Chachapoyas Trek

On this journey for explorers, we trek into the fascinating world of the Chachapoya—the Cloud People—creators of a little-known civilization that once held sway over a wide swath of the northern Andes of Peru. Our journey combines archaeology, mountain adventure, and a challenging trek that links the tombs and ruins of this intriguing ancient culture. The Chachapoya warrior-shaman culture reigned from 800 AD until their conquest by the Incas in 1470. Today Chachapoyas is a mystical region of lush cloud forests and a treasury of ruined citadels, ancient mummies, and mysterious cliff tombs. Travelers are a rarity here—we’re not likely to see another group on our trek—and we enjoy a sense of true exploration as we hike stone-paved Inca trails to mist-shrouded ruins.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Lima / Chiclayo / Royal Tomb of Sipan

We fly to the coastal city of Chiclayo to see the treasures of the incredible Lord of Sipan tomb, the richest unlooted tomb ever excavated in the Western Hemisphere.

Days 4-8
Chachapoyas / Karajia / Kuelap

In the remote Chachapoyas region high in the Andes, we explore and hike among the dramatic sarcophagi of the Chachapoya, including Karajia, a spectacular funerary site in a cliff wall. One of our hikes follows a paved Inca trail above the Utcubamba River valley, with stunning views of the pre-Inca walled citadel of Kuelap. Another day’s hike brings us up to the cliff mausoleums of Revash, tucked into ledges of limestone cliffs and colorful with their red pictographs. Overnights are in simple lodges.

Days 9-15
Leymebamba / Chachapoyas Trek

On our trek among the cliff tombs of the Chachapoya, we hike across high valleys and below massive cliff walls, at times following stone-paved Inca trails that ascend to remote ruins. The amazing chullpas (cliff tombs) of the Chachapoya are sometimes located 500 feet up the face of sheer rock walls, leaving us to ponder how the Chachapoya scaled these heights to first build the tombs and then worship their mummified ancestors. Among the sites we explore are the extensive ruins of Papamarca (11,580') and magnificent Vira Vira (13,173'), high above Lake Huayabamba. Vira Vira was lifted from obscurity by explorer Keith Muscutt in his book Warriors of the Clouds. Overnights are in camp, with Wilderness Travel’s full-service camping amenities.

Days 16-18
Cajamarca

Driving through beautiful farmlands, we head to the colonial city of Cajamarca. Our restful hotel is a spa with hot baths, a steam room, and lovely grounds. Depart via Lima on Day 18.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated 5, Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. Our challenging trek involves hiking from five to eight hours a day at altitudes between 9,000 and 12,000 feet, with several pass crossings (maximum elevation is a 12,962-foot pass). The group usually spreads out along the trail during the day, and for the most part, you can hike at your own speed. However, trail conditions can be muddy and primitive, and there is very little level walking. We often have 2,000 to 3,000 feet of elevation gain and loss per day. We recommend that you make a special effort to get in top shape for the trek.

A winning feature of the Chachapoyas area is that it is a relatively unexplored area of Peru, with tomb and ruin sites dotting the mountainsides. We will enjoy the feeling of being among the first to see and explore the area. It is slowly developing as a new “Peru destination” so this may not last for long. Our journey will appeal to experienced mountain hikers who want to avoid the crowds of the Cusco region. One reason why Chachapoyas is so untraveled is its access: only by road, with a one-day drive to get in and out of the region. All roads in the area are pretty rough and appeal to the sense of adventure. We have tried as much as possible to intersperse driving with hiking.

This trip is rich in cultural history (Moche, Sican, Chachapoya, Incan and Spanish-conquest cultures), and archaeological and anthropological history (ruins, cliff-tombs, sarcophagi, and mummies), and the lovely scenery of a remote trek route where we will likely not see other trekkers.

A Note on Accommodations: Our hotel accommodation get more rustic as we move toward the trekking portion of the trip. We first stay in the comfortable and quaint La Casa Vieja in Chachapoyas, then a hacienda in the country (El Chillo). Our last pre-trek accommodation is a simple, yet clean, family-run operation in a remote village. After the trek we have two nights in a nice hotel in Cajamarca.

Explanation of Trip Levels