Arequipa’s Adventure Day: Pillones Waterfall & Rock Forest – Review

So, planning a trip to Arequipa? That is a fantastic decision! Of course, while everyone raves about the Colca Canyon, there’s this slightly off-the-beaten-path escape, it’s almost like a mini-adventure combo, if you will, just waiting to be explored. Namely, I’m talking about a day trip to the Pillones Waterfall and the Rock Forest. Trust your, these aren’t your average tourist traps. These locations offer scenery and, truly, a chance to experience the more rugged, untouched attractiveness of the Peruvian highlands. Get ready to hear more about this excursion! Hopefully, it will get you stoked about trading the usual sightseeing tours for an actual exploration of Arequipa’s wilder side.

Getting There and Initial Impressions

Okay, so, here’s the deal with getting to Pillones and the Rock Forest. It is that you will, without a doubt, need transportation. Tour companies in Arequipa often run day trips, and, in fact, that’s frequently your way to go. They often handle the logistics which are pretty handy since we are talking about venturing out into the highlands, as a matter of fact. The drive, it is, itself, pretty much an experience, that said. So, just picture vast landscapes changing before you. That is everything from green fields to desolate, high-altitude plains.

Basically, once you pull up to Pillones, there’s, actually, a little bit of walking involved. And, in some respects, the view is simply spectacular, just a sight for tired eyes. That first glimpse of the waterfall cascading down the rocks. Very captivating! Now, if you decide to venture on by yourself (it could be done, to be honest), just ensure you have a very reliable 4×4 vehicle and are comfortable with a bit of off-road driving. The roads might get quite tricky, truly. So, it is best not to make the journey when you don’t have the resources to make it work. Just something to consider! And, do not underestimate the altitude; the air, frankly, gets pretty thin out there. So, pace yourself to prevent altitude sickness.

The Allure of Pillones Waterfall

The Pillones Waterfall, truly, isn’t Niagara Falls. So, what it is really is, it’s a spectacle that has charm of its own, somewhat. As a matter of fact, with its tiers of cascading water, each falls spills into, just, a pool of crystal water. A refreshing contrast to the rough, rocky landscape. That sound, I’m talking about the rushing water. Rather therapeutic!

There are, honestly, several nice photo opportunities here. Get inventive with angles and compositions. The falls and surrounding scenery offer such visual appeal, arguably. And the water! Very crisp. You might be tempted to take a dip. As I was saying, brace yourself; the water temperature, really, borders on frigid. Swimming, for that reason, is really for the brave and the foolhardy. Though that might be an activity, to be honest! However, if you just want to sit by the banks and take everything in, that is, I have to say, its own adventure. Especially after that bumpy ride! This tranquil stop is a breather ahead of the next adventure.

Exploring the Rock Forest

Next stop, really, is the Rock Forest! It is basically a surreal playground sculpted by time and erosion, in fact. So, expect bizarre rock formations jutting out from the ground. These rock structures have shapes resembling everything from animals to human faces, naturally. It stretches your idea of what nature might do. You almost have to give a double take! Just unbelievable! But still makes for good scenery. And also great photo ops.

While ambling around, keep your eyes open for vizcachas! What, these furry little rodents love to scamper around the rocks. Cute little creatures. And this landscape makes for amazing photography, by the way! So, come ready with camera equipment! Very ready! Also, don’t shy away from scrambling up some of the rockier spots to capture that best shot; Just use caution since it could get dicey on some rocks! I have to admit that this is a place for a mindful stroll to simply take everything in. Feel nature. Feel those rocks.

What to Bring With You

Okay, it’s time to get right down to what you need to have with you when hitting up Pillones and the Rock Forest. Firstly, and actually mostly, you will want to have layers of clothes with you. It gets windy! So, you might need all those extra coats and beanies and what nots.

Basically, here is your definitive packing list for a smooth, thrilling adventure:

• Warm clothing: Even though the sun can feel rather strong, the altitude makes temperatures chilly, so it is best to have on you clothes for different temperatures.
• Sunscreen: At that elevation, you can be sunburnt. Bring this in bulk! So that your skin isn’t cooked.
• Hat and sunglasses: These really help block the harsh sunlight. So get them!
• Comfortable hiking boots: It might get bumpy. That footwear has to support you at least somewhat, really.
• Water and snacks: Stay really hydrated! Pack those snacks. Just so that your body functions right!
• Camera: Crucial to catch and secure those moments of magic. You can show others the spots that you made it to.
• Small backpack: Keep hands at your availability as opposed to being preoccupied, so basically keep all your necessaries into that one small backpack, seriously!
• Cash: A lot of the more remotely populated areas will just only take cash. No cards, you know? Make sure to carry some cash. Small change too!
• Altitude sickness pills: If you find yourself getting altitude sickness very fast. Might be something to pop right away before you suffer the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Things to Consider Before Going

Here are a few of the main considerations before you go. So, altitude sickness is seriously a real issue. Spend several days in Arequipa acclimatizing before you head out. If you will just show up, the mountain will know and she will get to you. Do not risk your own wellness by traveling straight into Arequipa then straight out towards that kind of adventure. Give the body a chance! It’ll be of great value.

It’s really about timing, I suppose! I think visiting during the dry season, between April and October, makes all kinds of sense. The roads are safer. So the paths less slick! Make your trek way more pleasing when its dryer, obviously.

It could be fun doing this trip independently. Truly, with some tour groups. Very reliable. And it might ease up the experience in a sense to go this way, particularly. Research well and book your tour with plenty time for security.

Is it Worth It? My Final Thoughts

So, is a day trip to Pillones Waterfall and the Rock Forest a must-do? It really is for you. If that is you have that spirit of exploration, too, the appetite to feast for raw beauty! If you are not, you will be a bit displeased since, honestly, the landscape really doesn’t have much of the bells and whistles. That is to say that this experience just really is worth your while! It’s a memorable experience. It showcases a special charm of Arequipa beyond what’s offered in the common tourist maps. These untouched lands are going to get to you. At least, this way. A day excursion can deliver a lot for what you pay.