Plaza de Armas Yanque
A charming mountain plaza in Yanque, offering a peaceful escape with unique cultural traditions and a magical evening ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See schoolgirls dance for funds
Plaza de Armas Yanque
Best Time
See schoolgirls dance for funds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming mountain plaza in Yanque, offering a peaceful escape with unique cultural traditions and a magical evening ambiance.
"Small and cozy place in the heart of the mountains. I like this place for its atmosphere without big crowds."
Altitude Awareness :mountain_snow:
Drink plenty of water and take it easy to adjust to the high altitude. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol initially.
Morning Dance Spectacle :performing_arts:
Catch the schoolgirls dancing by the fountain around 7 AM to raise money for their studies .
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 1,539 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption
Plaza de Armas
Admire the historic church gracing the main square, a central point of local life and celebrations.
Central Fountain
Plaza de Armas
A lively gathering spot, especially in the mornings when local schoolgirls perform traditional dances.
Local Alpaca Keeper
Near Plaza de Armas
Meet a kind local woman with her alpacas and support her by taking photos for a small tip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Altitude
Morning Charm & Evening Glow
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Altitude Awareness :mountain_snow:
Drink plenty of water and take it easy to adjust to the high altitude. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol initially.
Morning Dance Spectacle :performing_arts:
Catch the schoolgirls dancing by the fountain around 7 AM to raise money for their studies.
Avoid Square Pizzas 🍕
While the plaza is charming, reviews suggest avoiding pizza from restaurants directly on the square.
Support Local Artisans :shopping_bags:
Engage with locals, try local food, and consider tipping the alpaca keeper for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
Altitude Awareness :mountain_snow:
Drink plenty of water and take it easy to adjust to the high altitude. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol initially.
Morning Dance Spectacle :performing_arts:
Catch the schoolgirls dancing by the fountain around 7 AM to raise money for their studies.
Avoid Square Pizzas 🍕
While the plaza is charming, reviews suggest avoiding pizza from restaurants directly on the square.
Support Local Artisans :shopping_bags:
Engage with locals, try local food, and consider tipping the alpaca keeper for photos.
Evening Ambiance :city_sunset:
Enjoy the warm, inviting glow of the plaza at night for a peaceful stroll or people-watching.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Plaza de Armas Yanque to be a charming and peaceful spot, perfect for soaking in local culture without the hustle of larger towns. The magical evening ambiance and unique morning traditions are highlights, though some caution against specific food choices on the square.
"We wandered through the charming little main square in Chivay—it had such a magical atmosphere. At night, the lighting was beautiful, giving the area a warm and inviting glow. It felt perfect for a relaxed evening stroll or just soaking in the local vibe."
Michal Rogozný
"Small and cozy place in the heart of the mountains. I like this place for its atmosphere without big crowds. Local people, local food, and local coffee shops are very nice. Just sit there grab your drink or meal and enjoy the vibes of your day. Thank you 🌞"
Ales Tvrdy
"Wonderful town square. Just don't order pizza from none of the restaurants around the square. All of the pizzas sucked. Besides that, it is nice to people watch ans take a rest on the benches as Chivay is about 3600 meters above sea level. There is an old last with a 3 alpacas that lets you take pictures for a small tip. Help her out, we saw her buy her alpacas milk and feed them all with a baby bottle. She actually takes care of them."
David Lan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plaza de Armas Yanque is located in the town of Yanque, often visited as part of a trip to Colca Canyon. Most travelers arrive via tours from Arequipa or by local buses heading towards Chivay, then taking a short taxi or colectivo ride to Yanque. The journey from Arequipa can take several hours.
Yes, Yanque is very close to Chivay, the main hub of the Colca Canyon region. You can easily take a short colectivo (shared taxi) or a local bus from Chivay to Yanque, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
Yanque is a small town, and the Plaza de Armas is easily walkable. For exploring further afield or getting to nearby viewpoints, colectivos or taxis are readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Plaza de Armas itself is a public square and is free to enter. However, there might be small fees for specific activities or if you choose to enter the church.
The Plaza de Armas is always accessible as it's a public space. However, the surrounding shops, cafes, and the church will have their own operating hours, typically open during daylight hours and into the early evening.
No advance booking is necessary for visiting the Plaza de Armas. It's a spontaneous stop for most travelers exploring the Colca Canyon region.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption, watch the morning dances by schoolgirls, enjoy the central fountain, people-watch, and soak in the peaceful mountain atmosphere. There are also local cafes and shops.
Generally, Plaza de Armas Yanque is not crowded, offering a relaxed atmosphere. It's a welcome respite from busier tourist spots. The exception might be during local festivals like the Immaculate Conception celebration on December 8th.
Yanque is situated at a high altitude, around 3600 meters (approximately 11,800 feet) above sea level. It's important to be aware of this and take precautions against altitude sickness.
Yes, the morning tradition of schoolgirls dancing by the fountain to raise funds for their studies is a unique cultural sight. You might also encounter locals selling handicrafts or offering alpaca photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several local restaurants and cafes surrounding the Plaza de Armas offering regional Peruvian cuisine. Reviews suggest being cautious with pizza orders from establishments directly on the square.
You can find traditional Peruvian dishes, including local specialties from the Arequipa region. Expect options like alpaca steak, cuy (guinea pig), soups, and other hearty mountain fare.
Yes, there are local coffee shops where you can grab a drink and enjoy the relaxed vibes of the town. It's a great way to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic church, the central fountain, the vibrant local life, and the charming mountain town atmosphere. The morning dances and the alpaca keeper also make for great shots.
Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially children. The alpaca keeper is an exception as she offers photos for a tip. Be respectful of local customs and privacy.
Early morning offers unique cultural moments with the dancing schoolgirls. Evenings provide a beautiful, warm light for capturing the plaza's ambiance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit