17:29 | Huayllay (Pasco region), Sep. 1.
Visiting the
National Sanctuary of Huayllay is like travelling to another dimension within Peru. Through its impressive stone forest with shapes that defy the imagination, this open-air geological museum shows the magnificent whims of nature and the unique biodiversity of such protected natural area.
The National Sanctuary of Huayllay, which is rightly referred to as "Wonder of Peru," is located in the district of the same name in Pasco region, at an altitude of 4,100 to 4,600 m above sea level.
Officially designated as a protected natural area by the State on August 7, 1974, the National Sanctuary of Huayllay has an extension of 6,815 hectares.
It should be noted that 90% of the rock formations found in the place are of volcanic origin and form a rock forest of great beauty and uniqueness.
The principal attractions are the animal shaped rocks found in the area. They take on the shapes of different animals like the cobra, the elephant, the bear, the snail, the turtle, the alpaca, and even human forms like the tourist, among others.
This group of rock formations —of various shapes and sizes— is situated in the center of Bombon plain. The site includes various archaeological vestiges, such as the cave paintings seen all over the area, which number more than 500 and show the ancient relationship between humans and this unique ecosystem.
The landscape is graced by a number of beautiful lagoons and hot springs.
The National Sanctuary of Huayllay is one of the best open-air geological museums in the globe. Given its extension and formation, it is as interesting as the Garden of the Gods in the United States, or Shilin (Stone Forest) in China.
This spectacular spot was part of the national route taken by the torch of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.
(END) LZD/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 9/1/2021