Chachapoyas & Kuelap
Discover Chachapoyas Archaeological
Site in the Peruvian Cloud Forest


The Cloud Warriors During your visit to Chachapoyas, take advantage of your incredible location and access to explore
the nature, wildlife, and archaeological treasures of Peru’s hidden gems: the less-traveled Northern Circuit.
The Chachapoyas, a pre-Incan civilization, are known as, “The Warriors of the Clouds”. Considered the “Machu Picchu of
the North”, Kuelap is a grand fortress considered one of America’s most impressive ancient stone structures.
If your taste palette is adventurous, then Chachpoya is an ideal place to try Peruvian delicacies such as Cuy (Guinea pig). In this cloud forest, you’ll able to find many restaurants offering tasty, traditional cuisine with the more popular dishes being Cecina and trout.
Belonging to and built by the former pre-Inca Chachapoyas culture, the Kuelap fortress is a sight to experience while traveling in northern Peru. The complex consists of an impressive 20-meter (66-foot) tall stone wall and 420 circular stone houses adorned with interesting zigzag and geometric designs. You’ll be wowed by the seemingly intact condition of this ancient structure built in 500 AD.
The Chachapoyas region is a hub for any number of cultural and nature excursions, including everything from visits to record-breaking waterfalls to dizzyingly deep canyons and the unique pre-Inca ruins of the Chachapoyas culture. Fill your itinerary with ruins tours, horseback riding along canyon trails, and gentle strolls through the Amazonian cloud forest.
Standing at an impressive height of 771 meters, the popular Gocta waterfall is a sight that cannot be missed when visiting this region of Peru. Take a 2-hour trek through the Peruvian cloud forest to experience the power of this cascading wonder. Or take a visit to the recently discovered Yumbilla waterfall which is even taller with a height of 895 meters! And on the way to these destinations, be on the lookout for the beautifully colored ‘Cock of the Rocks’.
When booking a luxury vacation to Peru, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind – whether you’re looking to experience the
biodiversity of the Amazon, eat your way through Lima, or explore the Inca city of Machu Picchu – Peru has something
for everyone and our travel designers are eager to craft the perfect trip for your luxury vacation to Peru.
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For clear skies & comfortable temperatures, travelers should visit Chachapoya during the winter, between the months
of June through August. If you are interested in seeing Gocta & Yumbilla waterfalls at their peak beauty, then it is
advised to visit during the rainy season of December to July.
Visit the Ancient Mummies at Museo Leymebamba Near the Laguna de Los Cóndores lie a 500-year-old burial site that began to be excavated in 1997. Archaeologists were able to uncover 200 mummies along with burial offerings, ceramics, and weapons. The Chachapoya people were talented embalmers, leading to the eerily well-preserved mummies that can be viewed today from the Museo Leymebamba.
Hike to the Gocta & Yum Waterfalls These jungle waterfalls have two tiers towering at 771 meters tall making it a highly impressive sight that you won’t want to miss. A full-day hike can take you to both the upper and lower tiers of the falls in one 15-kilometer circuit along with a viewpoint that provides an astonishingly clear view of both of the falls. The recently discovered Yumbilla is even taller standing at 895 meters and is about a 10-kilometer hike in total being accompanied by a view of two other waterfalls along the way.
Visit Canon del Sonche This steep-sided canyon is a must-visit with walls up to 2620 meters above sea level as well as astounding views of the Sonche River which runs through the river bed. Hike to the top of Mirador de Huancas to have the perfect view of the impressive landscapes inhabiting the Sonche Canyon. Get a guided tour in order to have a skilled local help spot out the impressive array of birds that inhabit this region.
El Batán del Tayta From the furry seat covers to the dramatically presented cuisine, your dining experience is ensured to be interesting and delightful. The innovative menu ranges greatly from ‘drunk’ guinea pigs to ant cocktails. Don’t worry if you’re put off by insects and rodents – they offer traditional Italian pasta if you’re feeling less adventurous. Truly, a gastronomic experience like no other, El Batán del Tayta should not be missed on your Chachapoya trip.
Café Fusiones This welcoming restaurant has a lovely outdoor courtyard as well as a cozy indoor seating area to enjoy delicious, regionally-focused food. Both the coffee and WiFi are strong, making it the ideal location to unwind after a day of exploring. Interested in learning about the process of coffee? Café Fusiones has an on-site laboratory where you can learn about how the bean transforms into a delicious cup of coffee.
Terra Mia Cafe Located in the main square, this trendy Peruvian-style cafe is famous for serving deliciously authentic food at just about any hour of the day. Terra Mia Cafe welcomes guests with a cozy indoor dining experience accompanied by WiFi making it the perfect atmosphere to unwind after a long day. The portions are generous and the options are plentiful with welcoming staff to keep your stomachs full and hearts warm.
Gocta Andes Lodge The Gocta Andes Lodge is tactfully oriented so that visitors can experience breathtaking views of the Gocta Falls from the comfort & ease of your private balcony. Take in the incredible views as you experience a taste of the local area with fresh trout coming from the Leymebamba, incredible cheese from Pomamcochas pastures, and smooth coffee arriving from Mendoza. This tranquil basecamp will serve you with the luxury you desire while being in close proximity to memory-worthy adventures.
Gocta Natura Cabins Hidden within the cloud forest, Gocta Natura Cabins is an environmentally-friendly luxury accommodation dedicated to regenerating the forest. The private cabins provide great comfort along with picturesque views of the nature reserve. Experience farm-to-table culture as Gocta’s restaurant curates daily menus based on the produce availability of their gardens. Not only do they focus on the health of the environment but also of their guests, offering activities meant to harness creativity & peace.
Casa Hacienda Achamaqui This eco-friendly, wooden haven offers guests a comfortable stay without the expense of harming the local environment. Strategically located, the hotel sits within a 32-mile radius of the National Institute of Culture Museum, Gocta Waterfall, and Kuelap. Casa Hacienda Achamaqui offers a traveler's connection to nature being wrapped around a lush forest & an accessible river. The hotel’s restaurant will cater to your needs through delicious food and amazing service.
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