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The district has a population of 3,346 inhabitants and a surface area of ​​9916 km2. It limits to the north with the district of Tomepampa, to the east with the province of Condesuyos, to the south with the district of Toro and to the west with the district of Charcana.



The Congress of the Republic elevated the town of Cotahuasi to the category of City by Law of September 12, 1898.











Cotahuasi comes from two Quechua words ´´ccoto´´ and ´´huasi´´, the first means ´´reunión´´, and the second ´´casa´´; so it can be said that Cotahuasi means: meeting of houses; although there are other versions. Like that of Antonio Raymondi who affirms that ´´ccoto´´ was called the evil of goiter (inflammation of the thyroid due to the consumption of salt from the Huarhua mines that lack iodine) then it would mean ´´cases of goiter´´.



Another possibility is that ´´cota´´ is an Aymara word that means ´´laguna´´ so the translation would be ´´casas de la laguna´´, perhaps in remote times there was an Aymara occupation of Cotahuasi when the Chaquicocha much larger. The district of Cotahuasi has as its capital the Villa de Cotahuasi, which is also the capital of the province.



This Villa is located at a height of 2,680 m.a.s.l. and 379 km or 14 hours from the city of Arequipa. Arriving at the point called Allahuay, you go down a winding road, a curve to the right and a majestic landscape appears for the first time, a panoramic view of the Cotahuasi Canyon in all its splendor with the Villa de Cotahuasi in the background. The descent takes two hours.









Cotahuasi Tourist Attractions



The Villa of Cotahuasi



It is a typical village in the Peruvian highlands, with narrow and paved streets; whitewashed houses and rustic balconies that bear the Spanish stamp. Its climate is temperate. It has accommodations with all the services that the tourist needs.



Our Lady of the Conception Church



Cotahuasi Church, of colonial origin, is more than 170 years old. It presents the typical characteristics of provincial temples.



The looker.-



Terrace built with noble material, has a small botanical garden, as well as representations of typical animals of the region in danger of extinction. From here you can see a large part of the town of Cotahuasi.



The bell tower of Santa Ana.-



Made of stone, its bronze bell is ancient. It is located at the exit of the town of Cotahuasi. It serves as a viewpoint to observe part of the town as well as the nearby Chaquicocha lagoon, 20 minutes away.



Cerro Huiñao.-



One hour walk from Cotahuasi. It is the Apu of the people. It serves as an excellent natural viewpoint to observe the Cotahuasi people and the annexes of Cachana, Reyparte and Quillunza.



Chayme suspension bridge.-



This bridge is the highest in the entire province, it is for pedestrian use. Built in wire and wood. It crosses the Cotahuasi river.



Ruins of Allahuay.-



Located an hour and a half up on foot from Cotahuasi, you pass through the Quillunza annex known for its picturesque balconies.

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