Chachapoyas – History and Nature

• Reception at the Jaén airport, crossing the Marañón valley and driving to Chachapoyas.

• Overnight in Chachapoyas.

• Drive through the Utcubamba gorge to the village of Tingo.

• Observation of the Macro archaeological site.

• Crossing a gorge with the cable car.

• Visit the Kuelap Fortress, an outstanding structure of the Chachapoyas culture, has over 400 buildings within three surrounding walls and is the largest stone-built structure in South America. Orchids and bromeliads cover walls and trees within the fort.

• Return with the cable car to Tingo.

• Return to Chachapoyas.

• Overnight in Chachapoyas.

• Drive to Cocachimba.

• Approximately three-hour hike to Gocta waterfall, the third largest in the world. During the hike, the area's diverse fauna and flora can be observed, e.g. hummingbirds, toucans, birds, flowers, monkeys.

• Return to Chachapoyas.

• Overnight in Chachapoyas.

• Drive to Lamud.

• Visit to the Quiocta cave, ceremonial center and cemetery of the Chachapoyas culture.

• Continue to Cruz Pata.

• Visit to the sarcophagi of Karajía, the maximum expression of the Chachapoya funerary culture.

• Return to Chachapoyas.

• Overnight in Chachapoyas.

• After breakfast, drive to Jaén airport.

Personalize your trip

This program can be largely adapted to individual wishes. Some options for adding to or changing your travel itinerary:

• Arrival from Chiclayo or Tarapoto.

• Departure via Chiclayo or Tarapoto.

• Without one of the day tours.

• Additional day tours in the Chachapoyas region: Huaylla Belén and Karajía, Revash and Leymebamba, Yumbilla Waterfall, Trekking Gran Vilaya, Trekking Camino Inca, Trekking Laguna de los Cóndores.

• Additional tours in the neighboring Cajamarca region.

• Additional tours in the neighboring Trujillo region.

• Additional tours in the neighboring Chiclayo region.

• Additional tours in the neighboring Tarapoto region.

Best season for this trip

Anytime possible. In the dry season from May to November, it rarely rains in the mountains and clear visibility is likely at destinations. Rain must always be expected in the mountain jungle and in the Mayo valley. In the rainy season from December to April, with less tourist traffic, you will find a lusher and fresher flora. This is also the time when most orchids bloom.