Ciudad de Itas
A sandstone maze at about 3,800 m above sea level, where giant rock arches, caves and strange formations make up a 'stone city'. Ancient rock art survives inside the caves.
Ciudad de Itas lies on a plateau about 20 km northwest of town. Wind-carved sandstone forms tall pillars, arches and natural passages. One cave hall looks like a Gothic cathedral, and ancient rock paintings survive on its walls. Some rocks resemble turtles and lizards, which gave the site its name. You must go with a guide in a hired vehicle, about 1 hour on a mountain road, followed by 2 to 3 hours of walking through the formations. It is usually a full-day or most-of-a-day trip. The altitude is high and the wind is strong, so bring a jacket, a hat and lunch.
Opening hours
Guided only; usually departs in the morning
Nearby sights
- Umajalanta Cave
- Torotoro Canyon
- El Vergel Waterfall
- Torotoro Dinosaur Tracks
- Torotoro Town
- Siete Vueltas
- Turtle Cemetery
- Llama Chaqui Ruins