Huayllay National Sanctuary, Nature reserve in Huayllay District, Peru.
Huayllay National Sanctuary is a nature reserve in the Peruvian highlands covering about 607 square kilometers, dominated by unusual rock formations that cover the landscape. The terrain resembles a forest made of stone, with individual rock masses creating an otherworldly setting.
The rock formations originated about 75 million years ago when this area lay beneath the sea. Volcanic activity and glacial movements later carved and shaped these distinctive stone structures into their current form.
Ancient cave paintings within the sanctuary reveal how early people interpreted and inhabited this stone landscape. The artwork shows what mattered to these communities and how they connected with their surroundings.
The reserve sits at high elevation in a mountain region where temperatures drop significantly, so warm and layered clothing is essential regardless of weather appearance. Sturdy footwear is important due to the uneven rocky terrain throughout the site.
Natural erosion has shaped the rocks to resemble human figures, animals, and architectural forms when viewed from different angles. Visitors often spend time spotting these unexpected likenesses scattered throughout the landscape.
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