Chachapoyas City Tour, Viewpoint Circuit, and Experience

Chachapoyas Airport - Upon arrival at Chachapoyas Airport, guests will be greeted and transferred to their hotel. The remainder of the morning is free for relaxation and acclimatization.

Huancas District - At 14:00, guests will be picked up from their hotel and transported to the town of Huancas, a former Mitimae settlement. This destination is perfect for connecting with nature, offering stunning landscapes, canyons, archaeological sites, and an immersive experience with the local community, where visitors can enjoy and participate in traditional customs and activities.

Huancas Sonche Canyon Viewpoint - Situated in Huancas, this viewpoint is perched on a mountain ridge, offering a view of the Sonche Canyon. The canyon, approximately 980 meters deep, is carved by the Sonche River for about 11 kilometers until it merges with the Utcubamba River. This site provides a serene connection with nature, allowing visitors to enjoy the landscape and absorb the tranquility and energy of the area. Shortly after, the tour will proceed to the next destination.

LA GOYA Viewpoint - This viewpoint harmoniously blends natural geological formations with modern architecture, offering a perfect vantage point to appreciate the surrounding landscape, including the Sonche Canyon, archaeological sites, and agricultural terraces, which are part of the Chachapoya cultural heritage. After soaking in the beauty and tranquility, the tour will continue to the next site.

Huanca Urco Viewpoint - After a brief journey through a reforested pine area, the tour arrives at Huanca Urco, located at the northern tip of the Huancas hill. From here, visitors enjoy a privileged view of the Utcubamba River Canyon and the Luya Valley. With binoculars, one can also see the “Pueblo de los Muertos” archaeological site and the Gocta Falls. From this viewpoint, the pre-Hispanic road (Capac Ñan) leads down to the canyon’s base. The tour then visits the Huanca Urco archaeological site, featuring a perimeter wall and central rectangular structure, representing the early Huancas Mitimae settlements, with a guided tour included.

Huancas District - Huancas Pottery Experience
Craft pottery is a significant activity in Huancas, historically supplying ceramic dishes to nearby towns and provinces. Today, traditional techniques are still used in pottery making. Visitors will visit a potter’s home to observe and participate in the pottery-making process, experiencing the local customs. The tour then returns to Chachapoyas.

Chachapoyas - From the Luya Urco viewpoint, guests will view Chachapoyas, accompanied by a guide who will share the history of each tour location. The tour includes a visit to the Independence Square, where a local artisan will proudly showcase walnut crafts and share the story of their craft. Guests will then stroll along “El Comercio” street, one of Chachapoyas’ oldest areas, featuring colonial houses with beautiful floral balconies. The tour concludes at the main square, followed by a transfer to the hotel.

Kuelap Fortress by Cable Car

Kuelap Fortress - At 09:50, guests will be picked up from their hotel and transferred to the fortified citadel of Kuelap. En route, they will see the Macro archaeological site, adorned with rhomboid and zigzag friezes. The journey continues to Nuevo Tingo village, where lunch arrangements are made before proceeding to the boarding station for the cable cars. After a 22-minute cable car ride, guests arrive at the Malca tourist stop, followed by a 30-minute walk to Kuelap. The tour explores narrow passageways flanked by circular houses with stone friezes, ceremonial sites, and tombs hidden within the walls. The citadel’s protective walls can reach up to 20 meters high. After lunch, the tour returns to Chachapoyas.

Sarcophagi of Karajía and Quiocta Cavern

Karajía Sarcophagi - At 09:00, the tour departs from Chachapoyas to Cruzpata, followed by a 30-minute downhill walk to the anthropomorphic sarcophagi of Karajía. These statues, set in an inaccessible cliff, have preserved the mummified bodies of prominent pre-Inca Chachapoya rulers for centuries. After exploring the site and capturing memories with photographs, the tour returns to the vehicle and proceeds to Lamud for lunch.

Quiocta Caverns - Post-lunch, the tour continues to the Quiocta tourist stop, where guests are equipped for cavern exploration. The interpretation room provides insights into the cavern’s historical occupations and archaeological discoveries. A short 5-minute walk leads to the cavern entrance, where illuminated walkways facilitate exploration of sectors like funerary areas and stalactite and stalagmite zones. Each sector is well-lit for detailed appreciation and photography. The tour concludes with a return to Chachapoyas in the late afternoon.

Gocta Falls

Cocachimba - At 09:00, guests are picked up from their hotel and travel 45 kilometers to Cocachimba. After an hour’s journey, they arrive at Cocachimba, where lunch reservations are made before embarking on a 5 km walk (approximately 2 hours each way) to Gocta Falls.

Gocta Falls - Known as the third highest waterfall in the world, Gocta Falls boasts a height of 771 meters, divided into two drops. The area is rich in diverse flora and fauna, including endemic bird species, making it a must-visit destination. Reaching the waterfall’s base is an unforgettable experience that rejuvenates the spirit and body. After enjoying the site and taking memorable photographs, the tour returns to Cocachimba for lunch, followed by a return to Chachapoyas at 17:00.

Departure Transfer

Chachapoyas - Guests are transferred to Chachapoyas Airport or the land terminal at the appropriate time. END OF SERVICES

• City tour, Huancas village and viewpoint circuit
• Karajía Sarcophagus Tour and Quiocta Cave
• Protective equipment for the visit to Quiocta Cave
• Lunch
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Tour to Kuelap Fortress by Cable Car
• Gocta Falls Tour
• Tourism guide

• Hotel in Chachapoyas (check with the agency on available options)
• Horses for the excursion to Gocta Falls (from S/.60.00 cash payment at destination)

The package includes a tour of the sacred tombs of the Karajía sarcophagi, showcasing a unique funerary style in Peru and globally. These structures have withstood the test of time, majestically perched atop a cliff, overseeing their ancient territories. Each statue of Karajía stands at an impressive height of 2.50 meters and still houses the mummified remains of the most significant rulers of the pre-Inca Chachapoya culture. This site offers over 1500 years of history to explore. Nearby, visitors can explore the Quiocta cavern, another natural marvel that reveals evidence of ancient human occupation. This site was used for various activities, including magical religious ceremonies, funerals, and as a residential area. Currently, this cavern is the first in Peru and the second in South America to feature an artificial lighting system, making it accessible to all visitors.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.