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Archaeological & Ecological
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Fortress of Kuelap.
Photo: Mylene d'Auriol Stoessel.
The Lost World of Chachapoyas
Most people who visit Peru are amazed by the Inca archaeological sites. Without doubt, Machu Picchu is the most famous and well-known worldwide. But Peru has much more to offer. A trip to Chachapoyas gives you the opportunity to admire part of Peruvian history in a remote corner of northeastern Peru. In this area, the Chachapoya culture, the "People of the Clouds", developed an interesting society between 800 AD until they were conquered by the Incas in 1470, after a bloody war.
The Chachapoya were excellent warriors and engineers, and they chose strategic places for their settlements and fortifications according the characteristics of area (remote forest hills with heavy rains). They were respectful of their ancestors and looked for special places for their funereal buildings.
The realm of the Chachapoyas has photogenic landscapes and charming, little communities where you will find warm and friendly people. It is important to mention that just a few people speak English, and for that reason, it is important to have a bilingual guide.
All our itineraries start in the coastal city of Chiclayo and include the following highlights:
- Kuelap fortress
- Macro towers
- Funereal buildings of Revash
- Museum of Leymebamba
The museum keeps mummies found at La Laguna de los Condores. You cannot imagine how well-preserved they are, a reflection of the excellent technology used by the ancient Chachapoyas embalmers.
For those who will take the Chachapoyas Explorer itinerary, the highlights are the fortress of Kuelap, Revash funereal buildings, Macro towers, La Congona (a Chachapoyas settlement), Leymebamba and Cajamarca, a charming city with its colonial houses, the Cathedral, churches, Main Square, the Ransom Room (where the last Inca Atahualpa was held prisoner by the Spaniards) and the pre-Inca necropolis of Ventanillas de Otuzco. The area is excellent for lovers of archaeology, avid photographers and for all explorers who are looking for something new. Special programs for birdwatchers can be arranged.
Please note that on all programs a certain level of physical fitness is required. You will trek for 2 to 3 hours a day and ride a horse on one day.
Distances and times
- Chiclayo - Chillo: 408 kms, 9 to 10 hours
- Chillo - Leymebamba: 66 kms, 2 hours
- Leymebamba - Cajamarca: 247 kms, 10.5 to 11 hours
- Cajamarca - Trujillo: 308 kms, 5 hours
Weather
The most rainfall occurs in the rainy season months of November through April and can continue into May. The average temperature is 22°C in Chachapoyas and 14°C in Cajamarca and Celendin. Nights are cool.
How to get there
The journeys to the Lost World of Chachapoyas are operated by our well-equipped office in Chiclayo that will coordinate and take care of every detail. We use a 4-wheel drive car, van or minibus with air conditioner and good guides. At the moment, there are unsurfaced roads in Chachapoyas that could be in poor condition (especially after rains), but that is part of the adventure.
Our cars carry some books about the Chachapoyas and a DVD about the archaeology and ecology of the areas we will visit.
A charter flight can be arranged if you have limited time. There is a limit of 22 pounds/10 kilograms per person. If you have excess weight and space is available, you'll be charged directly.at the airport.
Accommodations
We have selected the most comfortable accommodations available, but it must be noted that most tourist facilities in the area are still at a basic level.
Hostal Estancia Chillo, Chachapoyas
14 rooms, each with a private bath and hot water shower. Good restaurant. This lodge is run by a local and friendly family. Warm service.
For those taking the Kuelap Discoverer, the following hotel is included in addition to Hostal El Chillo:
Casa Vieja, Chachapoyas
12 rooms, each with a private bath and hot water shower. The cozy, patio restaurant serves local specialties. The family that has lived for a century in this beautiful colonial house has now opened its doors to guests.
For those taking the Chachapoyas Explorer, the following hotels are included in addition to Hostal El Chillo:
Centro Mallqui, Leymebamba
5 rooms, each with a private bath and hot water shower.
Hotel & Spa Laguna Seca Hot Springs, Cajamarca
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and forest, there are 41 rooms, each with a private bath and thermal hot water shower, safety deposit box, telephone and color TV. Restaurant, cafeteria, bar and laundry service.
Our price includes
Round trip transportation from Chiclayo to Chachapoyas (except our Chachapoyas Explorer program ends in Cajamarca), specified accommodations, all meals during the expedition, English-speaking guide and entrance fees. The car is equipped with binoculars, a telescope, oxygen bottle, first-aid kit and cellular phone. For birdwatching programs, we include an expert guide or an ornithologist at extra cost.
Our price does not include
Airport taxes, excess baggage charges, additional nights in Chachapoyas or Cajamarca due to flight cancellations. Guests should bring some cash for telephone calls, drinks, airport taxes, tips and other personal expenses.
What to bring
- Good binoculars
- A bottle or canteen to carry water on outings.
- Camera gear (ASA 200 and 400 recommended)
- A hat
- Sneakers or hiking boots
- Sunglasses
- Raincoat or long poncho (100% waterproof -- test before you leave home)
- Warm jacket and sweaters for cool nights.
- Sunscreen lotion (high factor)
- Personal toiletries and medications.
Yellow fever
Although we have never heard of anyone contracting yellow fever anywhere in Peru or neighboring countries, Peru, nevertheless, requires a current yellow fever vaccination for trips to the rainforest regions. It normally is required or recommended for all rainforest regions around the world. This vaccination, which is valid for 10 years, must be administered at least 10 days before your arrival in the rainforest. Vaccination cards are always required at the Puerto Maldonado airport.
Update 27 April 2006: a yellow fever vaccination is not currently required.
Pre-departure briefing
One day before departure, our representative in Chiclayo will contact you in your hotel to discuss the itinerary and coordinate the trip to Chachapoyas.
You should consider our Northern Kingdoms tour if you are interested in the Chimu, Moche and Sican pre-Inca cultures. The ruins of these civilizations grace the outskirts of the two principal cities of the north coast of Peru: Trujillo and Chiclayo.
Some of the important archaeological sites include the sprawling adobe city of Chan Chan, capital of the Chimu Empire; the Moche's frieze-covered Pyramids of the Sun and Moon; Sipan, the world-famous tomb of a Mochica ruler; their Tucume, also known as the Valley of the Twenty-Six Pyramids; and the Sican's Batan Grande.
More information about the Chachapoyas
Travelers may recall TV shows about the Chachapoyas on the Discovery Channel and BBC.
Bibliography
We recommend the following books:
Warriors of the Clouds: A Lost Civilization in the Upper Amazon of Peru, Keith Muscutt, University of New Mexico Press, 1998.
The Incas and Their Ancestors: the Archaeology of Peru, Michael E. Moseley, Revised Edition, Thames & Hudson, 2001.
Chachapoyas, the Lost Kingdom, Adriana Von Hagen, Rafo Leon and Sonia Guillen, Collection APU AFP Integra, 2002.
Los Chachapoya, Moradores Ancestrales de los Andes Amazonicos Peruanos, Federico Kauffman Doig, Universidad Alas Peruanas, 2003.
Extraordinary explorations.
© 2011 Inka's Empire Corporation, Luxury Peru Travel & Peru Tours. All rights reserved.
