What to see in Chachapoyas

Chachapoyas is the capital of the Amazon region. However it lies in the fog mountains and therefore has no tropical climate. There are a lot of things to see around Chachapoyas of with the Kuelap ruins are the most famous. Here are some recommendations.

Kuelap ruins

This is probably one of the most famous archeological complex of Peru after Machu Picchu. It’s situated in the south of Chachapoyas (1 hour ride bus is 20 Soles/6.10$ both ways). In Nuevo Tingo you can take the cable car (20 Soles/6.10$) to the entry (10 Soles/3.05$) A Guide costs around 50 Soles (15.25$) that’s why I recommend a tour of 85$ (26$) if you don’t have a group to share the guide with. Or you can also only go to the visitor center for further information and visit the sight without guide. The Tour includes a lunch in a restaurant that also serves a vegetarian and a vegan main. The menu soup is with chicken though.

The ruins of Kuelap.

The main dish of the vegetarian menu.

The Cocta Falls

This is with 771 meters the third highest waterfall of Peru. The walk to the water fall let’s you enjoy the flora and fauna of the region, such as different monkeys. A tour is 55 Soles (16.85$) and includes shuttle as well as entrance, guide and lunch. As the way to the starting point is quite difficult with public transport I recommend the tour.

The Karajía Sacrophagi

Those are made of stones, mud and straw and stand on a cliff, where their painted faces look down. They can only been seen from afar. The tour includes a visit to the Quiocta Cavern, a guide, lunch and shuttle for 85 Soles (26$).

Other things to see around Chachapoyas are: Sonche Canyon, Yálape Archeological Remains, Lagoon of the Condors, Village of the Dead, Huaylla Belén Valley, Revash Mausoleums, Yumbilla Falls, Chinata Falls, Lake Pomacochas, Leo Caverns, La Colpa Hot Springs and the Porvenir Lagoon.

I stayed in the Chacha International, a simple and small hostel with a small but useful kitchen, comfy beds and hot showers. They organize all the mentioned tours for you, but you can also book somewhere else, and have a laundry service for 5 Soles (1.55$) per kilo.

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