Yanque Overview

V!VA User‘s Description

Just 10 kilometers west of Chivay, Yanque is a small town characterized by dirt streets and a quiet, laidback atmosphere. The baroque church, Inmaculada Concepción has an interesting carved mestizo face, adorned with various saints, including Santa Rosa de Lima. East of the Plaza de Armas, a path winds its way about 1 kilometer into the country side to an ancient stone bridge spanning the Río Colca. From the bridge, you can view the adobe walls of ancient Inca hanging tombs in the cliff face. If you've got the energy and about four hours worth of daylight, head across the Colca and make the climb up to the ruins at Uyu Uyu, which rise above Coporaque. This is where the Collagua lived before the Spanish forced them to relocate to present day Coporaque. You can return by crossing the bridge located downstream of Yanque. To sooth those sore muscles, seek out the public hot springs (4 a.m. - 7 p.m., $.50), or head to nearby Colca Lodge.