Pinchollo: Geyser, Condors and Embroidery Tradition

Pinchollo, the Puna and Colca Canyon

Pinchollo Geyser is a geothermal feature in the Puna. It lies at an altitude of 4,375 metres in the small, horseshoe-shaped gorge of the same name on the northern slope of the Hualca Hualca volcano, within the Lipayoc Caldera. Steam continuously escapes there at the foot of the volcano.

Colca Canyon stretches from Pinchollo, at an altitude of 2,800 metres, to the Andamayo sector at 920 metres; it extends for approximately 93 kilometres. From the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, you can look out over canyon walls between Pinchollo and Cabanaconde, formed by cooled lava flows. The landscape therefore brings together different geological features: the volcanic surroundings of the geyser and the canyon walls shaped by lava flows.

The walking trail to Pinchollo Geyser

A historic mule track leads on foot from Pinchollo’s Plaza to Pinchollo Geyser. The route is 9 kilometres long and takes approximately three hours. The distance and duration are intended as a guide and may vary depending on conditions, so do not treat the walking time as a fixed estimate. Near the geyser, visitors can go horseback riding, hiking or trekking, and take photographs. The availability of providers may vary. If you are planning an organised activity, check what is offered in advance.

Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint: scenery and nature

Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint comprises one main viewpoint and seven secondary viewpoints. Two of the secondary viewpoints are in the Mirador de la Cruz del Cura area. The viewpoint is considered a particularly suitable place to observe Andean condors at close range; sightings are not guaranteed. Other birds found here include the Andean swallow (Orochelidon andecola), the giant hummingbird (Patagona gigas) and the variable hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma).

The plant life is also diverse: Chilcas (Baccharis latifolia), columnar cacti, lupines, Vicia and cantuta (Cantua buxifolia) can all be seen at the viewpoint. The climate there is cold and dry, with sharp temperature fluctuations between day and night. Heavy rainfall is common from December to March. This seasonal feature is relevant when choosing when to travel; for specific travel dates, it is worth checking the weather forecast.

Visitor facilities at the viewpoint include internal walking paths, parking, toilets and craft stalls. Facilities may change. If you depend on a particular facility, check its current status before your visit.

Architecture, festivals and hand embroidery

The Tinkachi tradition is also present at Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint; it is maintained by local associations of artisans and women, as well as AUTOCOLCA. The participating groups may change. The Templo de San Sebastian de Pinchollo also has architectural details worth discovering: its simple main portal is decorated with reliefs and murals. A window belongs to the upper choir, visible stone pillars reinforce the walls, and the Capilla Miserere is located in one corner of the atrium.

Pinchollo’s most important religious festival is celebrated on 23 January in honour of Saint Sebastian. If your trip falls on this date, check the latest event information before making plans around it.

Traditional hand embroidery in Pinchollo is considered a cross-generational symbol of local identity and is passed down from one generation to the next. An article in the Diario Oficial El Peruano dated 14 July 2026 describes this tradition. Pinchollo’s embroidery tradition includes polleras, coats and traditional outfits worn at patron saint festivals, dances and celebrations such as the traditional Wititi. The knowledge, skills and practices associated with embroidery in the Colca Valley have been recognised as Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru. This recognition for the Colca Valley was granted on 15 August 2018 through Vice-Ministerial Resolution No. 128-2018.

Discover more destinations: Cabanaconde, Paucarpata, Yura District, Cerro Colorado District, Chala, Coporaque, Yanahuara District, Camana

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