Leymebamba is located at an altitude of 2,200 m.
Nestled at the bottom of a lush green valley and close to the source of the Utcubamba River, Leymebamba attracts travelers for many reasons.
Among the must-sees: the Mummy Museum (Mallqui Museum), the numerous archaeological sites, the region’s history marked by the Chachapoya, the Incas, and later the arrival of the Spaniards, as well as the famous trek to the Laguna de los Cóndores.
People also love this region for its handicrafts, its traditional cheese, and above all, for the warm welcome of its inhabitants.
Tourism development in Leymebamba
Leymebamba is an agricultural village at the end of the Utcubamba Valley. Until 1997, the only source of income for its inhabitants was agriculture. But the discovery of a mausoleum on a mountainside, above the Laguna de los Cóndores, changed its destiny.
The villagers helped archaeologists save more than 200 mummies. Through this, they learned much about their own Chachapoya culture and the influences of the Inca civilization. For many of them, this discovery was a revelation.
What to do in Leymebamba?
The Plaza de Armas
The main square of Leymebamba invites you to stroll, sit down, and admire the stone church. On this same square, you can have a coffee or chat with the locals. From here, minibuses also depart for Chachapoyas.
Take a look at the shops around the square and don’t hesitate to have lunch in one of its restaurants.
Visit the wood sculptor Miguel Huaman
When he was young, Miguel was part of the local excavation team at the archaeological site. He then began studying the drawings and objects in detail. He made his first wooden replica, although he was not very satisfied with it. However, after the museum opened, there was a demand for souvenir items… and Miguel’s replica was sold! He made another one, then another, and the demand remained strong. The Leymebamba Museum asked him to make replicas for the exhibition. That was the beginning of a lasting enterprise.
Today, he sells decorative or practical objects such as coat racks, bedside lamps inspired by the Chachapoya culture, keychains, replicas of Karajia, or even of Kuélap, the fortified city of the Chachapoyas. He works on commission and even ships as far as Lima.
By reservation, you can book a workshop with him to paint your own wooden “Karajia.” A great activity to do as a family, for example.
Leymebamba is at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Here is where the Utcubamba river, which is strong and dangerous in Chachapoyas, finds its source. The whole valley that leads to it is peaceful, green and surrounded by vertiginous mountains.
Development of tourism in Leymebamba
Leymebamba is an agricultural town at the end of the Utcubamba Valley. Until 1997, the only source of income for its inhabitants was the agriculture. But the discovery of a mausoleum on the cliff of the mountain, in front of the Laguna de los Cóndores, a 10-hour walk from Leymebamba, has changed its destiny.
The locals helped the archaeologists to remove more than 200 mummies, and they learned a lot about their own Chachapoya culture and the influences of the Inca culture. For many of them, this discovery was a revelation.
What to do in Leymebamba?
La plaza de Armas
The main square of Leymebamba invites to walk, sit and admire the church of large stones. See the combis that connect Leymebamba with Chachapoyas, drink coffee or talk to the locals.
Take a look at the craft shops in the square and do not miss lunch at one of their restaurants.
Visit the woodcarver Miguel Huaman
While visiting the Leymebamba Museum, you will see objects of wood, ceramics and cloth that were found in the Mausoleum of the Laguna de los Cóndores. Among them are cups, wall decorations, vases and musical instruments.
Miguel was part of the local team of excavations at the archaeological site. Then he began to study the drawings and objects in detail. He made a wooden replica but was not very happy with the result. However, after the opening of the museum, the demand for souvenirs was felt … and Miguel’s replica was selling! Then, he made a new one, then another, and the demand was still strong. The Leymebamba museum asked him to make replicas for the exhibition and they hired his help.
Today, it sells decorative or useful objects, such as a coat rack, a bedside lamp inspired by the Chachapoya culture style, keyrings, replicas of Kuélap, the fortress of Chachapoyas. He works on request and even sends to Lima.
By reservation, you can book a workshop with him to paint your own wooden “Karajia.” A great activity to do as a family, for example
Discover the women weavers of Leymebamba
The discovery of the archaeological site of the Lagoon of the Condors also inspired the women of Leymebamba — this time in the field of weaving.
Indeed, in the villages of the Amazonas region, in the Andes of northern Peru, women have always knitted and woven while taking care of household chores. It’s almost second nature!
One of these women had the patience to study the fabrics found in detail. She counted the threads and uncovered the manufacturing process of Chachapoya textiles, with their colors (brown, red, black, and yellow) and geometric patterns. Thus, the association of women weavers was born.
Today, you can meet these women who produce fabrics of different widths for making various items. You will find belts, handbags, placemats, and even larger pieces such as bedspreads or tablecloths. In the meantime, they have diversified the colors. You can now find fabrics in shades of green and blue.
By reservation, you can also go see them at work — for example, on the way up to the Leymebamba Museum. There, they explain to visitors the process of fabric production. This process is not done at all with a large loom. They use small wooden sticks to keep the threads in order. Try it yourself, and you will see all the complexity of the setup and the precision required in the movements.
The Leymebamba Museum or Mallqui Museum
The Museum celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025.
By visiting the Leymebamba Museum, you will discover a variety of objects. They are made of wood, ceramic, and fabric. They were found in the mausoleums of the Lagoon of the Condors. Among them are goblets, wall decorations, vases, and musical instruments.
The Museum is located a little further south of the village. It is 10 minutes by car and 45 minutes on foot from the main square. The village of Leymebamba is the owner of the museum and has formed a Civil Association. Administrative and professional management, however, is ensured by the Mallqui Center.
The place is beautifully arranged: orchids, sculptures, and a house with a thatched roof. It is here that you can admire the archaeological discoveries from the Lagoon of the Condors. The main attractions are the 219 mummies and a unique exhibition of Quipus.
Most of the pieces exhibited in the museum cover the Chachapoya period. The Inca influence in the region is also appreciated. There is also a room dedicated to the traditional continuity of the region. The aim is to raise awareness of the dangers of deforestation on the way of life of the indigenous populations.
An unexpected discovery at the origin of the museum
Leymebamba is the closest village to the Laguna de los Cóndores, where local farmers accidentally discovered a true archaeological treasure. While working the land in 1997, the inhabitants uncovered this important necropolis. Unfortunately, these remains of the Chachapoya civilization quickly fell into the hands of grave robbers. However, they abandoned the site, disappointed not to have found any precious metal. Archaeologists Sonia Guillen and Adriana von Hagen arrived a few days later, just in time to save the necropolis and preserve pieces of inestimable archaeological value.
They urgently needed an appropriate place to preserve this treasure. The Leymebamba Museum was quickly built, thanks to the strong participation of the local inhabitants. The Mallqui Center managed the construction project. Substantial international collaboration — notably from Austria, Finland, Italy, and the United States — supported the project financially. Significant contributions also came from the Institute for Bioarchaeology, the Von Hagen family, and Discovery Channel. The collaboration between local and international communities and the teams of archaeologists made possible the exhumation of the mummies and other objects, as well as the creation of the museum.
Its architecture recalls the round houses typical of the Chachapoya culture, and it was built following the techniques of local construction. The garden will delight nature lovers: depending on the season, one can admire many species of orchids.
The museum was inaugurated in June 2000 in the presence of the Austrian Minister of Education, Dr. Elisabeth Gehrer.
The Chachapoya Culture
The excavations carried out at the site of the Laguna de los Cóndores made it possible to unearth an impressive collection of funerary and everyday objects. Most of them date back to the Chachapoya period, from the 11th to the 15th century. Some pieces are also dated to the Inca-Chachapoya period, which began with the capture of Kuélap by the Incas around 1470.
Among the discoveries were Quipus, a complex system of knots. They look like large necklaces but were actually used for counting. They belong to the period of Inca domination — a civilization that had no written language!
Numerous ceramics from different cultures are also exhibited. This demonstrates, in addition to the Inca influence during their invasion of the region, the “commercial” exchanges between the Chachapoyas and other inhabitants, particularly those from northern Peru.
In the museum’s three rooms, there are also explanations about the major archaeological sites of the region, such as the Sarcophagi of Karajia. They are reproduced as life-size models at the entrance of the museum.
The museum’s treasure: the mummies
The most impressive part of the museum is the “collection” of more than 200 mummies in excellent condition. To ensure their preservation, scientists created a very special room. The constant temperature and humidity levels correspond to those in the mausoleum of the Lagoon, where the mummies had remained for nearly six centuries.
When we think of mummies, we often think of Egypt. But the Chachapoya had their own unique way of preserving their dead. The technique actually evolved over time. At first, the body was left to decompose before being reduced to a “pile of bones” that was then wrapped in cotton. Later, under Inca influence, a true “mummification” technique developed. The body was first emptied of its organs to prevent decay, then the orifices were filled with cotton. After a “drying” period, the body was placed in a fetal position. Finally, it was wrapped in cloths before being enclosed in a cotton shroud decorated with various patterns.
This technique allowed the mummies to withstand the centuries and reach us with hair and teeth still in good condition. Just imagine: 600 years and all their teeth! Although most of the bodies are preserved within their shrouds, the few visible mummy faces are enough to send shivers down your spine!
Rates
Entrance to the Leymebamba Museum costs 15 soles for adults.
The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, you are not allowed to take photos inside the museum.
The trek to the Laguna de los Cóndores
Yes, we are talking about the extraordinary place built to bring together unique artifacts, but it is also possible to go to the Mausoleums of the Laguna de los Cóndores, where these pieces were discovered.
This is not a trek to be taken lightly — it is simply the hardest one in this northern part of Peru.
First of all, the season: the rainy season must be avoided. Guides will in fact refuse to take you during that time, as it is too dangerous. The best season is therefore between May and October.
Of course, booking is required, since the logistics are quite extensive: horses, guides, food supplies, water, and garbage bags, because nothing is to be left behind that could pollute this fragile environment.
The route, lasting about 10 to 11 hours, can be done on horseback or muleback, but there is always a portion to be covered on foot. Great effort is required, and at some points, you climb up to nearly 3,800 meters in altitude. The Lake of the Condors itself is at 2,900 meters. It is therefore cool — even cold at night. No worries, your guides will provide blankets.
Once there, accommodation is very rustic. Your guides will prepare all meals using food carried from Leymebamba.
The itinerary includes canoeing across the lake to reach the mausoleums on the opposite side, visiting them, and fishing to eat the fish from that same lake.
If you go for three days, the first is dedicated to the outbound journey, the second to visits, and the third to the return trip. An extra day, available as an option, allows you to visit even higher lakes with other surprises.
But also
- In Leymebamba, as elsewhere, people love to celebrate. Religious and patronal festivals are great occasions to gather, feast, and dance. For example, note the Raymipampa Festival held every year in July.
- An hour from Leymebamba, on the way back toward Chachapoyas, are the Mausoleums of Revash, with possible activities upon reservation in the nearby village of San Bartolomeo.
- Leymebamba is located at the same distance from Chachapoyas as from Kuélap, the fortified city of the Chachapoya culture, considered THE archaeological site of the region, our very own “Machu Picchu of the North,” and that is no exaggeration. Indeed, how better to describe this fortified citadel, dating back more than 1,000 years before the famous Inca site of southern Peru: stone walls up to 20 meters high, 7 hectares, 3,000 meters in altitude, and its 450 circular house ruins, a sacred area, a temple…
- You can also hike to the Congona ruins. The round trip takes 4 hours if you choose the shorter route, or 7–8 hours if you’re brave enough to take the longer loop.
- Leymebamba truly offers endless opportunities for archaeology lovers: Congona, but also Diablo Wasi, La Petaca, and more.
Practical information
How to get there?
On the Plaza de Armas of Chachapoyas, you can book a day-tour to visit the Mausoleums of Revash and the Leymebamba Museum. For group visits, we recommend Turismo Explorer, which organizes day tours including transport, guided visits, and lunch.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a “collectivo” minibus from the designated station to reach Leymebamba, located 2.5 hours south of Chachapoyas. Be mindful of the schedules — you sometimes have to get up very early.
If you are touring northern Peru with a full itinerary prepared by Phima Voyages, your agency will, of course, have everything arranged for you in advance.
You might be lucky enough to pass through the village of Yerbabuena on a Sunday — market day. You can’t miss it: villagers from the surrounding areas mainly come on horseback. So instead of lines of cars, you’ll pass by rows of horses. The market is the main place for buying and selling goods for people living in this region.
Where to stay?
In the streets around the Plaza de Armas, you’ll find hotels and hostals where you can spend the night in Leymebamba.
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La Casona de Leymebamba – Charming hotel in Northern Peru, ideally located in the city center, two blocks from the Plaza de Armas.
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Hotel Rangra Wasi, a boutique hotel a bit outside the town, not far from the museum, with an ecological approach.
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Just above the museum, with prior reservation, Casa Intimachay, the home of the Farje family — a homestay in Leymebamba.
