Toro Muerto petroglyphs

Location:
Arequipa, Peru

Cultural Tour

By Caroline Bennett

Stretching 200 meters wide for about 2 kilometers 165 km west of Arequipa, the impressive Toro Muerto petroglyphs is one of the largest collections of petroglyph drawings in the world. Figures of animals, birds and people—many of them mysterious flying "ancient astronauts" carved into volcanic rock appear as if they came out of nowhere in the vast valley. Though the roots of the drawings have not been confirmed, most historians agree that they were likely created by the Huari culture between 500 and 1200 AD.

The site is often visited in conjunction with a trip to the Valley of the Volcanoes 100 km away. Guided tours leave from Arequipa, or you can make the trip yourself, but leave plenty of time when taking public transportation. Buses to Corire depart from Arequipa (3 hours), from where you can either walk to the site (about 1 ½ hours), or ask to be let off 2 km outside the town at the start of a dirt road with a sign that leads to the petroglyphs.

Travel Skills: None