Sumbay Caves
Discover ancient rock art in the high Andes. Sumbay Caves offer a glimpse into prehistoric life with thousands-year-old paintings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, best light for art
Sumbay Caves
Best Time
Clear skies, best light for art
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient rock art in the high Andes. Sumbay Caves offer a glimpse into prehistoric life with thousands-year-old paintings.
"A breathtaking journey back in time with ancient art amidst stunning high-altitude landscapes."
Acclimatize First! ⛰️
Spend 1-2 days in Arequipa before heading up to avoid altitude sickness. Hydrate well!
Book a Tour 🚌
Most visitors join tours from Arequipa, often combined with Colca Canyon. This handles transport and guides.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Cave Paintings
Inside the caves
Marvel at thousands-year-old rock art depicting humans, animals, and jaguars. A glimpse into prehistoric Andean life.
Prehistoric Artistry
Cave walls
Discover detailed figures of camelids and humanoids, created with a unique volcanic clay and animal fat mixture.
High-Altitude Landscape
Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve
Experience the stark beauty of the Andean highlands surrounding the caves, a dramatic backdrop to ancient art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Altitude Awareness is Key
Plan Your Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Acclimatize First! ⛰️
Spend 1-2 days in Arequipa before heading up to avoid altitude sickness. Hydrate well!
Book a Tour 🚌
Most visitors join tours from Arequipa, often combined with Colca Canyon. This handles transport and guides.
Wear Layers 🧥
Temperatures fluctuate wildly at this altitude. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cold.
Sturdy Shoes Needed 👟
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the caves and surrounding area.
Tips
from all over the internet
Acclimatize First! ⛰️
Spend 1-2 days in Arequipa before heading up to avoid altitude sickness. Hydrate well!
Book a Tour 🚌
Most visitors join tours from Arequipa, often combined with Colca Canyon. This handles transport and guides.
Wear Layers 🧥
Temperatures fluctuate wildly at this altitude. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cold.
Sturdy Shoes Needed 👟
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the caves and surrounding area.
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
There are no facilities at the caves. Pack essentials to stay comfortable during your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awed by the ancient cave paintings, a remarkable window into prehistoric Andean life. The high-altitude setting and unique landscape are also frequently praised. However, the challenging altitude and limited facilities require careful preparation.
"At +4,000 m above sea level, these caves are located within the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve. Discovered by the Arequipa archaeologist Máximo Neira Avendaño in 1968, it is believed that these paintings of camelids, jaguars, and humanoids were made between 6,000 and 8,000 years ago.
The white paint used by these early people of Arequipa is a mixture of animal fat and the volcanic clay surrounding the site.
These caves were a part of the Andean Explorer train itinerary and it was a short walk from the tracks to the site. While this was a brief visit to only a part of Sumbay system of caves, it was fascinating to hear our guide talk through the significance of this not commonly visited site."
Jen (foodpr0n)
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Geanfranco Carpio Núñez
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Sumbay Caves is by joining a guided tour from Arequipa. These tours often include transportation and a guide, and many are combined with visits to Colca Canyon. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way, as the caves are located about 88 km from Arequipa at a high altitude of over 4,127 meters. 
While technically possible, visiting independently is challenging due to the remote location and high altitude. You would need to arrange private transportation, which can be expensive. Joining a tour is generally more practical and cost-effective for most travelers.
The journey from Arequipa to Sumbay Caves typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours one way, depending on road conditions and the specific tour itinerary.
There are no direct public transport options to Sumbay Caves. The caves are located within the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, and access is primarily facilitated through organized tours.
Sumbay Caves are situated at a significant altitude of approximately 4,127 meters (13,500 feet) above sea level.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, entry to Sumbay Caves requires a ticket, which is usually included in the price of organized tours. If visiting independently, you'll need to inquire about park entrance fees for the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
The caves are generally accessible during daylight hours as part of organized tours. Specific opening times can vary, so it's best to confirm with your tour operator.
The cost of visiting Sumbay Caves is typically bundled into tour packages. Expect to pay anywhere from $30-$60 USD for a day tour from Arequipa that includes Sumbay and potentially other nearby attractions.
It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Purchasing tickets on arrival may not be possible or convenient due to the remote location and limited services.
Discounts are not commonly advertised for Sumbay Caves entry itself. However, booking tours that combine Sumbay with other attractions like Colca Canyon might offer better overall value.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Sumbay Caves are renowned for their ancient rock art, featuring thousands-year-old paintings of camelids, jaguars, human figures, and other animals. The site offers a unique glimpse into the lives of prehistoric Andean people.
A typical visit to Sumbay Caves, including time for viewing the paintings and exploring the immediate surroundings, lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. This is usually part of a longer day trip.
There is a moderate amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, to reach the caves from the drop-off point and to view the paintings inside. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Due to the high altitude, uneven terrain, and natural cave environment, Sumbay Caves may not be easily accessible for individuals with significant mobility issues. It's advisable to check with tour operators for specific accessibility information.
The paintings, dated between 6,000 and 8,000 years old, are significant for understanding early Andean cultures, their relationship with animals (especially camelids), and their artistic expressions. The white paint used was a mixture of animal fat and volcanic clay.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Sumbay Caves. However, it's important to be respectful of the ancient artwork and avoid using flash photography, which can damage the delicate pigments over time.
The best times for photography are during the dry season mornings when the light is softer and the skies are clearer. The high altitude can create dramatic landscapes, so capturing the surrounding scenery is also recommended.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for capturing the cave paintings. A wide-angle lens can be useful for both the cave interiors and the expansive Andean landscapes.
Drone usage is typically restricted within national reserves and protected archaeological sites. It's advisable to check the specific regulations for the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve before attempting to fly a drone.
Try to capture the scale and detail of the paintings. Look for angles that highlight the figures and their context. Natural light is often best, so avoid direct flash if possible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the fascinating animal paintings as a way to engage children's imaginations. Stories about ancient life and the animals depicted can make the visit more interactive. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are non-existent. Consider tours that are family-friendly and offer a good balance of activity and rest.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Look for tours that offer good value and clearly state what is included (transport, guide, entrance fees). While there are no food facilities at the caves, packing your own sandwiches and water will save money compared to buying from vendors along the route.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities and consider a wide-angle lens to capture both the cave interiors and the expansive Andean scenery. Be mindful of lighting conditions inside the caves and avoid using flash directly on the paintings to preserve them.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Art of Sumbay
The unique white paint used by the artists was a sophisticated mixture of animal fat and local volcanic clay. This technique allowed the art to endure for millennia, offering us a tangible link to a distant past. The delicate balance between the depiction of camelids and humans in the art highlights the crucial role these animals played in the survival and culture of the Andean communities.
Exploring Sumbay is like stepping into a natural gallery, where the cave walls serve as canvases for stories told by our ancestors. The sheer age and preservation of these paintings make Sumbay Caves a significant archaeological site, attracting those interested in ancient history and rock art.
Navigating the High Altitude
During your visit, it's crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and to avoid alcohol and heavy meals, as these can exacerbate altitude sickness symptoms. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Taking it easy upon arrival and listening to your body are key.
Beyond the altitude, the weather at Sumbay can be unpredictable. Be prepared for strong winds, intense sun, and significant temperature drops, especially outside of midday. Dressing in layers is essential, allowing you to adjust to changing conditions throughout your visit.
The 'Mermaid Cave' Legend
These narratives often involve spirit box sessions and claims of unusual activity, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue for those interested in the supernatural. While these stories are part of the local folklore and online discussions, they are distinct from the archaeological significance of the cave paintings.
It's important for visitors to distinguish between the scientifically recognized historical value of the cave paintings and the more speculative paranormal claims. The caves themselves are a natural wonder, and the legends add a unique, albeit unverified, dimension to the visitor experience for some.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit