Four days in Chachapoyas, capital of the Amazonas region, with three nights' accommodation and two full-day excursions.
The programme takes in the Kuélap Fortress, the 'Machu Picchu of the North', a citadel of the Chachapoya civilization set on a mountain at over 3,000 m and reached by a modern cable car; and the Gocta Waterfall, 771 m tall, after a hike through lush tropical forest that is home to the marvellous spatuletail hummingbird. It is offered across three accommodation categories.
Highlights
The Kuélap Fortress, the 'Machu Picchu of the North', with stone walls up to 20 metres high
The modern cable car from Nuevo Tingo to the foot of the fortress
Kuélap's more than 400 circular structures amid cloud forest
The Gocta Waterfall, 771 metres tall, one of the world's highest
The hike to Gocta from Cocachimba, with sightings of the spatuletail hummingbird
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Lima – Chachapoyas
Arrival at the airport. Assistance and transfer to the hotel in Chachapoyas. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight in Chachapoyas. Meals: none.
Day2
Day 2: Kuélap Fortress
Full-day excursion to the majestic Kuélap Fortress, also known as the 'Machu Picchu of the North', set atop a mountain at over 3,000 m above sea level, surrounded by dense cloud forest and overlooking the Utcubamba valley. Early departure from the hotel in Chachapoyas, with about a 2-hour journey through Andean scenery to the cable-car station in Nuevo Tingo. Ride on the modern cable car to the foot of the mountain where the citadel stands, with its imposing stone walls up to 20 metres high and over 1,000 years old. Guided tour of its more than 400 circular structures —dwellings, temples and lookouts— and of the history of the Chachapoyas. Descend by cable car to Nuevo Tingo for lunch featuring local specialities. In the afternoon, return to Chachapoyas. Overnight in Chachapoyas. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Day3
Day 3: Gocta Waterfall
Full-day excursion to the Gocta Waterfall, in the Amazonas region, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world at 771 metres, amid lush tropical forest. Early departure from the hotel in Chachapoyas towards the village of Cocachimba, the starting point of the hike of about 5.5 km (some two and a half hours each way, depending on the group's pace), through exuberant vegetation and with the chance to spot birds such as the spatuletail hummingbird. At the base of the waterfall, time to take in its height, take photographs and cool off in the lagoon at the foot of the falls. Return to Cocachimba for lunch at a local restaurant with regional dishes. Return to Chachapoyas and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Chachapoyas. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Day4
Day 4: Chachapoyas – Lima
At the coordinated time, transfer to the airport to board the return flight to Lima. Meals: breakfast.
Suggested hotels
Villa de Paris
Standard
Chachapoyas
3-star option in Chachapoyas.
La Xalca
Superior
Chachapoyas
4-star option in Chachapoyas.
La Casona Monsante
Luxury
Chachapoyas
Luxury-category option in Chachapoyas.
Essential, Premium and Luxury categories available. Final accommodation is confirmed by date and availability.
What's included
Included: Private transfers airport / hotel / airport
Included: 3 nights' accommodation in Chachapoyas (3 breakfasts)
Included: Full day to the Kuélap Fortress (lunch included)
Included: Full day to the Gocta Waterfall (lunch included)
What's not included
Not included: National and international air tickets
Not included: National and international airport taxes
Not included: Early check-in and late check-out
Not included: Meals not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Drinks not included with lunches
Not included: Expenses not specified in the programme
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included