Chachapoyas Homestay

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, we depart for the Amazonas region, passing through the city of Celendín and ascending to the Gelic Pass (3,100 meters above sea level), where we take in stunning views of the majestic Marañón Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. We then descend to the town of Balsas (900 meters above sea level) and cross the Marañón River. From there, we ascend to the Barro Negro Pass (3,600 meters above sea level) before descending again into the Atuen River Valley and arriving in Leymebamba.

Tupac Yupanqui named this area Raymipampa, which evolved into Leymebamba, as it was a place of celebration for the Inti Raymi festival.

Transfer to the hotel.

Box lunch is included. Dinner is not included.

Overnight stay in Leymebamba.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit the extraordinary Leymebamba Museum, where you'll dive into the fascinating history of the Chachapoya at the Laguna de los Cóndores through an interactive experience. Home to more mummies than any other museum in Peru, it showcases artifacts that reveal the warlike spirit of the Chachapoya and Inca cultures. The museum also highlights various techniques to prepare their dead for eternal rest, including sarcophagi, niches, and mausoleums. Additionally, you'll see an important collection of quipus from the Chachapoya-Inca period.

Lunch is not included.

In the afternoon, we head to the village of Dos de Mayo to visit Isabel at her shop and textile workshop, “La Huayaquita.” Here, you’ll hear her story and learn about the origins of the backstrap weaving technique. You'll participate in the entire process of this ancient craft, from obtaining thread and dyeing it with native plants to weaving intricate Chachapoya designs.

Dinner is not included.

Overnight stay in Leymebamba.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, we depart from Leymebamba to the community of Nuevo Huacas, where we will be welcomed by a cultural guide who will introduce us to the Ecomuseum of the Chachapoya Cultural Landscape.

A short 15-minute walk brings us to the agricultural area, where we’ll be greeted with music and dance. You’re welcome to join in! We’ll help with seasonal farming activities, learning about the various stages of crops.

Lunch will follow in the traditional style of a minga, a communal work practice passed down from the ancestors and still cherished today. The meal will be accompanied by conversations with the community elders who will share their ancestral wisdom.

We continue our journey to the Milpuj – La Heredad Private Conservation Area in the Utcubamba Valley. Here, Pedro Heredia will share the inspiring story of how this initiative began, focusing on the conservation and restoration of degraded dry forests and shrublands in the middle Utcubamba River basin.

Dinner is not included.

Overnight stay at Casa de Doña Lola in Milpuj.

Breakfast at the accommodation.

In the morning, we will walk along the interpretive trail to meet the great Higuerón, the guardian of guardians. Legend has it that wherever a Higuerón stands, it marks the sacred territory of the Duendes. The Duendes are faithful protectors of nature and sowers of medicinal plants to provide good health.

When you visit a Higuerón, the guardian of guardians, I suggest bringing a gift filled with faith. Approach it with deep respect and place your palm on its roots to release your negative experiences. The tree will bury them deep beneath the earth and, in return, bring you positive energy capable of fulfilling your wishes. The rest will be the work of the Duendes.

Lunch is not included.

Afternoon at leisure.

Dinner nis ot included.

Overnight stay at Casa de Doña Lola – Milpuj – La Heredad.

Breakfast at the accommodation.

After breakfast, we head to the boarding station for Peru's first cable car system, which takes us to Malca, the starting point of the ascent to Kuelap.

Kuelap, the most important archaeological site in northern Peru, was built by the Chachapoya culture around 800 A.D. It is renowned for its monumental stone structures that span 6 hectares atop Cerro Barreta at over 3,000 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, you can appreciate its connection to the natural surroundings of the montane or cloud forest.

Lunch is not included.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the archaeological site of Macro. From Tingo Nuevo, we’ll take a bridle path, cross the Utcubamba River at Huaro, and meet Jesús and his family, who will introduce us to their Eco Finca project. Here, you’ll enjoy learning about their daily activities and taking a scenic walk to the Macro ruins. Alternatively, part of the journey can be combined with a boat ride along the Utcubamba River before continuing on foot.

At the site, you’ll find the “Macro Towers,” named for their distinctive construction. These circular structures, part of the Chachapoya culture, feature rhomboid designs similar to those seen at Kuelap and Congona.

Dinner is not included.

Overnight stay in Cocachimba.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, we’ll head to the village of Cocachimba, situated along the Utcubamba River and the starting point for visiting the Gocta Waterfall. Along the nearly three-hour route, six viewpoints provide different perspectives of this spectacular cascade, the third-highest waterfall in the world, brought to prominence in 2006. On the trail, you’ll encounter a variety of insects, butterflies, orchids, and wildflowers. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock or the Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird.

Lunch is not included.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Spatuletail Hummingbird Sanctuary, a conservation space for native birds and plants in the Valley of the Waterfalls, Cocachimba. Here, you can observe a variety of hummingbirds, and if you wish, take a refreshing swim in a natural pool.

Dinner is not included.

Overnight stay in Cocachimba.

Breakfast at the hotel.

On the Karajía and Pucahuia Warriors tour, you’ll gain insight into the funerary customs of the Chachapoya ancestors, including their unique burials atop nearly inaccessible cliffs while learning about the worldview of ethnic groups like the Luya Chillao. After a 30-minute walk, you’ll spot the Karajía sarcophagi among rocks of various colors. These 2-meter-tall clay figures, adorned with geometric motifs, seem like they want to hide from visitors.

Lunch is included and will be served at Casa del Chocho. Before the meal, your host will explain the preparation of her seasonal dishes made with organic produce.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore the main features of the Ecomuseum and the San José Stone Mill, and marvel at the ingenuity of Don Sheshita. You’ll see a powerful sawmill, a creative thresher, a mini hydroelectric plant, a stone mill, and more—all powered by hydraulic energy.

Dinner is not included.

Overnight stay in Chachapoyas.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, we continue our journey with an experience co-created with the women potters of Huancas. Just 10 kilometers from Chachapoyas, the village of Huancas preserves the centuries-old tradition of working with clay. In the skilled hands of its women, geometric patterns—characteristic of this region for generations—are brought to life. The simplicity of their craft contrasts with the diverse and enduring creations formed from clay and fire, a testament to ancient times.

Today, the serene atmosphere of this artisan village offers the perfect setting to relax while taking in the breathtaking view of the Huanca Urco Canyon. This striking geographical feature was once part of a mule caravan route transporting rock salt from the Yurumarca mines. In 2012, Huancas was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

Lunch is included.

In the afternoon, during the city tour of Chachapoyas, you’ll walk through the city’s main streets, uncovering its rich history and charm. Highlights include the House of the Two Roses, the Monsante Mansion, the permanent exhibit of the Chachapoya Kingdom, and the Plaza of Independence, where you’ll learn about Matiaza Rimachi, a heroine of the Battle of Higos Urco. You’ll also visit the vibrant local market and sample regional produce. The day concludes with an organic coffee tasting.

Dinner is not included.

Overnight stay in Chachapoyas.

Breakfast included at the hotel, followed by transfer to the Chachapoyas airport.