Make your way to Yanque for a rejuvenating pause in the Colca Valley. Situated just a few minutes west of Chivay, this town offers varied walks, thermal baths, and plenty of outdoor activities.

History

Yanque was the residential domain of the leaders of the pre-Incan Collagua tribe. During Spanish colonization, the conquistadors shaped it into a Baroque-style town. Etymologically, Yanque means "the Devil's urine." In his collection "Peruvian Traditions," Ricardo Palma recounts that the original Church of the Immaculate Virgin, built when the town was founded, had been desecrated by sexual acts. Following an exorcism, religious leaders decided to demolish the building and construct a new monument a few years later.

Visiting Yanque

Come to Yanque to discover the charm of a Peruvian village. Wander its packed-earth streets lined with buildings weathered by time. Relax on the main plaza, one of the most beautiful in the region. Admire the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción with its magnificent Baroque entrance. Along the way, meet descendants of the Quechua people dressed in their traditionally embroidered garments. Deeply attached to their traditional way of life, residents still maintain alpaca farms. Local cuisine is equally authentic. Taste rocoto relleno, ocopa, or solterito for a glimpse of the country's flavors. And that's just the beginning…

Start your day gently on Yanque's Plaza de Armas

Every morning around 7 a.m., local women gather on the central plaza and offer visitors a small traditional dance performance. From costumes to choreography to music, they proudly showcase their heritage for the delight of enthusiasts. The Wititiazo is Yanque's showstopper. This challenge dance carries profound ethnocultural significance. Groups also practice the Huayno, Hayleos, Camile, Habas Saruy, and Wayllacha, among others.

Learn about the region and its history at the Yanque Museum

Across from the church, step into the Yanque Museum to immerse yourself in the culture of the Colca Canyon. The Catholic University of Santa María, which manages it, has made considerable efforts to provide comprehensive information through its exhibitions. Admire displays dedicated to Incan textiles, deformed skulls, models of religious architecture, and more. One of the museum's most fascinating sections is devoted to Juanita, the "Ice Maiden," whose body is carefully preserved at the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries in Arequipa.

Relax in the hot springs of Chacapi

About a half-hour walk from the Plaza de Armas, following the course of the river, you'll find the Chacapi hot springs. Since few homes have hot water, locals head there early in the morning to bathe. The springs are renowned for their mineral richness, whose properties help treat several ailments such as rheumatism. They also offer benefits for the skin. The Chacapi baths are also an excellent spot for photography.

Discover the Collagua Heritage

Yanque is an excellent starting point for visiting the Uyo-Uyo archaeological complex. Located on the far side of the Colca River, these ruins represent a center of Collagua culture. The Incan Empire annexed the site during its expansion, before the Spanish invaded and destroyed it. Other noteworthy remains include the Shininea tombs, which shelter a cluster of circular stone walls. It is a sacred site, at the intersection of religion and magic, for locals.

The region possesses its share of natural treasures, such as the Pallaclli caves. Beyond their picturesque setting, these caverns hide rock paintings that will surely captivate you. The Colca Valley offers numerous outdoor activities. Hiking, cycling, or horseback riding—there are plenty of routes to enjoy fresh air and appreciate the landscapes.

Climate

Yanque enjoys a temperate climate. Throughout the year, the temperature and rainfall average respectively 19°C and 133 mm. The best months to visit the town are February and March, though weather conditions are already favorable for tourism starting in December. Be cautious: July is a period to avoid.

The journey to Yanque from the capital, Lima, takes place in three stages. First, from Lima you have two options to reach Arequipa, located over 1,000 km away: by road (16 hours 30 minutes) or by plane (1 hour 15 minutes). Next, from Arequipa to Chivay (151 km), allow approximately 3 hours by car. Finally, from Chivay to Yanque, you can walk, take the bus, or cycle to reach Yanque in about fifteen minutes.

Yanque is a small town that's easily covered on foot.

What to do in Yanque?

• Stroll through the Plaza de Armas
• Visit the Yanque History Museum
• Explore the pre-Incan site of Uyo-Uyo
• Wander through the Colca Valley
• Relax in the Chacapi thermal springs, and more