Sachapuyos, settlers of the clouds

DÍA 01: WELCOME TO LIMA

Arrival to the city of Lima, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 02: CHACHAPOYAS, CITY OF THE CLOUDS

Transfer to the airport. Departure to Chachapoyas. Arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel in the village of Cocachimba, one hour away.

On the way we will visit the city, that was originally founded by the Spanish conquerors and named San Juan de la Frontera. Short walk from the Plaza Burgos to one of the main streets in the city towards the Plaza de Armas of Chachapoyas. We will observe a few colonial houses with traditional balconies. Notice the Municipal Palace and the austere Cathedral of Chachapoyas.

DAY 03: GREAT WATERFALL OF GOCTA

We will start our walk towards the Waterfall of Gocta. On the way enjoy the great diversity of flora and fauna with the splendid view of the waterfall. Known locally as “La Chorrera”, the waterfall of Gocta is 771 meters high and is considered among the highest in the world. It’s the perfect habitat for toucans, monkeys, cougars and cocks of the rocks. It is located in a large forest covered by mist, and in that environment, there are twenty or so waterfalls. The area offers a beautiful combination of geography and history that creates a magical place. Return to the hotel.

DAY 04: SARCOPHAGUS OF KARAJIA AND THE CAVERNS OF QUIOCTA

In the morning departure to the village of Cruz Pata, in order to later go to the funerary site of Karajía. On the way enjoy a panoramic view of the Plaza de Armas of Luya. Cruz Pata, known as the Meseta de las Cruces (Plateau of the Crosses) is the starting point of our journey on foot or riding a horse to get to Karajia in about 30 minutes. We will admire the Sarcophagus of Karajia that belong to the pre-Inca culture of the Chachapoyas, they are made of stone, wood and clay with an anthropomorphic form, they are unique in its kind because of its colossal size (up to 2.5 meters high) and its very careful craftmanship. We will see that, despite the time lapsed, the fact that they are located on the highest part of a cliff of difficult access has preserved them in a very good condition. Return to have lunch in the city of Luya. Later visit to the Caverns of Quiocta, a capricious work of mother nature, located in the district of Lamud, province of Luya. In these Caverns seven halls have been detected with stalagmites and stalactites that have been assigned different names according to their strange forms. We will spend the night in the town of Lamud.

DAY 05: THE WALLED CITADEL OF KUELAP

In the morning departure to Kuelap, majestic architectural work of the Chachapoyas. On the way we will make a stop to enjoy a panoramic view of the archaeological site of Macro, located on the hillside of a mountain across from the river Utcubamba. Arrival at the village of Nuevo Tingo, where we will embark on a bus that will transfer us to the cable railway station (la estación del Teleférico). Dramatic ascent from the 2000 m.a.s.l. up to 3000 m.a.s.l. until we reach La Malca. From this point on we will walk 2.5 km until we reach the Citadel. Those who prefer to do so, can ascend by horse following a path. Kuelap is built on top of the Barreta Mountain, making it an impregnable place due to its colossal walls and precipices.  Its circular buildings decorated with rhomboid shape patterns is one of its main characteristics. Its complex interior architecture bears witness to its function as a well-organized population center. Together with the surrounding landscape, the natural spectacle that the place offers, is unforgettable. Descent to Nuevo Tingo. Lunch. Departure to the village of Leymebamba.

DAY 06: MAUSOLEUMS OF REVASH AND MUSEUM OF THE MUMMIES OF THE LAGOON OF THE CONDORS)

Departure to the village of San Bartolo, there we will undertake a 2 km walk towards the Mausoleums of Revash. These funeral houses, which can have up to three floors, were built on the steep cliffs, still preserve their walls painted in ocher red and cream. The mausoleums can be observed at a distance. Return to Leymebamba. Lunch. Afterwards, enter the Museum of the Mummies of the Lagoon of the Condors. A collection of orchids has been planted in its gardens with more than 100 local varieties. This museum stores a very valuable collection of quipus, ancient system of Inca control used for the accounting of the crops and animals. In the climate control warehouse are kept some of the 240 mommies found in the Lagoon of the Condors found in the heights of the area. Return to Chachapoyas.

DÍA 07: LIMA AT YOUR PACE

Transfer to the airport. Departure to Lima. Arrival, assistance, and transfer to the hotel

DÍA 08: FAREWELL DAY

Transfer to the airport.