The Pre-Columbian Chachapoyas culture, conquered in the 15th century by the Incas, has left a landscape scattered with villages and burial sites which until recently has been largely overlooked by archaeologists.
Situated in the cloud forests around the town of Chachapoyas in Peru's northern Amazonas Department, these sites are dominated by the mighty fortress of Kuelap, perched majestically atop mountain-top cliffs overlooking the verdant Andean landscape. In Chachapoyas, remnants of the past invite discovery by the bold adventurer, and the cultures of the present extend a friendly welcome.
Six fixed departure programs allow clients to explore and discover Chachapoyas and Cajamarca, site of the first contact between the Spanish conquistadors and the Inca civilization. These programs are new and are specially designed for those people with a special interest in archaeology, or for those with a taste for adventure. The area is still new to tourism, but we have taken every care to provide as comfortable a stay as possible, with air-conditioned vehicles and expert guides.
The area is not only known for its startling archaeological discoveries, but also for being one of the most important centers for birds with restricted ranges. We offer specialized Birdwatching programs, guided by some of Peru's best birding guides, which provide an opportunity to look for Marañon endemics such as Marvelous Spatuletail, Peruvian Pigeon, Yellow-faced Parrotlet, Marañon Thrush, Buff-bridled Inca-Finch among others.
In the morning you will depart from Chiclayo by private car, van or minibus with air conditioning. You will cross 4 different Peruvian departments: Lambayeque, south Piura, the North of Cajamarca and end in Amazonas, Starting in the coast and arriving in the late afternoon in the cloud forest of Chachapoyas. Box lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Hostal El Chillo. (L,D).
After breakfast you will visit Kuelap, a spectacular pre-Inca walled city hidden atop a precipitous mountain. Although Kuelap was discovered 60 years before Machu Picchu, it is not as well-known to the outside world. Nevertheless recent amazing discoveries in nearby areas that relate to Kuelap and to its history have captured the attention of archaeologists, international magazines and film companies. Box Lunch. Following your visit to Kuelap, you will return to Chillo for the night. Dinner and overnight at Hostal El Chillo. (B,L,D).
After breakfast you will enjoy an excursion to observe the burial towers of Macro, an outpost of the Chachapoyas culture built into cliffs overlooking the Utcubamba River. It’s unique location allowed for contact via signal fires with the fortress, high above in the mountains and visible through a cleft in the valley hills. Then you will enjoy an excursion by horse to visit the colorful funeral buildings of Revash perched on a ledge up high on a cliff.
They overlook a valley and tributary of the Utcubamba, near the town of Santo Tomas. The Cliff walls at Revash are decorated with geometric designs and figures of camelids. Some of the tombs are decorated with T and cross-shaped niches. You will return to Chillo. Dinner and overnight at Hostal El Chillo.(B,L,
This morning you will drive towards Leymebamba. On the way you will stop at Las Palmas where a light trek will start to La Congona, a spectacular settlement pattern of the Chachapoyas culture. In this area you will be able to discover outstanding friezes and defensive towers still virgin in the jungle. After picnic lunch return to Leymebamba where we will spend a night at local hostel. Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D).
Morning visit the Museum of Leymebamba with its amazing collection of well preserved pre-inca mummies discovered in the Laguna de los Condores. Then continue to you will drive to Celendin and then to Cajamarca, crossing two cordilleras and several different habitats, such as cloud forest, agricultural land, desert-like areas and the Marañon Canyon. Box lunch on way. Overnight at Laguna Seca hotel and Spa.(B,L,D).
Morning light trek through the Cajamarca countryside to see local people in their daily activities including children going to school. Then we visit the Ventanillas de Otuzco, a pre-Inca cemetery that features a gallery of secondary burial niches (located 5 miles from the city). After lunch exploration of the main points of the city: Main Square, the Cathedral and the 17th Century San Francisco church, which houses the Museum of Religious Art. Continue on to the Ransom; which Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, filled once with gold and twice with silver so as to obtain his freedom in 1532; to the Belen complex which includes the Belen church constructed entirely of sculptures volcanic rock and finally on to Santa Apolonia Hill, for a scenic view of the valley of Cajamarca and where one may also see the ceremonial Inca seat. Finally we will take a delicious cup of coffee at local cafeteria. Return to hotel to enjoy its swimming pools with thermal waters or a nice massage at the Spa. (This service is not included in the price). Farewell dinner and overnight at Hotel Laguna Seca. (B,L,D)
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima.
Group Size: Minimum 2 passengers.
Tour includes: Accommodation (3 nights at El Chillo Lodge, 1 night at Leymebamba Museum lodge and 2 nights at Laguna Seca hotel & Spa), full board, treks, horse riding and overland transportation.
Not included: International and domestic airfares
2019 Prices per person in US$:
Prices are available upon request.