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5 excursions you can't miss if you visit Chachapoyas
Chachapoyas is one of the oldest cities from Peru and one of the few that It maintains its colonial air and Hispanic influence. In addition, it is the capital of the department of Amazonas, in the north. And of course, there are many excursions from Chachapoyas to explore its surroundings with its cloudy landscapes and unique flora.
With a lot of luck, you might also spot some of the most wildlife carcharacteristic of the region Andean bears and cocks of the rock who enjoy the humid microclimate around Chachapoyas.
If you like nature, and are thinking about including Chchapoyas in your trip to Peru on your own, you are in the right place. We tell you the 5 best excursions from Chachapoyas and our opinions.
We completely fell in love with this region on our trip through Peru, We spent a week in Chachapoyas exploring its surroundings and enjoying the peace of the town. We tell you the ones we liked the most.
BEST EXCURSIONS FROM CHACHAPOYAS
1. Gocta, the most famous waterfall in Chachapoyas
Gocta, also known as "The Chorrera" is without a doubt the most impressive waterfall we have seen so far, Maybe someone from Iceland wants to sneak into this first position, but Gocta is still unbeatable for us. This 771 meter waterfall divided into two waterfalls is the third highest in Peru and number 17 worldwide. Not bad at all, don't you think?
Its incredible height is not the only thing that makes Gocta a very special waterfall. The second jump of this waterfall is so wide and high that Much of the water that reaches the bottom is in the form of small particles that make it look like it is raining. and wets everything around, you see how the water falls in slow motion while you try to capture it in a photo, but it is too high to even see it all with your own eyes.
To visit this waterfall there are different routes depending on whether you want to visit only the first jump, the second or you want to do a complete tour. We have an article about Gocta with all the details to do it yourself. But if you prefer to do it guided and with transportation, there is also the possibility.
2. The Kuelap fortress, Chachapoyas ruins
Visiting Kuelap is one of the most culturally interesting excursions from Chachapoyas. Kuélap Archaeological Complex is one of the main architectural works built by the Chachapoyas culture who occupied this area in the period 500-1450 AD. C. The citadel, surrounded by an extensive wall 1.900 meters long, houses two well-defined levels inside: The high town and the low town.
The city is made up of numerous circular stone constructions in the shape of a hut with some bas-reliefs, a tower-shaped astronomical observatory and some other civil and military constructions.
Currently, the historic site has been invaded by moss and a multitude of trees covered in orchids due to the cloudy climate of the place. The fog that usually covers the ruins gives an atmosphere of mystery and feeling of loneliness when you explore its interior.
Or you can go on a tour from Chachapoyas that includes a guide inside the ruins.
2. Yumbilla, the 5th highest waterfall in the world
Located in the Valley of the Falls is this imposing waterfall that, with 896 meters divided into 4 waterfalls, occupies the Fifth position in the ranking of highest waterfalls in the world. By the way, the first one is in South Africa, you can check it out glance.
Gocta is the center of attention and makes the trek to Yumbilla very unknown. We didn't meet anyone all day. If you add to that the fact that it involves going into a dense, green, humid jungle full of fauna, it makes you feel like a real explorer.
Getting to Yumbilla was possibly the best of the excursions from Chachapoyas that we did. The trail goes through the Valley of the Falls, and the name does not deceive, you will also pass by 3 other super cool waterfalls.
In addition, from the point where the route to Yumbilla begins there is also another path to visit the Pabellón Waterfall, a good way to complete a day surrounded by nature and waterfalls.
Do you see Pau down there? Tiny, isn't he? Well, from that point there was still a lot more waterfall above and below. Seriously, what a crazy thing to do! And what a blast!caryou and end up soaked.
4. Sonche Canyon Viewpoint, the closest excursion to Chachapoyas
This excursion is a perfect plan to complete a day touring Chachapoyas since it is very close to the city and can be visited in just one afternoon. To get to the viewpoint you have to take the buses heading to Huancas that leave from the intersection of Evitamiento Avenue and Avenida Aeropuerto. The buses have a price of 2,5 soles each way and the entrance to the viewpoint costs 6 soles per person.
From this viewpoint you can appreciate the Sonche canyon, which is 11 kilometers long and has a surprising depth of 962 meters fruit of the erosion of the Sonche River.
5. Route to the Karajía Sarcophagi
The Chachapoyas culture is also known for its curious funerary art. A good example is the Karajía sarcophagi, the last of the best excursions from Chachapoyas. Each of the sarcophagi, two meters tall, were built with small stones, joined together with mud and decorated with layers of red ocher and white paint.
The main problem with visiting these Sarcophagi is that They are located on top of a cliff which cannot be climbed so they must be seen from a distance, taking a little of the charm away from these curious sarcophagi. It is recommended to bring binoculars to be able to appreciate the details of the paintings.
To get here from Chachapoyas you have to take the bus that goes to Cruzpata on a journey that lasts about two hours. Then the walking route of about 30 minutes to the sarcophagi begins. Entrance to the Karajía Archaeological Zone has a cost of S/ 5 per person.
We hope that our list of the best excursions from Chachapoyas has been useful to you in organizing your trip. To continue preparing your adventure you can read another of our guides to travel to Peru for free or see our featured stories Instagram.
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