Coming out of the airport, the air is cool, fresh and smells of subtle wood burning from homes. The airport is located at the top of a hill and taxis are the best method for getting to the town's plaza. Like most towns in Peru, there is a plaza which offers comfortable places to stay, restraurants, tour operators and Sunday festivities. In this post find recommendations for local sights to see and favorite indulgences.
1. Sarcofagi of Karajia
The sarcophagi are commonly known to be wise men located outside of Chachapoyas. It is an amazing place to visit with seeing how the dead were preserved and with the care they used to climb narrow paths in this ravine. The sight has 8 sarcophagi to find with 6 of them being quite easy to see. Remember to keep walking up the trail to see all of them. When visiting, a tour guide is highly recommended for this sight because of how remote the area is. Ask a guide if they can pair this tour with the Caverns of Quiocta.
2. Gocta Waterfall
Gocta Waterfall is considered to be either the 3rd or the 15th largest waterfall in the world depending if one counts the break between the upper and lower falls. Regardless of rank, this spectacular waterfall is located outside of Chachapoyas and worth a visit. Hire a guide to drive there, but "hike at your own pace." Generally this hike only takes about four to five hours to complete to the base of the waterfall. There is one other trail that leads to a view point, but the lower falls hike gets up close and personal with the falls. After the hike, get some food in town before going home.
3. Mausoleum De Ravash
Mausoleum De Revash is incredible for the tombs built into the side of a cliff. Impressive pictographs paint images of alpacas and stories around the tombs. The tombs can be seen from several view points and are spectacular in size and detail. Unfortunately, the tombs were mostly raided, but visit the Leymebamba Museum after to learn about how the dead were persevered and important cultural pieces to this tomb.
4. Leymebamba Museum
The Leymebamaba Museum is a gorgeous small museum with a botanical garden surrounding it. The colorful, vibrant replicas of the sarcophagi are like a work of art in itself. The museum holds information dating pre Incan culture explaining how people communicated without writing. It also shares information of how and why people of importance were preserved the way they were and has a resting place for mummies found, so they would not be disturbed by tomb raiders.
5. Caverns of Quiocta
Make sure your guide gives out muck boots, because this cave is very muddy. Here there is a chance to see bats, stalagmites, remains of ceramics and even bones. Quiocta Caverns seem to be overlooked, but have unique geological formations and historical significance to the ancient people of Chachapoyas. This tour can be done with the Karajia Sarcophagi and it's worth finding a guide who can do both in one day.
5. Yalape
A more recent ruins found in overgrown farmland, Yalape was being excavated in 2022. Said to be similar to Kuèlap, not much information is given about these ruins due to efforts of clearing this space for visitors. A guide is not needed for this ruins, just rent a tuktuk driver or taxi for a drop off (and pick up). However, once the grounds have been revealed, a guide may be beneficial to have so they can explain the recent finds from the excavation. After visiting Yalape, take a walk to the nearest town, Levanto before heading home.
6. Kuèlap
Not pictured
Unfortunately for us, an earth quake shook loose a wall in Kuèlap, closing the park to visitors. Knowing it is one of the most significant ruins in the greater Chachapoyas region, it is one reason we look forward to revisiting. We would recommend visiting this ruins because of how many people recommended it to us.
7. Mirador De Luya Urco
This city overlook offers a views of Chachapoyas and the valley it's located in. This walk can be completed in an hour or two depending how leisurely the walking pace is. No guide is needed for this walk so is a great free activity.
Coffee
Imagine arriving in Chachapoyas, finding delicious coffee, and thinking the rest of Peru must have delicious coffee too! Only to find Chachapoyas had the best coffee compared to all other cities. For those who like a darker roast, there may be some present, however, the medium and light roasts were smooth and delicious
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