Ten portals built of stone and adobe mark the entrances to Coporaque’s main square. This is how the traditional nickname “Village of Portals” came about. The portals give the town a distinctive architectural theme; other points of interest include a 16th-century chapel, dances, irrigation traditions, local dishes and a terraced landscape. If you are choosing a destination based on culture, cuisine and scenery, these different themes can help you get to know Coporaque.
Portals, Chapel and Plaza de la Cruz
The Capilla de San Sebastián de Coporaque was built in 1565 and is considered the oldest religious building in the Colca Valley. It was built in the Renaissance style, has a rectangular floor plan and a gabled roof. The roof’s original structure was made of wood and ichu. The portals at the entrances to the main square and the chapel therefore represent different architectural features: the portals define the entrances to the square, while the chapel is distinguished by its construction date, floor plan and roof shape.
Plaza de la Cruz connects the Capilla de San Sebastián with the Templo de Santiago Apóstol. It also serves as a venue for fairs, markets, festivals and public celebrations. Its public character adds a social dimension to its architectural history: the square is defined not only by its connection between two religious buildings, but also by the events held there.
Cultural Heritage and Living Traditions
The local museum at the Centro Cultural Colca de Coporaque displays mummies from the Tumbas de Yuraq Qaqa archaeological complex. The Centro Cultural promotes and presents local cultural heritage, bringing together sociocultural expressions. The museum, chapel and plaza therefore offer different ways to experience the town’s culture: archaeological finds sit alongside religious architecture and a public square that also serves as a venue for community events.
The dances and customs also have different points of reference. The Ccamile dance is performed on the agricultural plots belonging to Coporaque’s patron saints. The Wititi dance is part of the feast of Saint Luke. The “pago al agua” tradition takes place during the fiesta de estanque and includes digging and maintaining the irrigation canals in August. The traditions described thus range from dance performances and a religious feast to community work on irrigation.
The government of the Arequipa region declared the Q'ocha Fiesta of Coporaque, in the district of Coporaque, province of Caylloma, a regional event of tourist interest on March 10, 2026. If you would like to plan your trip around the Q'ocha Fiesta, check the event dates in advance.
Dishes with Different Ingredients
Convido is prepared with alpaca meat, black chuño, potatoes and patasca. Pesque is made from whipped quinoa and is served with either chactado guinea pig or guinea pig stew. The dishes differ in both their main ingredients and combinations: convido brings together alpaca meat and several side dishes, while pesque pairs quinoa with one of two guinea pig preparations. Those interested in local cuisine will find two clearly described dishes made with different ingredients.
Terraced Landscape and Hot Springs
Coporaque is surrounded by agricultural terraces, and a large number of pre-Inca terraces can be found in the surrounding area. This landscape adds a visible connection to agriculture to the cultural themes. Another nearby point of interest is the Sallihua hot springs, located 3 km from the village of Coporaque. They are in the Colca and Andagua Volcanoes Geopark and are designated Geosite G41. The terraces describe the area around the village, while Sallihua is a specific nearby destination identified by its distance, geopark location and geosite designation.
Coporaque offers more than one focus for your travel decision: the portals and chapel represent architecture; dances and irrigation customs illustrate local traditions. Convido and pesque offer insight into different dishes. These are complemented by the surrounding terraced landscape and the Sallihua hot springs, a named site outside the village.
Discover more destinations: Yanahuara District, Cabanaconde, Camana, Cerro Colorado District, Paucarpata, Yanque, Chala, Pinchollo.
See the regional travel overview: Arequipa.
