Chachapoyas

This region, located on the final open stretch of Andean foothills of Northeast Peru, in the high-altitude rain forest / cloud forest between 2,624 and 9,800ft (800 and 3,000m), is scattered with ruins attributed to the pre Inca Chachapoyas culture --also known as "The Cloud People"-who populated this area around the 10th century AD.
The Chachapoyas region can hardly be considered a tourist destination: it is still very much off-the-beaten track. Click here for a detailed map of the area.

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.

Innumerable and varied attractions await you in Chachapoyas, in addition to trekking and searching for lost cities…you can go horse riding, walk ancient Inca trails, fish for trout, go for a swim in the lodge's pool, go inner tubing in the river or simply relax and take it all in…this place is true paradise waiting to be discovered.

Practical Information for Chachapoyas

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, Cajamarca or Tarapoto, all three of which are served by flights from Lima. For a detailed map of the Chachapoyas area please click here and for a sample itinerary to the Chachapoyas region please see Peru's Best Kept Secret.

Our most highly recommended Accommodation in Chachapoyas: