Around Yura, a long-cultivated terraced landscape, thermal water sites and the cultural heritage of La Calera come together. For planning your trip, these highlights can be easily distinguished: Yura Viejo is known for agriculture and views, while church architecture, lime kilns and a ceremony in late August are part of La Calera’s local character.

Terraces between La Calera and Yura Viejo

Agricultural terraces stretch for more than twelve kilometers along the Río Yura between La Calera and Yura Viejo. They are at least 1.50 meters high. They were built in pre-Inca times by the Wari culture; later, the Cabana-Collagua ethnic group developed them further. The terraces reached their cultural peak between 600 and 1200 AD. Their chronology makes the landscape a testament to different eras.

The residents of Yura Viejo continue to use the terraces to grow wheat, corn, potatoes, garlic, onions, alverjón, oregano and squash. They work with traditional tools such as a yunta and hoe. The cultural landscape thus combines archaeological history with continued agricultural use.

Viewpoint and trail to Corontorio

The natural Mirador de Coipata is located in the Yura Viejo cultivated area, on the left bank of the Río Yura, on Coipata Hill. From there, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the traditional village of Yura Viejo and its terraced landscape.

The Catarata de Corontorio, also known as Catarata de Capua, is near Yura Viejo. The waterfall is about 40 meters high and enclosed between two rock walls. A route description in MINCETUR’s 2024 inventory estimates that the trekking route from the Hotel de Turistas de Yura to the Cañón de Corontorio takes about two hours. The following section to the Catarata is approximately one kilometer long and is listed as taking around 30 minutes. These times refer to two stages. If you are planning the route, check the current trail conditions in advance.

Thermal waters in different forms

At the Complejo de Aguas Termales de Yura, Pozo Tigre comprises five small areas with sulfur-alkaline water. The Piscina Tadeo Haenke contains sulfurous water rich in iron, magnesium and sodium.

Poza Zamácola is a pool-like body of water near the restaurants in Anexo Los Baños. From the Hotel de Turistas, it can be reached via Pozo El Tigre; the walk from there takes about three minutes. Before visiting, it is worth checking the current access conditions.

Architectural history and tradition in La Calera

The Iglesia Virgen del Rosario in La Calera dates from 1896 and was built of pink sillar stone. The town’s disused lime kilns are considered remains of republican-era architecture; two lime kilns are protected by the municipality. The church and kilns thus offer different insights into the architectural history of the area.

In La Calera, a ceremony known as pago a la tierra is associated with late August. Offerings to Mother Earth include wine, chicha, fruit, tallow, animal fetuses and mistura. If you are planning a trip around this date, check the specific program for that year in advance.

Discover more destinations: Cabanaconde, Coporaque, Cotahuasi, Yanahuara District, Camana, Paucarpata, Yanque, Pinchollo.

To the overview of destinations in the region: Arequipa.