Tarapoto + Chachapoyas 9 Days/8 Nights | City of Orchids
DESCRIPTION
The Tarapoto + Chachapoyas 9D/8N | City of Orchids tour allows you to discover the natural, cultural, and archaeological riches of northern Peru, combining Amazonian landscapes, local traditions, and ancient remnants of pre-Hispanic cultures. The tour begins in Tarapoto, where you’ll visit Lamas, Moyobamba, the Blue Lagoon, and the Ahuashiyacu Waterfalls, enjoying the biodiversity, jungle landscapes, and customs of the local communities.
The adventure continues in Chachapoyas, where you’ll explore the Fortress of Kuélap, the Karajía Sarcophagi, the Quiocta Caves, the Revash Mausoleums, and the Leymebamba Museum, where you’ll learn about part of the legacy of the Chachapoyas culture. The trip culminates with a hike to the impressive Gocta Waterfall and a visit to Huancas and the Sonche Canyon, rounding out an ideal experience for those seeking nature, adventure, culture, and archaeology in the Peruvian Amazon.
ITINERARY
Itinerary
Day 1 | Tarapoto Airport – Lamas Nativa
Arrival in Tarapoto and transfer to the hotel
Arrival in Tarapoto, transfer to the hotel, and check-in to begin the tour of the Peruvian Amazon.
Visit to the city of Lamas (approx. 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.)
Tour of Lamas to explore its Main Square, history, and ancestral traditions.
Lamas Natural Lookout
Visit the lookout to enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Lamas Castle
Tour of Lamas Castle, renowned for its unique medieval-style architecture.
Huayco Neighborhood and Local Traditions
Visit to the Huayco neighborhood to learn about local customs and appreciate local handicrafts.
Return to Tarapoto (approx. 6:00–6:30 p.m.)
Return to Tarapoto and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 | Laguna Azul
Breakfast at the hotel
Breakfast to start the day with energy before visiting Laguna Azul.
Departure for Sauce | Blue Lagoon
Transfer to Sauce to explore the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by natural landscapes.
Punta de Gallinazo Lookout
Stop at the viewpoint to admire the Huallaga River and the Amazonian landscape.
Activities at the Blue Lagoon
Time to enjoy boat rides, kayaking, jet skiing, and horseback riding (additional cost).
Lunch in the Area
Lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional regional dishes.
Free Time to Explore
Time to take photos, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.
Return to Tarapoto
Return to Tarapoto and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 | Transfer – Moyobamba Tour
Breakfast at the hotel
Breakfast before setting out on the trip to Moyobamba, the City of Orchids.
Transfer to Moyobamba
Travel from Tarapoto to Moyobamba, enjoying the jungle and mountain scenery.
Check-in at the hotel
Arrival in Moyobamba, check-in, and settling in at the hotel.
Plaza de Armas and Orchid Garden
Visit to the Plaza de Armas and a tour of an orchid garden to discover the diversity of local orchids.
Local Coffee Tasting
Coffee tasting at a traditional local establishment.
San Mateo Hot Springs
Visit to the San Mateo hot springs to enjoy a moment of relaxation.
Return and overnight stay in Moyobamba
Return to the hotel and rest to continue the trip the next day.
Day 4 | Transfer from Moyobamba to Chachapoyas
Breakfast at the hotel
Breakfast before heading to Chachapoyas.
Transfer to Chachapoyas
Travel to Chachapoyas while enjoying the scenery of the high jungle and the mountains.
Lunch stop along the way
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch, then continue the tour.
Arrival in Chachapoyas
Arrival in Chachapoyas and a short time to explore the surrounding area.
Check-in at the hotel
Check-in and settling in at the hotel, followed by free time to rest.
Overnight stay in Chachapoyas
Rest at the hotel and prepare for the visit to Kuélap.
Day 5 | Kuélap Archaeological Site
Breakfast at the hotel
Breakfast to kick off a day of archaeological exploration.
Transfer to Nuevo Tingo
Travel from Chachapoyas to Nuevo Tingo, enjoying the Andean and jungle scenery.
Kuélap Cable Cars
Cable car ride to the archaeological complex with panoramic views of the mountains.
Guided tour of the Kuélap Monumental Zone
Explore the ancient Chachapoya citadel, its walls, circular structures, and decorative friezes.
Lunch in Nuevo Tingo
Lunch at a local restaurant to enjoy the region’s cuisine.
Return to Chachapoyas
Return to the city after the archaeological tour.
Overnight stay in Chachapoyas
Arrival at the hotel and rest.
Day 6 | Karajía Sarcophagi – Sonche Canyons
Breakfast at the hotel
Breakfast to kick off the tour of the archaeological and natural attractions.
Transfer to Luya
Travel to Luya, enjoying the landscapes of the high jungle.
Arrival in Cruzpata
Arrival in Cruzpata, the gateway to the Karajía Sarcophagi.
Visit to the Karajía Sarcophagi
Hike and guided tour to explore these ancient Chachapoya burial structures.
Lunch along the way
Lunch at a local restaurant before continuing the tour.
Sonche Canyons – Huanca Urco
Visit the Huanca Urco overlook to admire the imposing Sonche Canyon.
Experience with the Huancas Pottery Makers
Meet local artisans to learn about traditional pottery-making.
Return to Chachapoyas
Return to Chachapoyas and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7 | Revash Mausoleum – Leymebamba Museum
Breakfast at the hotel
Breakfast before beginning the cultural and archaeological tour.
Transfer to San Bartolo
Travel to San Bartolo, passing through mountainous and high-altitude jungle landscapes.
Hike to the Revash Mausoleum
A hike of approximately 40 minutes to the burial structures at Revash.
Visit to the Revash Mausoleum
Tour of the chullpas and observation of their architectural features.
Lunch along the way
Lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to Leymebamba.
Transfer to Leymebamba
Travel to Leymebamba to visit its renowned museum.
Visit to the Leymebamba Museum
Tour of the collections of mummies, pottery, quipus, and other artifacts from the Chachapoyas culture.
Return to Chachapoyas
Return to Chachapoyas and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8 | Gocta Falls
Breakfast at the hotel
Breakfast to kick off the day’s adventure to Gocta Falls.
Transfer to Cocachimba
Travel to Cocachimba, the starting point of the hike to the waterfall.
Hike to Gocta Falls
An approximately 11-km round-trip hike along trails surrounded by nature and high jungle landscapes.
Arrival at Gocta Falls
Arrival at the waterfall to admire its impressive cascade and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Free time to enjoy
Time for photos, rest, and taking in the scenery.
Lunch in the area
Lunch at a local restaurant in Cocachimba.
Return to Chachapoyas
Return to Chachapoyas after the Gocta experience.
Overnight stay in Chachapoyas
Arrival at the hotel and rest.
Day 9 | Transfer from Chachapoyas to Tarapoto Airport
Breakfast at the hotel
Early breakfast before heading to Tarapoto.
Departure for Tarapoto
Return trip to Tarapoto, enjoying the scenery of the high jungle and the Amazonian valleys.
Lunch en route
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant to sample traditional regional dishes.
Arrival in Tarapoto
Arrival in Tarapoto and free time for shopping or a brief tour of the city.
Transfer to Tarapoto Airport
Transfer to the airport to catch the return flight to Lima.
END OF SERVICE
The 9-day, 8-night tour of Tarapoto and Chachapoyas—combining nature, culture, adventure, and archaeology—comes to an end.
INCLUDED
What’s Included?
Transfers
Airport–hotel–airport transfer and transportation from Tarapoto to Chachapoyas and back to Tarapoto.
Accommodations
2 nights in Tarapoto, 1 night in Moyobamba, and 5 nights in Chachapoyas.
Breakfasts
8 breakfasts included during the program.
Admission Fees
Admission to the attractions included in the itinerary.
Tour Guide
Guide in Spanish or English during scheduled excursions.
Tour Assistance
Coordination and assistance throughout the tour.
NOT INCLUDED
What’s Not Included?
Additional Transportation
Ground or air transportation and taxes not specified.
Food and Beverages
Lunches, dinners, beverages, and food not listed in the itinerary.
Personal Expenses
Shopping, souvenirs, tips, and additional purchases.
Unscheduled excursions
Tours, activities, or accommodations not included in the itinerary.
Optional activities
Horseback riding, mud baths, zip-lining, kayaking, jet skis, and other activities at an additional cost.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations
Climate and Altitude
Pack light clothing for Tarapoto and a jacket and raincoat for Chachapoyas. Stay hydrated at higher altitudes.
Clothing and Footwear
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing, as well as sneakers or hiking boots with good traction.
Insect Protection
Bring insect repellent and wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts in jungle areas.
Hydration and Food
Bring water and enjoy the local cuisine, such as juane and tacacho con cecina.
Photography Equipment
Bring a cell phone or camera with a fully charged battery, and protect your equipment from rain and humidity.
Caring for Nature
Do not litter, and respect conservation rules at natural and cultural attractions.
Money and Additional Expenses
Bring cash in soles and set aside a budget for optional activities or services.
Health and Wellness
Bring your personal medications and hike at your own pace, especially in higher-altitude areas.
Travel Insurance
It is recommended that you have insurance that covers accidents, health issues, or other unforeseen events.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Chachapoyas, Kuélap, and Gocta?
The best time is from May to October, during the dry season, when conditions are most favorable for hiking and sightseeing.
How do I get to the Fortress of Kuélap?
The most convenient way is by cable car from Nuevo Tingo, a ride that takes about 20 minutes and offers panoramic views.
What languages do the tour guides speak?
Tours may include professional guides who speak Spanish or English, depending on the service booked.
Do the tours require a high level of physical fitness?
A basic to moderate level of physical fitness is required, as some activities involve hiking, especially at Gocta and Kuélap.
How long does the trip between Tarapoto and Chachapoyas take?
The overland trip takes approximately 5 to 7 hours, passing through jungle and mountain landscapes.
What currency is used in the region?
The official currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). It’s recommended to carry soles in cash for expenses at markets and in rural areas.
Can you visit Gocta Falls with children?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly excursion, as long as you maintain a comfortable pace and take the children’s physical condition into account.
How do I book the tours included in the package?
Tours are booked in advance through the travel agency. It’s recommended to confirm additional activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, or horseback riding beforehand, as they may incur an extra cost.