• Accessibility: The resort is easily accessible from the city of Arequipa, making it an excellent choice for a day trip or weekend excursion.

Activities in the Chancharay Spa:

• Hiking and exploration: The natural environment offers several options for hiking and exploration, allowing you to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
• Relaxation and wellness: The spa also offers relaxation services, such as massages and facials, for those seeking a more complete wellness experience.

The Chancharay Spa is an ideal place for those who wish to relax, enjoy and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature, all while benefiting from the healing properties of the thermal waters.

Finally, we will visit a Wine and Pisco Winery where we will be given a detailed explanation of the process of making wine and pisco, two of the most emblematic beverages of the region. As part of the Pisco Route, this experience will allow us to learn about the traditional and modern techniques used in the production of these delicious beverages, from the harvesting of the grapes to bottling.

The visit to the wine and pisco cellar is a unique experience for lovers of traditional Peruvian beverages. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the production process of wine and pisco, two of the most representative drinks of Peru.

Main characteristics of the visit:

• Guided tour: A specialized guide will take you through the winery facilities, explaining the stages of production, from harvesting the grapes to bottling the wine and pisco. You will learn about the different grape varieties used and the traditional techniques employed to create these beverages.
• Wine and Pisco Tasting: At the end of the tour, you will enjoy a tasting of some of the winery’s best wines and piscos. You will be able to taste different types of wines, such as red, white and rosé, as well as several varieties of pisco, a distilled spirit that is an integral part of Peruvian culture.
• History and tradition: In addition to learning about the production process, you will learn about the history of the winery and its importance in the winemaking tradition of the region. Local wineries often have centuries of history, passing down knowledge and techniques from generation to generation.
• Landscapes and surroundings: Wineries are often located in beautiful landscapes, surrounded by vineyards offering panoramic views. This picturesque setting makes the visit even more enjoyable and unique.
• Shopping: If you wish, you can purchase bottles of wine and pisco directly from the winery, perfect to take home as a souvenir or to enjoy at home.

A visit to the wine and pisco cellar is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy authentic flavors and learn about Peru’s winemaking tradition.

20:30pm We will arrive in the city of Arequipa and drop you off near the Plaza de Armas.

Departures every weekend.