The petroglyphs of Toro Muerto – Arequipa – Peru

Catalogued worldwide as one of the sites with the greatest amount of rock art on the planet, the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto contain around 2,600 blocks engraved in low relief with geometric, zoomorphic and atropomorphic images.

Located in the district of Uraca, province of Castilla, this place is in a desert area, with a numerous presence of volcanic rocks due to the proximity to the Chachani and Coropuna. They are located at an altitude ranging from 400 to 800 meters above sea level, very close to the Majes valley.

The age of these engravings is estimated to be between 800 and 1500 years old. Today, the more than 5 square kilometers of surface where these rocks are found continue to be investigated, as it is believed that there could be more.

The appearance of this find from the pre-Hispanic era was known in 1951 and the use of different artistic techniques, such as beating, scratching, rubbing, engraving or chipping, can be appreciated in the works.

What to do at the Toro Muerto Petroglyphs?

To appreciate the magnificent lithic art. You will be able to see large stones carved with representations in low relief of different figures, which had an important religious, spiritual and socio-cultural value for the ancient inhabitants of this place.

Visit the Jurassic Park of Querullpa. This park is 11 kilometers from the petroglyphs, where dinosaur footprints and fish fossils were found in 2002. It has life-size representations of dinosaurs built in fiberglass.

Enjoy the Majes Valley. Beautiful views of a landscape of snow-capped mountains, green mountains and the Majes River as protagonists. In the waters of this river you can practice canoeing.

Visiting wine cellars. On the banks of the Majes River you can visit different wine and pisco wineries, where it is possible to taste and purchase the products they produce.

Delight yourself with the best local gastronomy. Shrimp is the main star of the delicious dishes you will find in the area. In Corire there are some places where they prepare exquisite chupes de camarones.

How to get to the Toro Muerto Petroglyphs?

To get there by car, you will have to drive along a winding and deserted road -the 1S- towards Corire, a town located 176 kilometers northwest of Arequipa. The petroglyphs are located less than 3 kilometers from Corire. The trip takes approximately two and a half hours.

If you do not have a car or wish to go another way you can also do it. For this you must take a bus from the Terminal Terrestre de Arequipa that goes to Corire and, once there, you can take a cab to the petroglyphs. Another option is to look for a tour in one of the tourist agencies located around the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.

Recommendations:

Schedule. The petroglyphs can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm.

Admission with ticket. The entrance fee to the archaeological complex is 3 Peruvian soles.

Approximate time of the visit. The tour can be done in approximately two to three hours.

Best time to go. Because it is usually a very hot place, it is recommended to go on this excursion in the morning or in the afternoon, that is, to avoid the intense midday sun.

What to bring? It is advisable to bring a hat or cap, sunscreen and water. Also, wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes to make your walk more comfortable.

Take into account the shrimp closure. Between the months of January and March, shrimp fishing is prohibited, so you will not find dishes with this product at that time.

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