Sogay Village and Waterfall
Discover Sogay's cascading waterfalls and enjoy a scenic trek through traditional Arequipa countryside. A natural gem worth preserving.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat crowds & heat
Sogay Village and Waterfall
Best Time
Beat crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Sogay's cascading waterfalls and enjoy a scenic trek through traditional Arequipa countryside. A natural gem worth preserving.
"Beautiful waterfalls, gorgeous scenery, and fresh air. The downside is the narrow road, which makes it difficult to get around."
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for the trek. Bring sandals for use at the waterfalls.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Buy supplies in Quequeña's main square before the hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Sogay Waterfalls
Sogay Village
Discover a series of five cascading waterfalls, with the largest plunging an impressive 20 meters. A truly breathtaking natural spectacle.
Scenic Trek Through Sogay Village
Path from Sogay Village to waterfalls
Enjoy a peaceful 1.5-hour hike through traditional village life, offering gorgeous scenery and fresh air.
The Main Waterfall Plunge
Largest waterfall
Witness the power and beauty of the main 20-meter waterfall, a highlight of the Sogay Falls complex.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Sogay Village Adventure
Respecting Sogay's Natural Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for the trek. Bring sandals for use at the waterfalls.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Buy supplies in Quequeña's main square before the hike.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring a hat, cap, and sunglasses for the sunny trek.
👙 Swimsuit Optional
If you plan to swim in the refreshing waterfall pools.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for the trek. Bring sandals for use at the waterfalls.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Buy supplies in Quequeña's main square before the hike.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring a hat, cap, and sunglasses for the sunny trek.
👙 Swimsuit Optional
If you plan to swim in the refreshing waterfall pools.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep Sogay beautiful by taking all your waste with you.
🚶♀️ Go with a Companion
Makes the hike more enjoyable and comfortable, especially for longer treks.
🚎 Public Transport Tips
Board the 'T' bus to Yarabamba-Quequeña at the terminal for available seats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sogay Falls offers breathtaking natural beauty with its impressive waterfalls and scenic hike, providing a refreshing escape from the city. While many praise the gorgeous scenery and peaceful atmosphere, the significant issue of litter detracts from the experience for some. Visitors are encouraged to be responsible stewards of this natural attraction.
"The Sogay Falls
August 11, 2024.
This beautiful place is located southeast of the city of Arequipa, a 1.15-hour drive by car or motorcycle. From there, you should continue on the well-marked path, thanks to the efforts of the municipality of Yarabamba to promote tourism in this part of Arequipa. However, more effort is needed to encourage visitors not to litter, as there are noticeable plastic waste and other pollutants that harm the environment and spoil the beauty of this attractive spot. Perhaps it would be good to have staff at the entrance to monitor what people brings in, or for the municipality to assign a cleaning crew to this site. Even if this involves an entrance fee to the waterfalls, it would be justified since visitors, especially local tourists, often do not dispose of their trash properly. In contrast, I've noticed that foreign visitors to the waterfalls are more conscientious and polite.
I'll share my experience and how I reached this beautiful place from the city center of Arequipa.
I headed to the city's bus terminal, "Terminal terrestre" crossed the pedestrian bridge to the front of the terminal, and waited for public transport—a light green minibus with the letter "T" heading to Yarabamba - Quequeña. It's advisable to board the bus at this point as there are still seats available. You can also catch the bus at the Andrés Avelino Cáceres roundabout, but by then, most seats are taken, and you might have to stand, especially as the bus tends to be quite crowded.
The bus fare to Quequeña's main square is 3 Soles (S/3.00). Once you arrive at the Quequeña's main square, buy water and some snacks before heading to the traditional village of Sogay, which is a 30-minute walk away. From Sogay, just follow the well-marked route for about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Here are my recommendations for those wishing to visit this lovely place:
1. Bring sandals to use at the waterfalls, and a swimsuit if you wish to get in the water.
2. Wear a hat or cap for sun protection.
3. Carry sunglasses.
4. Dispose of solid waste in the bins available along the route from Sogay to the river.
There is no wheelchair access.
I visited this place with my 70-year-old mom; my 3 years old niece, the path is gentle, with small inclines and declines. It's recommended to go with a companion for more comfort and enjoyable company. It’s best to start early and return early to enjoy the experience calmly. I have started at 7 am.
Have fun and enjoy the Walk 😊"
1xRENE Q
"Such a lovely hike!"
Lili Fandrich
"The Sogay Falls are a tourist attraction that needs more care, but they are still very beautiful. During the hike, you can appreciate the town of Sogay and the peaceful life of its inhabitants. It has five waterfalls, the largest measuring 20 meters. The main problem with this tourist attraction is the lack of infrastructure for more inclusive tourism."
Jezany Riveros Mango
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Arequipa's city center, head to the "Terminal terrestre" and take a light green minibus with the letter 'T' heading to Yarabamba - Quequeña. Boarding at the terminal ensures you get a seat. The fare is S/3.00. Once you reach Quequeña's main square, it's a 30-minute walk to Sogay village, and then about 1 hour and 20 minutes more to the waterfalls following a well-marked path. Some TikToks mention taking combis from Independence Avenue or Avelino Caceres, but boarding at the terminal is recommended for seating.
+1
Yes, it's about a 1.15-hour drive by car or motorcycle from Arequipa. The path from the drop-off point is generally well-marked.
Many travelers opt for public transport (minibuses) for affordability and the local experience. Driving is also an option if you prefer more flexibility.
While not explicitly detailed, driving is possible, suggesting some form of parking or roadside stopping is available. It's best to confirm locally if you plan to drive.
The journey involves a bus ride (approx. 1 hour) and then a hike (approx. 1.5 hours), totaling around 2.5 to 3 hours one way. Driving directly can take about 1.15 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, there isn't a stated entrance fee, but there's a discussion about implementing one to fund better waste management and infrastructure.
There are no official opening hours mentioned, but it's recommended to visit early in the morning and return before dusk.
No advance booking is required as it's a natural attraction. However, planning your transport and timing is crucial.
No specific entry restrictions are mentioned, but visitors are strongly encouraged to be mindful of the environment and not litter.
The path is described as gentle with small inclines and declines, making it manageable for many. However, it's not wheelchair accessible.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike from Sogay village to the waterfalls is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, described as gentle with small inclines and declines. It offers beautiful scenery and a glimpse into local life.
Yes, you can swim in the waterfalls if you wish. Bringing a swimsuit is recommended if you plan to take a dip in the refreshing water.
The primary concern is litter and pollution, with noticeable plastic waste. Visitors are urged to be responsible and carry out their trash.
No specific facilities like restrooms are mentioned. It's advisable to use facilities in Quequeña or Sogay village before starting the main trek.
Visiting early in the morning, around 7 AM, is highly recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The main 20-meter waterfall offers a dramatic backdrop. The scenic trek through Sogay village also provides opportunities for picturesque shots of the landscape and local life.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the scale of the waterfalls and landscapes.
Go early for softer light and fewer people. Be mindful of the water spray near the falls, and protect your gear.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules before flying to avoid any issues. No specific information is available for Sogay.
Early morning offers beautiful, soft light and fewer distractions. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities if you're prepared.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Sogay: A Traveler's Guide
Alternatively, some TikTok videos suggest catching combis from Independence Avenue or the Andrés Avelino Cáceres roundabout. However, the consensus from reviews leans towards the terminal for a more comfortable start.
From Quequeña's main square, it's a pleasant 30-minute walk to Sogay village. From there, the trek to the waterfalls takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This part of the journey is described as a gentle hike with small inclines and declines, making it accessible for many.
The Sogay Falls Experience: Beauty and Responsibility
However, a significant downside highlighted by many is the issue of litter. Plastic waste and other pollutants mar the natural beauty, prompting calls for better waste management and visitor responsibility. Some reviewers suggest that an entrance fee could help fund necessary improvements and encourage visitors to be more conscientious.
For those planning to visit, bringing sandals for use at the waterfalls and a swimsuit if you intend to swim is recommended. Sun protection, including a hat and sunglasses, is also essential due to the exposed nature of the trail.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit