Stone columns and a waterfall in one day. This trip strings together Pillones Waterfall and the Imata stone forest with real variety: an old train stop, wildlife-viewing, a short tea break, and then a hike before you head to the falls. I like how the day mixes action (walking and photo stops) with long enough viewpoints to actually enjoy what you’re seeing. One consideration: it’s a full 12 hours, so expect a lot of riding in the car before the big moments.

PVTravel runs this day trip with a bilingual guide (English/Spanish), and the overall rating sits at 4.4 from 15 ratings—good odds you’ll get clear explanations, not just motion on a bus. If you’re the type who hates being rushed, plan to move at a calm pace and use the photo time well.

Key things I’d plan for on this Pillones + Stone Forest day trip

• Pampa de Arrieros old train station stop for a quick feel of the region’s past infrastructure.
• Aguada Blanca National Reserve viewing time to look for vicuñas during a scenic drive.
• A 45-minute to 1-hour hike in Imata through rock columns and odd formations.
• Pillones waterfall with several jumps (about 15 meters high), plus a chance to get down near the water.
• Bilingual guidance (English/Spanish) so the meaning of the scenery isn’t a mystery.

A long, scenic loop from Arequipa to Pillones

This day trip is built like a “greatest hits” route for the Arequipa region: history first, nature next, a short walk in-between, and then the payoff at the falls. You start from Arequipa city center with pickup, then roll out by transport to the countryside where everything looks harsher, older, and more sculpted than the city.

The itinerary is also designed with small pauses, not just nonstop driving. You’ll get a town/old-station stop in Pampa de Arrieros, a nature stop with vicuñas, a coca tea moment, time to hike, and then time to photograph Pillones waterfall. That rhythm matters on a long day.

And yes, you’ll likely want to keep your camera ready. The stone forest is strange in the best way, and the waterfall has multiple drops that make it feel more than just a single plunge.

Pampa de Arrieros: old train station and a quick sense of place

The first stop is Pampa de Arrieros, where you’ll see the area’s old train station. It’s not a full museum visit; it’s more like a brief, well-placed introduction before you head into the reserves and the hike.

I like this kind of start because it gives you context. Before you’re surrounded by rock formations and water-worn shapes, you get one small reminder that humans have also been moving through this region for a long time—using trains, roads, and local routes that connect towns like Pampa de Arrieros to the wider Arequipa area.

Practical tip: treat this as a stretch-and-walk break, not a long sit-down stop. You’re prepping your legs for later.

Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve: vicuñas spotting and big sky pauses

Next comes a stop in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve area for observation of vicuñas. This is where the day shifts from “structures you can look at” to “living animals you have to spot.”

You won’t just stop anywhere random—you’ll be in a reserve setting, which is exactly what you want if you’re hoping to see vicuñas rather than just hearing about them. The key is patience. Viewing time in wildlife areas tends to reward slow scanning more than frantic searching.

What I’d do: pick one easy-to-scan direction, watch for movement, and let the guide’s explanations help you interpret what you’re seeing. A bilingual guide (English/Spanish) is useful here—when someone can explain how to look, you waste less time guessing.

Also, expect the drive to be part of the experience. You’re traveling through reserve terrain, and the views along the way are part of why this route works as a day trip.

Patahuasi coca tea: a small break with local flavor

In the Patahuasi sector, you’ll have coca tea. It’s a short cultural stop, but it breaks the day at a good moment—right before the hike begins.

This is the kind of pause that keeps the energy level steady. After some driving and reserve viewing, your brain and body both benefit from a warm drink and a chance to reset.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine or unfamiliar with coca tea, just keep it simple: try a small cup if you want to be cautious, then decide from there. The itinerary is clear that it’s part of the plan, not an add-on you scramble to find.

Imata stone forest hike: strange columns, short route, great photo time

The stone forest of Imata is the walking highlight. The hike starts about 45 minutes to 1 hour into it, depending on the pace of the day and the group, and it’s described as a natural place with strange rock formations and stone columns.

This is the part of the trip where your imagination actually gets useful. The rocks look sculpted by time and water action, and the shapes are distinct enough that you’ll find yourself trying to label what you see—spires, pillars, and formations that feel almost architectural.

You’re also given a prudent time to take pictures. That word choice matters: it’s not a “run, shoot, sprint” photo stop. You’ll have enough time to frame shots and move a few steps to get better angles.

A practical warning: bring shoes with decent grip. Stone forest routes can involve uneven ground and slopes, and a waterfall later can mean slippery terrain too. Light layers also help, since weather can change through the day even if you’re not sure why.

Pillones town and the waterfall with several jumps

After the hike, you head by car to the town of Pillones, where Pillones waterfall is located. This is the main event, and it’s specifically described as having several jumps about 15 meters high.

What I like about this waterfall is how it’s not just one static view. Multiple drops mean the soundscape changes as the water moves, and your camera gets more than one “hero” angle. The rocks around the falls are also shaped by erosion from constant water action—so the geology is part of the story, not just a backdrop.

You can go down to the waterfall once you arrive. Getting closer changes the experience fast. From a distance, you see the drops. Up close, you feel the water’s force and the texture of everything around it.

Do note: when you go down, it can involve wet, uneven ground. Move slowly, keep your footing, and treat it like a short scramble, not a stroll.

The day’s pace: why the order matters and how to stay comfortable

Because this is a 12-hour outing, the order of stops matters. The route starts with a lower-effort cultural/history moment, shifts into reserve viewing, gives you a drink break, then has the hike while you still have energy.

By the time you reach the falls, you’re ready for the most intense scenery of the day. That sequence is smart. If the waterfall came first, you’d likely feel more rushed. If the hike came too late, you might feel drained before the photography time.

Here’s how to make it feel easier:

• Pack for walking and for being near wet areas (comfortable shoes, a light layer).
• Use the coca tea moment as a reset, not just a checkbox.
• When you arrive at the waterfall, spend a few minutes just looking before you chase shots. Your best photos usually come from calm time, not sprinting.

Also, remember the itinerary notes that meals aren’t specified. You’ll want to plan accordingly—either bring snacks if allowed by the operator’s rules (not listed here) or make sure you eat before pickup so you’re not hungry during the key moments.

Price and value: what $55 covers in real terms

The price is listed at $55 per person, and for that you get pickup from Arequipa city center, transport, and a bilingual guide in English/Spanish.

When I judge value, I focus on what you’re actually getting:

• You’re paying for transportation to multiple far-apart points (Pampa de Arrieros, reserve area, Imata, Pillones).
• You’re paying for a guide who can interpret what you see—especially helpful for vicuña viewing and for understanding the rock formations you hike through.
• You’re not paying for a complicated self-planning job with route timing and explanations.

So the cost feels reasonable for a one-day circuit, especially if you don’t want to coordinate rides between the stone forest and the waterfall on your own. If you’re traveling solo, the guide and transport bundle often makes the day much simpler.

The one part you should keep in mind: drop-off at your exact accommodation isn’t included in the provided details. You should expect to return to Arequipa, but confirm the exact drop-off point timing with the operator so it matches your needs.

Who this tour suits (and who should think twice)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A full Arequipa-region nature day without arranging separate trips
• A short hike (about 45 minutes to 1 hour) that doesn’t demand hours of trail time
• A waterfall visit where you can get close enough to feel the water and see multiple drops
• A bilingual guide so you’re not stuck figuring out everything from signage

It might not be ideal if:

• You hate long driving days. This is 12 hours total.
• You need guaranteed meal planning, since meals aren’t specified.
• You strongly prefer door-to-door drop-offs, since accommodation drop-off isn’t listed as included.

If you’re okay with a big day and want a mix of rock formations plus a real waterfall, this route is a smart bet.

Should you book the Pillones Waterfall and Stone Forest day trip?

If your idea of a great day is: short hike + wild rocks + a waterfall you can reach by foot, then yes, I’d book it. The combination is efficient, and the key highlights are exactly what you came for—Imata stone forest formations and Pillones waterfall (with several jumps around 15 meters high), plus the vicuña viewing stop and coca tea break that keep the day from feeling like just one long ride.

Before you go, do two quick checks:

1. Confirm what “return to Arequipa” means for your meeting point and whether it’s easy to get back to your lodging.
2. Plan for walking and wet footing at the falls, since the itinerary allows going down to the waterfall.

FAQ

How long is the Pillones Waterfall and Stone Forest day trip?

The duration is listed as 12 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability to see the schedule.

How much does it cost?

The price is $55 per person.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from hotels and accommodations around Arequipa city center.

What language is the guide?

The guide is bilingual: English and Spanish.

What does the itinerary include besides the waterfall and hike?

It includes a stop in Pampa de Arrieros at the old train station, observation time in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve for vicuñas, and a coca tea stop in the Patahuasi sector.

How long is the stone forest hike?

The stone forest hike is described as starting after about 45 minutes to 1 hour, with time for pictures during the hike.

Is there a chance to get down near the waterfall?

Yes. Once you reach Pillones waterfall, you can go down to the waterfall area for closer views and photos.

Are meals included?

Meals are not specified in the itinerary, so you should plan meals on your own.

What’s the cancellation and payment policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, meaning you can book and pay nothing today.

Is drop-off at my accommodation included?

No—drop-off at accommodation is listed as not included in the provided details. The trip returns you to Arequipa, but you should confirm the exact drop-off location.

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