Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

Interesting Facts About Chachapoyas

Interesting Facts About Chachapoyas

3MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-11-03

Chachapoyas, the city at the edge of the Peruvian Amazon, is not the most visited place in Peru and is somewhat off the tourist trail in the country. The city is visited for its historic center with its pretty square Plaza de Armas and cobbled stone streets. Still, due to the difficulty in reaching Chachapoyas, it remains somewhat untouched. However, we hope these exciting facts about Chachapoyas will make you think differently about this city and the region.

 

The northern highlands of Peru are much less traveled as tourists generally head South on their Peru tour packages to Machu Picchu and the Cusco region. However, there are spectacular archaeological sites such as Kuelap in the Chachapoyas region that are well worth a visit if you have time when you visit Peru.

Kuelap Wall

Exploring Kuelap:

Chachapoyas is the capital of the Department of Amazonas, with a population of around 50,000 people.

The town and the general area got their name from the Chachapoya civilization, which thrived hundreds of years before the Spaniards conquered the region and country.

Chachapoyas was named after the indigenous Civilization that inhabited this region before the Incas. Chachapoyas is brimmed with a fascinating history, impressive archaeological sites, and awe-inspiring natural sights. There is so much to see in Chachapoyas you could easily spend a month in the quirky town while you visit some epic destinations on your Chachapoyas tours

Chachapoyas Valley

Chachapoya, in the Quechua language, means cloud forest, and people living in the area were known as The cloud warriors.

Chachapoyas is home to the Kuelap fortress, the "Machu Picchu of The North". Kuelap ruins are a walled settlement high in the mountains and date back to the 6th century AD. Kuelap is nowadays considered one of the masterpieces built by Chachapoyas culture in the whole region. You can take the Kuelap cable car over the site for even more panoramic and impressive views.

 

Of the many Chachapoyas tours, the Kuelap Peru tour is one of the most fascinating due to its historical importance. Kuelap really is an unmissable site if you are interested in local history and pre-Inca history and culture.

Kuelap Ruins

A Journey to the Gocta Waterfall and the Ancient Sarcophagi of Karajia:

Chachapoyas is also the home of The Gocta Waterfall. Standing at 771 meters, Gocta Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in the world, and nowadays, it is one of the main reasons to visit the region of Amazonas. Divided into two falls, Gocta is surrounded by lush vegetation, and accessing it after a walk of more than 6 kilometers, allows you to appreciate a spectacular natural environment where various species of flowers and trees stand out.

Karajia Archaeological site, located in the Utcubamba valley, contains a series of eight cliffside mummies from the Chachapoyas culture. The mummies are housed within sarcophagi made of clay, straw, and gravel spread over a wooden coffin. They have been sculpted and painted to resemble human figures, which residents refer to as the “ancient wise men.”

 

The Karajia Burial Site dates back to the age of the Chachapoyas civilization. Anthropologists have discovered mummified bodies inside, some of which are very well conserved. The Sarcophagi of Karajia Will leave you in awe and the route to get to them is about as spectacular as it gets. Visit on your Kuelap Peru tours.

Karajia Burial Site

Quiocta Caverns and the Ancient Chachapoya Civilisation:

Quiocta is a series of six connected caverns that lead deep inside the mountains to reveal breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. There are also many human bones still found at the site. It’s unknown why these bones have been placed inside the cave, so they remain a mystery, just like many other things in this region.

Eight defined ethnic groups formed the Chachapoya Civilisation: Pomacochas, Chillao, Coribamba, Chachapoyas, Sesuya, Pacllas, Cajamarquilla Yungas, and the Chilchos.

 

Utcubamba or in Quechua Utkhupampa (cotton plain in English), is one of seven provinces of the Amazonas Region, Peru. The region is most famous for the Utcubamba Canyon where the valley becomes notably closer. The area is fragrant and the orchids are abundant. Picturesque cascades on rocky vertical walls that the river has created, make for a spectacular sight! Visit on Chachapoyas Tours.

Utcubamba

Poverty and introduced diseases like smallpox, measles, and Diptheria saw the Chachapoya people’s 300,000-strong population slashed by 90% within 200 years of first contact with the Spanish.

Founded on September 5, 1538, Chachapoyas maintains its colonial style that can be seen in its narrow streets and houses with prominent patios and gardens, high roofed ceilings, and beautiful balconies.

 
The quirky town of Chachapoyas is the perfect place to base yourself to explore the area. Being in Chachapoyas Will make you feel like Indiana Jones. From here you can explore jungles, see ancient artifacts visit ruins, and stroll through old mausoleums. It is one of the best destinations in all of Peru and without the crowds! Visit on your Peru tour packages.

Chachapoyas Plaza de Armas

If these exciting facts have to whet your appetite to visit the area, shrouded in mystery, book your tour to magnificent Chachapoyas with Valencia Travel here and learn more about this remarkable ancient civilization!

 

SHARE THIS POST