Reserva Paisajística Subcuenca del Cotahuasi — Pampamarca Plateau Dispersed Camp

The road between Arequipa and Cotahuasi climbs through a series of high pampas before dropping into the canyon system. Near Pampamarca, the plateau opens wide — hardpacked dirt and scrubby ichu grass, with views across the Andes that’ll make you forget you’ve been on washboard for three hours. No facilities, no signage, no neighbors most nights. Enough flat ground to spread a few rigs out. Nights get genuinely cold up here even in summer — think sub-zero Celsius. Wind can be a factor.

Access is along the main Cotahuasi road (Ruta AP-110 corridor), the primary overland route into the canyon. High-clearance 4WD recommended — the road has rough sections year-round and can be impassable in the wet season (January–March). No water at the site; carry everything from Arequipa or Chuquibamba. Cell service is essentially nonexistent. Check with SERNANP Cotahuasi office for any current access restrictions before heading out.

Andean pampa camp above the world's deepest canyon