Nearby Walks
Immersion in the ancestral village of Canocota
Located in the stunning Colca Valley, the picturesque town of Canocota captivates visitors with its rustic charm and historic legacy. Its ancient paths, silent witnesses to the passage of time, are true gems that tell the story of this community.
Ultimately, the ancestral paths of the town of Canocota in the Colca Valley are much more than just trails: they are witnesses to the caravans of llamas that made their way for centuries, on tireless journeys lasting weeks and months, connecting towns. In their journey, they have left a legacy that deserves to be preserved and appreciated by present and future generations.
Nearby walk into Coporaque's historical past
Coporaque has a rich history dating back to pre-Incan times, originally inhabited by the Collaguas. With the arrival of the Incas in the 15th century, the town was incorporated into their empire.
During the Spanish colonization in the 16th century, Coporaque was transformed into a colonial settlement, and the construction of the church of Santiago Apóstol marked an important milestone in its history, integrating indigenous and European elements into its architecture and traditions.
Over the years, Coporaque has maintained its cultural identity, with ancestral practices that endure to this day, such as festivities and customs linked to agriculture.
Along the Collaguas trails and citadels
A brief journey into the historical past of the Colca Valley is what is evoked when one stands before the ancient Collagua settlements located in San Antonio de Coporaque, or when one visits the citadel of Uyo Uyo in Yanque.
The Collaguas, who spoke Aymara and specialized in livestock and agriculture, occupied the middle and upper part of the valley, with administrative centers in the towns of Yanque and Lari. Historical sources describe the economic importance of the valley, with its agricultural and livestock resources. Likewise, these sources tell of a matrimonial alliance between the Incas and the chieftains of Coporaque, which established or assured the political power of the Incas in the valley.
If you are in the Colca Valley and have a couple of hours left and don’t know what to do, take the road that connects the towns of Coporaque and Uyo Uyo and learn more about these places.
Hike to the ruins of the Collagua city of Uskallaqta
The ruins of Uskallacta, located in the Colca Valley, are an important archaeological site that reveals the history and advanced engineering of ancient Andean civilizations. These ruins date back to pre-Incan times and belong to the Collagua culture, which inhabited the region before the arrival of the Incas.
Uskallacta stands out for its irrigation systems and stone architecture, showing the high level of knowledge in the management and use of land for agriculture by the original inhabitants of the area. In addition, the ruins offer a stunning view of the Colca Valley and its surroundings, suggesting its strategic importance.
If you’re in the city of Chivay, let’s visit these ruins located very close to the city. From this spot, we’ll have a sweeping view of the citadel and the surrounding mountains.