Chachapoyas, Treasure of the north, Private Tour

Discover the archaeological, cultural and natural treasures of Chachapoyas with this exciting four-day tour. Hidden in one of the most remote corners of the high Andes, this region of outstanding natural beauty was home to the ancient Chachapoyas civilisation, known as the ‘Warriors of the Clouds’. Little is known about this civilisation, but the abundance of archaeological ruins they left behind demonstrate their fascinating architecture and funerary customs. Ride the new cable car to the Chachapoyas’ imposing citadel of Kuélap and visit the famous Gocta waterfall.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Kuélap: Sitting on a craggy mountain ridge at an altitude of 3,000 metres, this impressive archaeological site was the jewel of the Chachapoyas culture. 20-metre high walls surround this ancient fortified citadel that rises up above dense Amazonian flora where the rainforest meets the Andes mountain range.

Leymebamba Museum: The ancient inhabitants of this region mummified the deceased and buried them with unique offerings in individual chambers, sarcophagi or sacred lagoons. This community-run museum houses more than 200 Chachapoya mummies and their accompanying funerary offerings. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL CHACHAPOYAS

Arrive at Chachapoyas Airport. Upon arrival, the transportation service will be waiting to greet you at the airport and to transfer you to your hotel. Soak up the stunning scenery and the diverse flora and fauna of the region during the short drive. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Chachapoyas.

Day 2: CHACHAPOYAS –KUELAP AND LEYMEBAMBA MUSEUM- CHACHAPOYAS (300 Km - 8 hrs)

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel then get ready to discover one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the country. Kuélap, the largest and most important site built by the Chachapoyas, dates from 500 AD and is located on the top of a mountain at 3,000 metres above sea level. The main structure is an awe-inspiring, walled stronghold containing more than 500 interior enclosures distributed over different levels, all contained within a perimeter wall that reaches heights of 20 metres. Many of the round buildings would have been covered with steep, conical thatched roofs and they were used as dwellings by the estimated 3,000 inhabitants of this citadel. In the past, Kuélap was only accessible by a 4-hour hike, but now there is a cable car that transports you to the top of the mountain in just 20 minutes. After your visit to Kuélap, enjoy a picnic lunch and then prepare to learn more about the Chachapoyas culture and their unique funerary customs at the Leymebamba Museum, which houses more than 200 mummies and their accompanying funerary offerings. 

Overnight in Chachapoyas

Day 3: CHACHAPOYAS – GOCTA WATERFALL– CHACHAPOYAS (95 Km - 2.5 hrs)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel then prepare for a day discovering the stunning mountain scenery of Chachapoyas, with its deep canyons, cloud forest and, one of its greatest charms, the impressive Gocta Waterfall. After breakfast, a private vehicle will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the town of Cocachimba, the starting point of your walk to Gocta Falls. This waterfall has become increasingly popular over the years, not just because it is one of the highest in the world (770 metres), but also because of its outstanding beauty. Walk through mountain forests and their diverse vegetation including orchids and giant ferns and spot different species of animals such as monkeys and toucans. The lush green landscape is a key feature of this region and it is also home to many different species of birds, including some endemic species. When you reach Gocta, take a break and contemplate the impressive waterfall while satisfying your appetite with a picnic lunch. After eating, walk back to Cocachimba and transfer to Chachapoyas for the night. 

Overnight in Chachapoyas

Day 4: DEPARTURE CHACHAPOYAS

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, the transportation service will collect you from your hotel and transfer you back to Chachapoyas airport for your onwards flight. Although this is the end of your tour with us, we hope that your memories of this region of outstanding natural beauty and fascinating archaeological ruins will last a lifetime.

Breakfast included.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most convenient to travel through the coastal areas of Peru and warm clothing for stays in the Andes. Passengers should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or tight-fitting clothes when visiting temples, religious sites or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can also be a great help during the trip.