AMAZONAS, LAND OF CHACHAPOYAS CULTURE
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6 DAYS: CHACHAPOYAS, KUELAP PRE INCA CITADEL, KARAJIA SARCOPHAGI, GOCTA WATERFALL, REVASH MAUSOLEUM, LEYMEBAMBA MUSEUM
The Chachapoyas, also called the “Warriors of the Clouds”, was a culture of Andes living in the cloud forests of the Amazonas Region of present-day Peru. The Inca Empire conquered their civilization shortly before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. At the time of the arrival of the conquistadors, the Chachapoyas were one of the many nations ruled by the Incas, although their incorporation had been difficult due to their constant resistance to Inca troops.
DAY 01 LIMA-JAEN-CHACHAPOYAS
Arrival to Jaen. Reception and transfer 4 hours drive to the city of Chachapoyas. Accommodation
DAY 02 CHACHAPOYAS-KARAJIA-CHACHAPOYAS
In the morning, leave by car to Cruz Pata town, then, continue towards the burial site of Karajia. We will enjoy a panoramic view of Luya’s main square along the way. Cruz Pata, known as the Crosses Plateau, is the starting point of our journey by foot or horse to get to Karajia; it takes 30 min. approximately. We will see Karajia sarcophagi, which are part of Chachapoyas pre-Inca culture; they are made of stone, wood and clay, and have an anthropomorphic shape; they are unique for their enormous size (up to 2.5 meters high) and careful elaboration.
Even though time has passed, being on top of a cliff with difficult access has allowed these constructions to be well preserved. We will return for lunch in the city of Luya. Then, we will visit Caverns Quiocta, a capricious work of nature, located in the district of Lamud, Luya province. Inside these caverns, there are seven rooms with stalagmites and stalactites, each one has a different name due to its curious forms. Return to Chachapoyas. (Breakfast-lunch)
DAY 03 CHACHAPOYAS-COCACHIMBA-GOCTA WATERFALL-CHACHAPOYAS
After breakfast, leave by car to the picturesque town of Cocachimba (1 hour from Chachapoyas city); from there, we will begin our journey towards Gocta waterfall (an hour and a half on horseback plus one hour walk). Along the way, we will enjoy the great diversity of flora and fauna, and a splendid view of the waterfall. Gocta Waterfall, locally known as “La Chorrera”, is 771 meters high and it is considered among the one of the highest waterfalls in the world.
It is the perfect habitat for toucans, monkeys, mountain lions and Andean cocks-of-the-rock. It is located in a large cloud- covered forest, around which there are about twenty waterfalls. It offers a beautiful combination of geography and history, making it a magical place. Return to Cocachimba for a typical lunch. Then return by car to Chachapoyas. (Breakfast –lunch)
DAY 04 CHACHAPOYAS-KUELAP-CHACHAPOYAS
In the morning, leave by car to Kuelap, a majestic architectural site built by Chachapoyas. On our way, we will make a stop to have a panoramic view of the Macro Archaeological, also known as “Macro Towers” for its design characteristics; it is located on the side of a hill overlooking Utcubamba river. Then we will continue to the starting point towards Kuelap, We will go by the Telecabinas, then board the cable car to go to the Great Fortress of Kuélap. Which is built on top of Cerro Barreta (3000 masl).
It is a place surrounded by beautiful landscapes; at first, it seems inaccessible since it is protected by colossal walls and cliffs on three of its four sides. It has three platforms and inside they have circular buildings decorated with rhomboidal and zigzag friezes. Its complex interior architecture indicates it was a well-organized population group. The surrounding landscape and the natural scenarios make it unforgettable. Return to Tingo for lunch. After lunch return to Chachapoyas. (Breakfast-lunch)
DAY 05 CHACHAPOYAS – REVASH MAUSOLEUMS-LEYMEBAMBA MUSEUM-CHACHAPOYAS
After breakfast, we drive to the town of San Bartolo, from here we will continue on foot or by horseback to the Mausoleums of Revash, which are constructions of funeral homes at the foothills of huge rocks; they are painted in red and cream color, which resemble small houses. Some are up to three floors high, and others have gable roofs with T-shaped, cross-shaped and square windows. The mausoleums can be observed from 100 meters approximately.
It is a strategic point to fully appreciate the funerary complex. Lunch at a typical local restaurant. Then, continue for a visit the museum of Centro Mallqui or Leymebamba Museum, which design replicates local architectural traditions. The rich and varied flora embellishes the surrounding gardens and highlights the collection of orchids, with over 100 local varieties. This museum holds a valuable collection of 240 mummies found in the Lagoon of the Condors. Return to Chachapoyas. (Breakfast-lunch)
DAY 06 CHACHAPOYAS-JAEN-LIMA
Transfer to the airport in Jaen in time for the flight to Lima. (Breakfast) End of services
