Cuevas de Sumbay

Useful Information

Location:	(-15.9761971, -71.3494092)
Open:	All year daily during daylight. [2025]
Fee:	Adults PEN 5. [2025]
Classification:	Abris Painted Cave
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	A=4,127 m asl.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Cuevas de Sumbay, Tel: +51-.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1968	nine caves with paintings discovered.
1968	explored by the archaeologist Máximo Neira.
2000	declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

Description

Cuevas de Sumbay (Sumbay Caves) is an archaeological site, the caves are small shelters, overhanging cliffs, along a sort of gorge in the slope of the Misti volcano. The paintings and engravings are dated between 6,000 and 8,000 BP. They were created by nomadic hunters who lived in this area. They used colour in white, cream, yellow, khaki red, and ochre.

The caves are a tourist site and there is an entrance fee, nevertheless it is not easy to visit them. The main problem is the height of 4,127 m asl. Most people have problems with breathing or with altitude sickness, additionally it is necessary to walk some distance to reach the caves. Also, the road to caves is a dirt road, and especially during the wet season it is quite difficult to get there. There are several tour operators offering trips to the caves, and we strongly recommend to book such a trip.