Chachapoyas trekking adventure (CHA)

13 days/12nights

Starts Chiclayo and ends Lima

Our remote adventure trek follows a section of the great Inca highway that connected Quito in Ecuador to Cuzco in southern Peru - the fabled Qapaq Ñan.

We trek through the heart of the Chachapoyas realm, exploring untouched mountain fortresses set amongst superb Andean scenery. These are sites rarely visited by the area's locals, never mind foreigner tourists.

Exciting, varied archeology and breathtaking Andean countryside await for those prepared to bear long, hard journeys and basic conditions.

Background

Chachapoyas is the capital of the department of Amazonas, situated in the northeast of Peru. It is a remote area of sub-tropical valleys, half way down the eastern slopes of the Andes with vegetation typical of ceja de selva (eyebrow of the jungle). The jungle is impenetrable, dense with low trees, bromeliads, bamboos, orchids and mosses.

Despite its remoteness Chachapoyas is becoming increasingly popular with travellers. They come to see the archaeological remains of Kuélap, and the other amazing remains from the prehispanic Chachapoya culture. They have somehow survived in apparently unsuitable surroundings.

Cliff top living

Amazonas was the seat of the Chachapoya culture. It later became a part of the Inca Empire under Inca Túpac Yupanqui, and was then conquered by the Spanish.

The Chachapoya culture developed in this area around AD800. There is evidence that people lived in villages of up to several hundred people, in circular houses.

Archaeologists have found tombs on inaccessible cliff tops, and ancient agricultural terraces. The Chachapoya lived in small independent groups, fighting each other for resources. They built their cities on ridges in the cloud forest, and put their dead in cliff top mausoleums together with ceramics, textiles and other objects from their culture.

We also offer a short Tajopampa trek, or a stunning trek to Vira Vira.