Waterfalls and bizarre stone towers, in one day. This Arequipa Region outing strings together the Pillones Waterfall and the Imata stone forest, with a stop at Aguada Blanca to look for vicuñas. It also includes a couple of cultural waypoints that make the day feel like more than just a hike-and-go.

I love the sheer variety packed into 12 hours: an old train stop in Pampa de Arrieros, wildlife watching in the reserve, and then a hike through strange rock columns. I also like how close you can get at Pillones, where the falls drop in several jumps about 15 meters high and you can go down toward the water for photos.

One thing to consider: you’ll be on your feet for a 45 minutes to 1 hour hike in the stone forest, and meals aren’t specified. Also, drop-off at your exact accommodation is not included, so plan for a short walk or a different drop point in Arequipa.

Quick hits before you go

• Old train station at Pampa de Arrieros: a simple stop that adds character to the route.
• Aguada Blanca National Reserve + Salinas area: a good chance to focus on vicuñas, not just scenery.
• Coca tea in Patahuasi: a small, local-feeling pause built into the day.
• Imata stone forest hike (45 min to 1 hr): short hike, surreal rock formations, time for pictures.
• Pillones Waterfall with several jumps (about 15 m): dramatic erosion shapes and the option to go down closer.

Pampa de Arrieros: the old train station moment

The day starts in the town of Pampa de Arrieros, where you’ll see its old train station. It’s not a long stop, but it works as a mood-setter. Instead of rushing straight into nature, this gives you a quick sense of the region’s working past, and it makes the rest of the trip feel more grounded.

Practical tip: take a few photos here early. If you wait until later, you may find yourself mentally in waterfall mode and rushing through the details.

Aguada Blanca Reserve and the Salinas stop for vicuñas

After Pampa de Arrieros, you continue into the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve area. The specific focus is wildlife observation, especially vicuñas. Even if you don’t spot them immediately, this stop is still useful because it frames the day in terms of living landscapes and local ecology, not just rocks and water.

Here’s the smart way to approach this part: be patient and keep your attention on movement at a distance. Vicuñas tend to be easier to notice once you’re not scanning with frantic zooming. Bring a camera mindset—slow looking beats frantic shooting.

Also note the setting is outdoors, so plan to stay flexible. This is the kind of stop where timing and sightings can shape how long you actually linger.

Patahuasi coca tea: a small break with big comfort value

In the Patahuasi sector, the tour includes time to have coca tea. It’s a short cultural and practical pause, and it breaks up the day nicely before you start walking in the stone forest.

I like this stop because it’s not a shopping detour. It’s tied to your energy levels and comfort—exactly what you want mid-day on a full itinerary.

Imata stone forest: 45 minutes to 1 hour of surreal rock columns

Next comes the star-walk: the stone forest of Imata. Your hike starts about 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on pace and how the group moves). This isn’t a long trek. It’s built for seeing the formations, taking photos, and enjoying the weird, imagination-fueling shapes.

What you’re looking at here are rock structures and stone columns that formed as part of the natural shaping forces over time. The tour gives you time for pictures, which matters. Without that buffer, these places can feel rushed—like you’re just checking a box. With a real photo window, you can actually test your own eye: look for patterns, compare angles, and watch how your sense of scale changes as you walk.

Practical tip: wear shoes with solid grip. Even if the hike is short, you’ll still be walking on natural terrain where footing matters.

Pillones town and the waterfall with several jumps (about 15 meters)

After the stone forest hike, you drive to the town of Pillones, where you reach Pillones Waterfall. This is the part most people remember. The waterfall includes several jumps and drops about 15 meters high. What makes it visually satisfying is the way water erosion shapes the surrounding rocks—constant action over time that turns rock into something you can almost read like a story.

When you arrive, you can see the erosion features from above, and then you can go down toward the waterfall. That’s a big value add: it gives you more than one viewpoint and helps you feel the force of the falls rather than just looking from a distance.

Two practical notes here:

• Think about where you want your best photos first, then go down. Once you’re near the water, you may find the angle you want is different than what you expected from above.
• Keep an eye on footing. Going down near a waterfall usually means uneven ground and splash zones.

Timing, transport, and how the 12 hours actually feel

This is a full 12-hour day trip. That length is normal for trips from Arequipa that combine multiple stops, but it does shape the experience: you’ll spend some time traveling by car between each highlight.

You also need to plan around timing rather than trying to control it. Starting times depend on availability, so you’ll want to check what departure slot fits your day and energy. If you’re the type who hates early mornings, pick your time carefully.

The good news is the itinerary is paced. You don’t just do one long hike and then scramble for a waterfall photo. You have a structure: train station stop → reserve/wildlife area → coca tea break → stone forest walk → waterfall descent → return to Arequipa.

Price and value: what $55 gets you (and what to plan for)

At $55 per person for a 12-hour outing, the main value is the mix of transport, guide support, and multiple featured stops. You’re not just paying to reach one place—you’re paying to be taken through a route that includes:

• pickup in Arequipa city center
• transport
• a bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• several distinct sites, including a reserve observation segment and two nature highlights

What’s not in the price matters too. Meals aren’t specified, and drop-off at your accommodation is not included. That doesn’t ruin the trip, but it changes how you should plan your day:

• Bring or buy snacks or plan a meal on your own (since the tour doesn’t promise one).
• Expect you may need a short walk or transit back depending on where you’re dropped.

If you’re deciding between a private and a group option, this one makes sense if you want structure without paying for extra flexibility. If you prefer total control over timing and stops, you might find yourself wanting more freedom.

Who this tour fits best

This day trip is a strong match if you want a single organized day that hits multiple big themes: wildlife observation, short hiking, and a waterfall you can get fairly close to.

It also suits you if you like variety more than one long focus. The stone forest hike is short enough to feel doable, but still long enough to matter.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants long guided explanations at every stop, this might feel a bit brisk. The itinerary is built for seeing and moving, not for sitting around.

Should you book the Pillones Waterfall and Stone Forest trip?

Based on the route and the way the experience is built, I’d book this if your checklist includes the Pillones Waterfall (with several jumps and about 15 meters of drop), plus the Imata stone forest hike that’s short but photo-friendly. The added stops—Pampa de Arrieros station, Aguada Blanca vicuña observation, and coca tea in Patahuasi—make the day feel layered instead of repetitive.

One more practical reason: it’s rated 4.4 with 15 reviews, so it has enough track record to feel like a reliable bet.

Skip it only if you strongly dislike walking for about an hour on uneven ground, or if you don’t want any uncertainty around meals and the exact drop-off point in Arequipa.

FAQ

How long is the Pillones Waterfall and Stone Forest day trip?

It lasts about 12 hours, and you’ll need to check availability for starting times.

What languages are covered by the guide?

The tour includes a bilingual guide (English/Spanish).

Is pickup included in the price?

Yes. Pickup is included from accommodations around Arequipa city center.

What’s included with the tour price?

The tour includes pickup, transport, and a bilingual guide (English/Spanish).

Are meals included?

No. Meals aren’t specified in the itinerary.

Is there hiking, and how long is the stone forest part?

Yes. The hike through the stone forest of Imata starts about 45 minutes to 1 hour after arrival at the trail area.

What about cancellation and paying later?

You get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.

You Might Also Enjoy

Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha TemplePiramids of Tucume Tour, Sican Museum and Lambayeque city tourParacas: Ballestas Island & Nature Reserve all inclusive4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu