The high Andes
Limestone plateaus in central Peru hold some of the highest caves in the world.
Karst at high altitude
East of Lima the Andes rise to plateaus above 4,000 metres. Parts of them are limestone, and cavers have found deep shafts there since the early 2000s.
Sima Pumacocha in the province of Yauyos is more than 600 metres deep and is the deepest known cave in Peru. Other caves in the same area have entrances at about 4,900 metres. All of them are for expeditions only.
Nor Yauyos-Cochas
In the Nor Yauyos-Cochas reserve, the Cañete river flows over natural dams of travertine and forms a chain of pools and cascades near the village of Huancaya. Travertine is limestone deposited by the river water, in the same way as dripstone in a cave.
Huayllay stone forest
The stone forest of Huayllay in Pasco covers about 60 square kilometres at 4,300 metres. Its towers are volcanic rock shaped by frost, wind and rain, so it is not karst, but the landscape looks similar. Rock paintings and hot springs are found among the towers.
In pictures
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