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 60ft (18m) in height. Located at an altitude of 9,500 ft (3,000m), 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 Karajia 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.

El Chillo
A cosy spot, just the place to relax after exploring Chachapoyas, 
one of Peru's most exciting and untouched areas

Access to this region is not easy, and you should allow at least 5 and preferably 7 days to visit. The way we organize it is also not cheap, as the terrain is very rugged and the region very remote, and to ensure your safety and comfort, we provide for first class driver, guide, vehicles and kit. That is complicated to arrange and expensive to execute. Another point to keep in mind is that it involves a great deal of driving on rough unpaved roads.

However, if you want to visit somewhere truly special, one of the last outposts of unexplored territory in the Continent, with outstanding natural beauty and remarkable cultural interest, this is the trip for you. A trip to Chachapoyas would mean a once-in-a lifetime experience of exploration and discovery.

Access to the area is either from Chiclayo or Cajamarca, both cities are served by flights from Lima. For a detailed map of the Chachapoyas area please click here.
For a sample itinerary to the Chachapoyas region please click here.