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Known as "La Ceja",
or eyebrow of the jungle, the cloud-forest here is particularly
rich in bromeliads, ferns and other epiphytes, making
it a rewarding area for botanists and natural history
enthusiasts as well as for all those wanting a quality
experience in a pristine and little trodden area.
The most important archaeological complex to be visited
is Kuelap: a magnificent pre Inca fortress, many say to
be the second most impressive ruin complex in Peru after
Machu Picchu. The most noteworthy feature of this ancient
building is the sheer size of its granite walls rising
in places up to 20 metres (66ft) in height. Located at
an altitude of 3000 metres (9800ft), the fortress enclosure
itself is now covered in dense forest. Vegetation is abundant
and lush, boasting a large variety of orchids, many of
them indigenous to the area.
And Kuelap is not alone:
In the area around Kuelap close to the
Utcubamba river (a contributory of the Amazon) there are
dozens of archaeological sites, some of which are still
covered in undergrowth and thus constitute a fabulous
blend between nature and what is man-made.
You will be able to get a very close up
view of the Sarcophaghi at Revash with their red petroglyphs,
those at Carajia in the shape of Easter Island statues,
uncover some of the ruined structures at La Congona, La
Joya or Macro. A must is also a visit to the Museo Leymebamba
that houses the mummies that were found in the nearby
Laguna de los Condores. … .and of course spend a
day and if you wish one night camping out at the fabulous
ruins of Kuelap.
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