Departure from Arequipa
Early pickup and drive to Castilla province, descending from the highlands into the Majes Valley.
3 hours 30 minutes
Toro Muerto Petroglyphs and Dinosaur Footprints Day Tour
Archaeology and paleontology ★★★★★5.0
Travel from Arequipa to the warm Majes Valley to discover two places preserving traces from very different eras. At Toro Muerto, walk among large volcanic boulders engraved with geometric designs, animals, human figures and distinctive dancers.
The day continues to Querulpa, where a small paleontological circuit displays footprints attributed to dinosaurs and presents the local interpretation of the site. Expect a long road journey, desert landscapes and walks under strong sunlight.
General information
Duration: approximately 13 hours
Start: centrally located hotel or arranged point in Arequipa
Finish: central Arequipa
Meals: lunch not included
Difficulty: moderate due to heat and uneven terrain
Altitude: Toro Muerto is located near 650 m / 2,133 ft
Languages: Spanish and English
Service: shared tour
What to expect
Toro Muerto archaeological complex
Guided walk through an open section of the petroglyph repository to interpret its motifs and landscape context.
2 hours
Majes Valley
Time for lunch and local specialties at the traveler’s expense.
1 hour
Querulpa paleontological site
Visit the site museum and trail toward footprints attributed to dinosaurs, subject to available access.
1 hour 15 minutes
Scenic stops
Brief stops to see the valley’s agricultural and desert scenery when the schedule allows.
30 minutes
Return to Arequipa
Road journey back and arrival in central Arequipa at night.
3 hours 30 minutes
What you should know
Required and recommended items
- Identity document or passport
- Closed footwear with good grip
- Lightweight breathable clothing
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- At least two liters of water per person
- Snacks and personal medication
- Cash in Peruvian soles
Heat, sun exposure and a long road journey
The visit takes place in a dry, open area with little shade. It is not recommended for travelers highly sensitive to heat without medical approval. Schedules and accessible areas may change because of weather, traffic, maintenance and decisions by cultural or local authorities.
Fragile heritage in a desert environment
Toro Muerto is Cultural Heritage of Peru and has been on the World Heritage Tentative List since 2019. Do not touch, step on, trace or wet the engravings. Remain on designated paths and keep a safe distance from the boulders.
The walk has little shade and strong sun exposure.
The circuit may change because of maintenance or Ministry of Culture instructions.
Climbing on rocks or making rubbings of the petroglyphs is prohibited.
Carry enough water because temperatures in the Majes Valley can be high.
Included
- Pickup from centrally located hotels or arranged point
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional Spanish- and English-speaking guide
- Guided visits to Toro Muerto and Querulpa
- Assistance during the tour
- Basic first-aid kit
Not included
- Admission to Toro Muerto and Querulpa unless stated in the booking
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks
- Transfers from hotels outside the pickup area
- Travel insurance
- Purchases, personal expenses and optional gratuities
Location
Arequipa, Peru
Frequently asked questions
Is Toro Muerto already a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
No. It is Cultural Heritage of Peru and appears on the World Heritage Tentative List, a preliminary stage before a possible nomination.
How much walking does the tour involve?
The main walk at Toro Muerto usually takes one to two hours on uneven desert terrain. Querulpa includes a shorter walk.
Is lunch included?
No. Time is provided for lunch in the Majes Valley and each traveler pays for their meal.
May I touch or climb the rocks?
No. The petroglyphs are protected archaeological heritage. Touching, stepping on, retracing or climbing the engraved boulders is prohibited.
Reviews
5.0
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Rene is very passionate about the history of the places. He knows many histories of the places and the local culture.
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Hi! I'm Maribel from Argentina. What can I say about our amazing experience in Cusco! It was incredible! I traveled there in October to celebrate my birthday. Words can't describe the wonderful experience we had! Thank you, Lost in Peru, for providing everything we agreed upon, and much more! A company to hire without hesitation! We paid for our tour, including accommodation, all covered by the company. Congratulations and may you continue to grow! I will definitely contact you again to plan my return trip to Peru! See you soon! Greetings from Argentina! Sending you kisses! Maria, Melissa, Ana, and Maribel
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I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have connected with such a wonderful company as Lost in Peru, with its amazing people. From the very first contact, over 3,000 km away, they arranged our entire stay, accommodations, transfers, guided tours, and much more, with remarkable kindness. And as if that weren't enough, they welcomed us and said goodbye with beautiful gifts. THANK YOU!! Highly recommended, without a doubt. Tupananchiskama
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Voy a recomendarlos siempre! Fue una experiencia maravillosa viajar a Perú con Lost in Perú. Estuvieron atentos todo momento, puntuales, en cada detalle y respondiendo todas las consultas...gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje, un viaje inolvidable...
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I highly recommend Lost in Peru!!! I want to thank everyone, especially Bertha and Alonso, for their attention during those 10 days of the tour!!! Also, thank you for the gift!!! I'm so happy to have visited Peru!!! Lost in Peru...thank you so much for everything!!! 🥰❤️🇦🇷
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