Pampachiri district located in Andahuaylas, one of the provinces of the Apurimac región at an altitude of 3362 meters above sea level. Pampachiri from the Quechua Word Pampa= flat terrain and Chiri= cold, which means “cold pampa” this district is home to these impressive geological formations called the stone forest of Pampachiri, or Pampachiri smurf house. The site is also known as Ayamach’ay which means “la Cueva de Los Muertos”; this stone forest is the pride of Apurímac and Peru with very different formations, striking and suitable for any type of visitor, the resemblance that these formations have to the smurf village of the animated film “ THE SMURFS” makes it more interesting and different from the rest of the stone forests that exist in the world.

PAMPACHIRI SMURF HOUSE

The Pampachiri Stone Forest better known as the house of the smurfs for the resemblance they have with the village of the smurfs from the famous movie “THE SMURFS” with the most beloved little heroes, this film has delighted children and adults all over the world. That is why the house of the Pampachiri Smurfs has an appeal for young and old, in an entire plain you can see an entire city with its respective areas and streets, populated by a series of small, medium, and large rock formations similar to The Smurf houses and they also look like mushroom-shaped houses that exceed eight meters in height, some of these appear to be churches, gazebos, towers and seem to have doors and windows.

These forms that seem sheltered are perfectly molded by nature without man having intervened. However, is a part of the Pampachiri area, there are families of sheep and llama herders who have built their homes under these rock formations taking advantage of the fact that they provide protection and warmth. And within them, you can taste typical Andean breakfasts and lunches of Pampachiri and even more so inspect the interior of these adequate houses, learn about the way of life that the inhabitants of the Pampachiri sector lead with their respective customs and traditions.

PAMPACHIRI AND TOURISM

In addition, some neighbors wear Smurf costumes and walk through the entire stone forest. Also while you visit it you can take wonderful and enviable photos with the Smurf costumes to have an unforgettable memory.  Without a doubt, you will be impressed to see the house of the Smurfs of Pampachiri, the perfect gift of nature, located 9 hours from the city of Cusco and 5 hours from the city of Abancay, but it is worth betting on them since being in the place you will feel as if you were on another planet and you can also have that feeling as if you were another protagonist of the famous animated film “THE SMURFS”.

In addition to visiting the stone forest, you can stay a whole day in the Pampachiri town and get to know the impressive waterfalls of the place. On the way back, nothing better to regain strength than a walk along the shores of the Pacucha lagoon, one of the largest and most beautiful in Peru, and a symbol of the tourist destinations of Andahuaylas.

CLIMATE AND ALTITUDE OF PAMPACHIRI

Pampachiri is located to the south of the province of Andahuaylas at 3398 meters above sea level, with a cold and temperate climate, with an average daytime temperature of 29º to 39 ºC and at night from 0º to 11 ºC, known for being a The place with the sky is quite clear, its lands are high and of medium plain, it is the highest area in the province of Andahuaylas, it lacks warm ravines, this place rises on the right bank of the Chicha River.

formas-pampachiri-x-travel-peru

Formación Rocosa en Pampachiri

WHY DO ROCKS HAVE THESE SHAPES?

These impressive natural formations of immense pointed stones or fungi have minerals such as quartz and it is estimated that they originated 3 million years ago, with the volcanic material together with the magma from the eruption of the currently inactive Qarwarasu and Sotaya volcanoes and product of the phenomena meteorological that occurred during those years.

HOW TO GET TO THE PIEDRAS DE PAMPACHIRI FOREST?

This new and spectacular tourist destination in the Apurímac region is located 5 hours from the city of Abancay and 9 hours from the city of Cusco, the stone forest is 120 kilometers from the city of Andahuaylas, from there the trip takes 2 hours of travel on an unpaved road to the district of Pampachiri. It is advisable to take a short break and thus also take the opportunity to appreciate the landscapes before continuing the trip.

To know this unique natural attraction in its forms it is necessary to take a full day, the tour does not require a great display of physical capacity.

WHEN TO VISIT THE PIEDRAS DE PAMPACHIRI FOREST

We can visit this attraction throughout the year, but from December to April we must be prepared because we will have the presence of rain, the best time of day to visit it is at sunset with the fresh wind that whistles between the rocks and causes us to sit and meditate, contemplate and imagine about the thousands of images that are born in the shadows of these stones.

WHAT ELSE DOES THE PAMPACHIRI STONE FOREST OFFER ME?

In addition to visiting the stone forest of Pampachiri, during the tour you can see a large number of animals in the area such as the gray deer, the puma, the taruca, the weasel, the deer, the spectacled bear among others. As well as spectacular landscapes as if they were painted by hand, the hill of Páncula and the impressive waterfalls of the place. At the end of the tour, you will be able to enjoy the relaxing thermal baths of Pincahuacho and taste the gastronomy of Pampachiri. Instead, our travel agency “X TRAVEL PERÚ “Offers you various dishes of food according to your preference.

PANCULA HILL IN PAMPACHIRI

Very close to the stone forest you can see the Páncula hill that, seen from an angle, has the shape of a perfectly molded dome and resembles the top of the Karim tower from the famous anime “DRAGON BALL Z”, from this hill you have a panoramic view of the stone forest, a really impressive place, you should not miss a photograph of the stone forest in your photo gallery.

ANDAHUAYLAS
Do you want to establish direct contact with nature and culture?

Visit Andahuaylas, one of the first colonial cities that were created in present-day Peruvian territory. This place stands out for its beautiful colonial houses, churches, and bridges.

In addition, Andahuaylas is recognized for its wide variability of native potatoes. Cultivated in the altitudinal floors of 3000 to 4200 meters above sea level. Also, it has soils and microclimates suitable for the development and the variety of native potatoes such as Huayro, Peruanita, Amarilla Tumbay, Ccompis, Huamantanga, and many more varieties.

PACUCHA LAGOON

Apurímac is also home to this impressive place, Pacucha, one of the largest and most beautiful lagoons in Peru, with unique flora and fauna; The Pacucha lagoon is located in the district of the same name at 3,200 meters above sea level. Where its visitors can enjoy exquisite cuisine and perform different activities such as boat rides, horseback riding, or rent bicycles to make the tour of the lagoon and feel that pure aroma of nature; here you can also access paragliding, an activity for lovers of adventure sports.

Very close to the place is also the archaeological complex of Sondor. An impressive place that witnessed the history of the Chanka culture and the Incas.

SONDOR RAYMI

The Pacucha lagoon and its surroundings are the scenes of this celebration that takes place on June 14 of each year. Where the father of the Chanka culture, Usco Uillca emerges from the lagoon, this festival attracts thousands of visitors.

Sondor Raymi’s staging summarizes the 200-year history of the Chankas who became rivals of the Incas.

PINCAHUACHO THERMAL BATHS

When descending from the heights of Pampachiri exhausted and pleased by the tour in the famous Smurf houses. The best way to alleviate exhaustion is to immerse yourself in the Pincahuacho thermal baths with extensive facilities; swimming pools with their respective wardrobes, bathrooms, and showers; waters with properties to relieve stress, fatigue, and ailments such as rheumatism and arthritis. These baths are located about fifteen minutes from the city of Chalhuanca in the Aymaraes province with an altitude of 3,160 meters above sea level.

ARE THERE TOURS TO THE PIEDRAS DE PAMPACHIRI FOREST?

In the city of Cusco, there are tours with many alternatives to visit the Pampachiri stone forest. Therefore we invite you to take a tour of more than 3 days to appreciate the nature of Apurímac visiting the famous houses of the Pampachiri Smurfs. The waterfalls of the place where you also we can enjoy a great variety of flora and fauna, the Páncula hill.

  • the Archaeological Site of Sayhuite was a ceremonial center linked to agriculture and livestock.
  • Stone Jail or Ccacca Jail was used in colonial times and has jailed men and women.
  • The National Sanctuary of Ampay has various attractions such as the Intimpas natural forest, unique in its kind in Apurímac and in Peru.
  • Pachachaca Bridge means bridge of the world, of impressive colonial stamp unique in its kind in America.
  • the medicinal mineral waters of Cconoc definitely a route dedicated to people who want to carry out an adventure different from the others.

Book your tour here with the authorized travel agency X TRAVEL PERU.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO VISIT THE HOUSE OF SMURFS

  • If you want to visit the stone forest of Pampachiri. It is best to go to a travel agency of your choice to avoid bad times. Since if you go on your own, there may be inconveniences besides that it is a long route.
  • It is recommended to bring light clothing, trekking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water bottles to keep your body hydrated.
  • Bring rain ponchos in case we have rain.
  • Due to the height and depending on the time of your arrival the cold can be intense; it is always necessary to wear warm clothing.