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Kuelap , Chachapoyas
FORTRESSES AND SARCOPHAGUSES SURROUNDED BY CLOUD FORESTS
In the north of Peru, along the so called north-eastern route lies Chachapoyas. A trip to this region is an encounter where two natural regions unite: cloud forest and mountain range. The beauty of this natural diversity, the excellent archaeological places, and a real touch of adventure makes this journey an unforgettable experience.
In the lush Valley of Utcubamba, south of Chachapoyas lies Leimebamba. This farming village harbours an excellent museum with fine pottery and art textile that belongs to the Chachapoya culture.
The Malqui museum also houses an impressive collection of hundreds of mummies of the same culture.
A three hours drive from Chachapoyas takes the visitor to Tingo, located on the left bank of the Utcubamba River and nested among the giant hillsides of the Amazon Andes. From Tingo runs an upward winding path. On a crest, dominating entire landscapes and mountains, buried under the cloud forests lies the majestic city-fortress of Kuelap, built by the Chachapoya culture.
The view is really breathtaking. Inaccessible as an eagles nest and very well hidden behind 19 m of stone walls, Kuelap should be protected against intruders. The ruins are characterized by their monumental condition. It’s one of the most important archaeological monuments in the continent. Its mystery has attracted explorers and scientists from all over the world.
The Amazon Andes is constituted by the eastern flank of the mountain range of the Andes, and is covered with dense Amazon vegetation.
The region houses a whole of ecosystems with a great diversity of birds and flowers like begonias, bromelias, orchids and fuchsias.
A two hours journey by car towards the northwest of Chachapoyas leaves to Carajía. Here are spectacular sarcophaguses; due to their size-2,50 m high -, they’re unique en their gender. They are made of blended clay with sticks and stones. As they were placed in a practically inaccessible ravine, they have been conserved in good conditions until today.
Even more impressive is the group of sarcophaguses in Ayachaqui, more to the south; they show the same characteristics but they are bigger in quantity. Inside the sarcophagus the Chachapoya placed the mummy, sitting and wrapped in mortuary cloths.
From Chachapoyas you can travel to the Cajamarca, Trujillo and Chiclayo.
*If you are interested in one of these tours, go to our contact form
Programs
CHA 001
THE MIGHTY NORTH–EASTERN ROUTE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
DAY 1 / CAJAMARCA – LEIMEBAMBA - TINGO
Early departure in four wheel drive from the city of Cajamarca to the hamlet of Tingo. First stopover at the village of Celendin for a visit to one of the manufactories where artisans make their famous reed sombreros. From Celendin runs an upward winding path towards a high pass. Box lunch. Below lies the hamlet of Balsas, gate to the Amazon Department and located on the banks of the Marañon River, one of the major tributaries of the Amazon River. Crossing the bridge, the fresh mountain climate exchanges place for subtropical temperatures. Now the road ascends over the hillsides of the eastern chain of the Amazon Andes towards the village of Leimebamba. Here we visit an excellent museum with fine pottery and art textile that belongs to the Chachapoya culture. The Malqui museum also houses an impressive collection of hundreds of mummies of the same culture. Dinner. A little bit further lies Tingo, nested among the giant hillsides of the Amazon Andes. Overnight. (Boxl, D)
DAY 2 / TINGO – KUELAP – CHACHAPOYAS
Breakfast. From Tingo runs an upward winding path. On a crest, dominating entire landscapes and mountains, buried under the cloud forests lies the majestic city-fortress of Kuelap, built by the Chachapoya culture. The view is really breathtaking. The ruins are characterized by their monumental condition. Kuelap is one of the most important archaeological monuments in the continent. Lunch. In the afternoon an hour drive to the city of Chachapoyas, place where two natural regions unite: cloud forest and mountain range.
Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 / CHACHAPOYAS – KARAJÍA – AYACHAQUI – JAEN
Breakfast. A two hours journey towards the northwest of Chachapoyas leads to Karajía. Here are spectacular sarcophaguses; due to their size-2,50 m high -, they’re unique en their gender. They are made of blended clay with sticks and stones. Even more impressive is the group of sarcophaguses in Ayachaqui, more to the south; they show the same characteristics but they are bigger in quantity.
Inside the sarcophagus the Chachapoya placed the mummy, sitting and wrapped in mortuary cloths. Lunch. In the afternoon departure to the hotel in the subtropical village of Jaen, situated on the banks of the Marañon River. The perfect place to relax after touring the north-eastern route. Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 / JAEN – CHICLAYO
Breakfast. Morning at leisure to relax and enjoy the swimming pool at the cosy hotel. Lunch. In the afternoon drive to the city of Chiclayo. Transfer out. (B, L)
* Minimum 3 passengers
* Only in private bus or four wheel drive.
* Best time to visit this area: April to November.
* For other trails and activities in this area please contact us.
* This itinerary can be perfectly combined with Chiclayo.
*If you are interested in one of these tours, go to our contact form
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