The Loncco route: explore traditional villages
- 10k reviews 5 h
The urban, cultural, and traditional essence of Arequipa goes far beyond the limits of the Historic Centre of the White City. Its colonial and republican past, full of sillar stone and narrow alleys, lives on in several villages nestled among hills and farmlands, where tranquillity and fresh air abound.
The Loncco Route is a journey into the roots of Arequipa’s tradition—a walk through streets brimming with history, a discovery of centuries-old churches and mansions, a close encounter with fields and pre-Hispanic farming terraces known as andenes, where men and women continue to work the land.
These are the lonccos, the farmers of the White City’s countryside. They are the inspiration behind this route, which begins in Arequipa (we’ll pick you up from your hotel at 08:00 a.m.) and ends in Characato, a village so deeply rooted in the local identity that its name is also used as a nickname for people born in this land.
Arequipeños are often affectionately called characatos, and perhaps by the end of the tour, you might feel a little loncco and characato yourself. That might happen after admiring the pre-Hispanic terraces of Yumina, the colonial churches, and the viewpoint at Sonccomarca hill in Quequeña.
Also, after visiting the Plaza de Armas surrounded by sillar houses and the terraced landscapes of Sogay.
Now you know—if you want to discover the cultural, architectural, and historical soul of Arequipa, the Loncco Route is your best choice. Don’t wait any longer—join us in exploring the countryside, the ancient terraces, and the charming blend of rural and urban character found in the White City’s traditional villages.
Itineray
At 08:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa (2335 m a.s.l.) to begin the journey to the village of Yumina in a tourist vehicle. Approximate travel time: 30 minutes.
Find more information about this tour in the Details and Notes tab.
Sowing, harvesting, and storing the fruits of the earth were fundamental principles for pre-Hispanic societies. Expanding farmland was therefore a necessity, particularly in mountainous regions.
Faced with this challenge, ancient peoples came up with a brilliant and productive solution: transforming hillside slopes into farmland using a system of stepped terraces called andenes.
Productive and scenic, these terraces are part of the landscape in many highland communities. That’s what awaits you in Yumina (2540 m a.s.l.), your first stop on the Loncco Route.
The terraces of Yumina, in the district of Sabandía, are recognised as Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Crops such as pumpkins, potatoes, onions, and chulpi maize (perfect for roasting) are still grown here today.
During your visit to this traditional-looking village, you’ll also discover the colonial-era Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunta, built from sillar stone.
Now it’s time to set off for Quequeña. Travel time by tourist vehicle: approx. 30 minutes.
A welcoming plaza, an impressive church, a string of sillar mansions, and narrow alleyways steeped in history—these are some of the charms of Quequeña, whose name in Puquina (an ancient, now-extinct language once widely spoken alongside Quechua and Aymara) means “rocky and solid place”.
In this sun-drenched land, you’ll learn about the heroes and martyrs executed by Chilean troops during the War of the Pacific (1879–1883). Their memory lives on in the museum housed in the village, dedicated to these brave ancestors.
Other highlights include the Colonial Church of San José, built in 1796, and Apu Sonccomarca, a sacred mountain. After a short 15-minute hike, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the village and surrounding countryside from its summit.
Once the visit is over, we’ll return to the vehicle. Our next destination is the picturesque village of Sogay, about 40 minutes away.
Cobblestone alleys, narrow streets, and trails once used by muleteers characterise Sogay (2600 m a.s.l.), a village blessed by the waters of the Yarabamba River and surrounded by mountains covered with beautiful and productive andenes.
With its ochre- and yellow-hued sillar houses, its charming Plaza de Armas, and the shade of towering palm trees, Sogay retains the essence of Arequipa’s centuries-old villages.
Back on the road—next stop: Characato. Travel time: 10 minutes in the tourist vehicle.
In pre-Hispanic times, the Uro and Puquina peoples settled in what is now Characato (2420 m a.s.l.)—a village so cherished, historic, and deeply traditional that those born in Arequipa are affectionately called characatos.
A key moment in the district’s history occurred on 24 June 1541, when a small hermitage was blessed. Over time, it would become the majestic Church of San Juan Bautista.
Today, this colonial temple stands proudly in the Plaza de Armas, forming a striking architectural ensemble. It’s the perfect setting to conclude a route that takes you through Arequipa’s time-honoured villages.
After embracing your inner characato, we’ll return to Arequipa in the tourist vehicle.
By 13:00, you’ll be back at your hotel in Arequipa, after experiencing the full charm of the Loncco Route.
Price
The prices shown in the table are:
- Per person in US dollars ($).
- Pple. = people.
| Pple. | Private tour |
| 1 | $130 |
| 2 | $72 |
| 3 | $54 |
| 4 | $50 |
| 5 | $45 |
Details
Type: Private.
Schedule: Every day from 08:00 to 13:00 hours.
Language: Spanish, english.
Accessibility: Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Included:
- Pickup from your hotel.
- Professional guide.
- Air-conditioned tour vehicle.
- Professional driver.
- Drop-off at your hotel.
Not incluided:
- Tips (optional).
- Entrance tickets.
- Feeding.
- Expenses not mentioned.
What do I bring?
- Sweaters.
- Rain ponchos.
- Anti-slip shoes.
- Caps or hats.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- A bottle of water.
- Local currency in cash for your entrance tickets*.
- * The places to visit are free but they may charge later.
- * Dollars, Euros and cards are not accepted.
WhatsApp:
Notes
Pick-up and punctuality:
- Your pickup time is on time.
- We will make every effort to pick you up at your hotel, regardless of the location of your accommodation.
- We will coordinate all pickup time details the day before your tour.
- The end time of your tour is still approximate; however, we will do our best to complete the tour at the scheduled time.
Vehicle type and seats:
- We use vehicles authorized by the Peruvian Ministry of Transportation.
- The type and size of the vehicle will always depend on the group size.
- We use modern, air-conditioned vehicles: H1, Van, Renault, and Sprinter.
Road type:
- Much of the road is paved track.
- The last part of the road is a dirt road (compacted earth) with bumps, therefore:
- Dust comes in through the windows.
- The vehicle ride is sometimes bumpy.
Operability and itinerary:
This tour is subject to variation without any prior notice, due to weather conditions, strikes and any other event that doesn’t allow the normal tour operation.
Cancellations
The cancellation is free as long as you do it 48 hours in advance; otherwise, a fee of 100% of the tour cost will apply.
By booking this tour, you agree to our general terms and conditions.
Reviews
Please, scroll down to see reviews.
No hidden fees or surcharges
TripAdvisor: 
