The key moments
This trip combining the archaeological and natural sites of the region of Amazonas in northern Peru, allows you to discover many places that are still little known and are not part of the major tourist circuits.
In 7 days you will have the opportunity to learn all about the civilization of the Chachapoya, the cloud warriors, as the Incas called them. At the same time your stay includes different workshops with local artists and artisans for a better understanding of the culture.
Highlights of the trip
- Good boutique hotels
- Discovery of emblematic sites of the Chachapoya civilization
- Gocta waterfall hike
- Traditional activities with local artists and artisans
If you are interested in a more immersive trip to the region of Amazonas, we invite you to take a look at our Immersion stay which includes more homestays and even more activities and encounters.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Jaen and transfer to ACP Milpuj
Our driver will pick you up from the airport. He will have a sign with your name and wait for you at the exit gate. From Jaen it takes about five hours to drive to ACP Milpuj in the Amazonas region. You will make various scenic stops during the trip and have time to enjoy your box lunch.
Arrival at Perico and Dona Lola, time to rest or discover their property.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 2 – Visit of the Revash Mausoleums and the Mummy Museum in Leymebamba
Today you will leave with your driver and your private English speaking guide for the village of San Bartolo (around 30 minutes).
At the tourism association a local guide (who speaks Spanish) will join you and you will set off for the easy trek (30 – 45 minutes) to the Mausoleums of Revash in the Luya district in the Amazonas region. Along the way, your local guide will explain all about the medicinal plants in the area (translation made by your guide).
Back in San Bartolo you will take the car and drive to the village of Leymebamba (about an hour). Lunch in Leymebamba with a local family before starting the visit of the Mummy Museum.
Return to Casa de Dona Lola for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 – Explore the citadel of Kuelap
Today you will leave your hosts and set off just 15 minutes to the village of Tingo from where you will take the cable car to the citadel of Kuelap, the « Machu Picchu of the north » in the Amazonas region.
Once you reach La Malca, you walk about 2 km to the Kuélap complex, built from AD 400 onwards. Visit of about 2 hours, explanation of the administrative, military and ceremonial nature of Kuélap, the peculiarities of the almost 500 round houses on a 6 hectare site at an altitude of 3 000 m. End of the visit and descent by cable car for lunch in the village of Tingo.
Then transfer to Lamud, in the province of Luya where you will sleep at Paul and Nora’s hotel, the owners of Tambo Sapalanchan.
Day 4 – Visit of the sarcophagi of Karajia and cooking class
From the hotel you will leave for the village of Cruz Pata at an altitude of 2,700 m (about 30 minutes) with your driver and your private guide.
Upon arrival in the village, a 30 minute hike (2 km) will take you to the place from where you can observe the impressive sarcophagi of the Chachapoya culture.You will learn everything we know about the sarcophagi and their dead, but also about the rituals of this civilization.
The return hike will take 45 minutes, because you have to climb uphill! Then you will descend to Luya by car for lunch before resting at the Tambo Sapalanchan hotel.
Around 4 p.m. start of your cooking class with Chef Paul. He’ll show you his vegetable garden first before taking you to the kitchen to prepare your three-course dinner!
Dinner and overnight.
Day 5 – Chachapoyas and Huancas
From Lamud you will descend into the Utcumbamba valley before rising up again to Chachapoyas (about an hour).
You will visit this pretty colonial town with your English-speaking guide before meeting Gerald, a local craftsman who creates objects in nogal (a kind of nut). He will walk you through the process from the production of the nut to the final object.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Chachapoyas before continuing to the village of Huancas, 30 minutes from Chachapoyas. Huancas is well known for its women ceramicists and you will participate in a demonstration of their art. Then you will walk to the Sonche Canyon from where you have a 360 ° view of the valley.
At the end of the afternoon you will leave Chachapoyas for Cocachimba (an hour’s drive away) where you will finish the day at the Mamaq Tambo Lodge hotel.
Day 6 – Hike to the waterfall of Gocta
This morning, accompanied by your guide, you will leave for the six hour hike (round trip) to the Gocta waterfall. The path goes through the forest and with a bit of luck you may see a Gallito de las Rocas, the national bird of Peru.
Note: If you are not big hikers, you can request a horse for part of the way. On the other hand, the last two km (two km one way, but also return) must be done on foot.
Return to the hotel to enjoy the view and a little rest.
Overnight.
Day 7 – Return to the airport of Jaen
Depending on your flight schedule, you will either leave in the morning or in the afternoon for Jaen Airport.
Your driver will accompany you.
Budget
We provide our tour plans as an example for you to get inspired and an idea of how your travel in northern Peru could look like.
Once you have your trip in mind, we are happy to create with you your dream trip according to the length of your stay. We suggest you interesting sites to visit, nice places to stay, how to get there and if you should choose a guide to travel with you in order to discover a more confidential side of Peru.
Contact us by email at info@phimavoyages.com or by our contact form. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
This program includes:
- Transfer to/from airports
- Guides
- Entrances to archaeological sites and natural reserves
- Activities and excursions as indicated in the program
- Meals as indicated in the program
- Land transport according to the program, private (by car for 2 people, in Mini Van H1 for 3 or more people), by night bus, taxi / combi
This program does not include:
- International and national flights
- Airport taxes or visa fees
- Excess baggage charges
- Additional nights following flight cancellations
- Insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry service
- Phone calls
- Re-confirmation of international flights
- Bank transfer fees
