Chachapoyas 6D/5N, Shumba Jaén – Kuelap Fortress | Gocta
DESCRIPTION
The 6-Day / 5-Night Chachapoyas Tour is a comprehensive experience through northern Peru that combines history, archaeology, nature, and adventure. The trip begins in Jaén, a city with a warm climate known for its coffee and scenic landscapes, and continues on to Chachapoyas to discover some of the Amazon region’s main attractions. The adventure includes a visit to the impressive Fortress of Kuélap, which is accessed via cable cars from Nuevo Tingo, allowing you to enjoy spectacular Andean landscapes and a guided tour to learn about the legacy of the Chachapoyas culture.
The tour continues with an exploration of the Quiocta Caves, where you can admire stalactites and stalagmites, followed by the enigmatic Karajía Funerary Statues, the Revash Mausoleums, and the Leymebamba Museum—sites that offer insight into the history and traditions of the ancient societies of the Amazon region. Finally, the route reaches Cocachimba for a hike to the majestic Gocta Waterfall, surrounded by lush nature and high jungle landscapes. This tour package to Chachapoyas is ideal for those seeking an enriching experience combining cultural, archaeological, nature, and adventure tourism in Amazonas, Peru—accompanied by local cuisine and unforgettable landscapes.
ITINERARY
Itinerary
Day 1 – Jaén – Chachapoyas | Andean-Amazon Route
Meet and Greet at Shumba Airport – Jaén
Meet and greet at Jaén Airport, assistance, and coordination of the transfer to Chachapoyas.
Transfer from Jaén to Chachapoyas
Departure by tour bus to Chachapoyas, traveling for approximately 4 hours through the region’s Andean-Amazonian landscapes.
Arrival in Chachapoyas
Arrival in the city, transfer to the hotel, check-in, and a brief orientation on the itinerary.
Free Time
Free time to have lunch on your own, rest, or take a walk through the historic center and the Plaza de Armas.
Overnight in Chachapoyas
Free evening and overnight stay in Chachapoyas.
Day 2 – Huancas – Huanca Urco Canyon – Sonche Canyon
Departure for Huancas
Breakfast and departure for the town of Huancas, known for its pottery tradition and clay crafts.
Huanca Urco Canyon
Visit the Huanca Urco overlook to enjoy panoramic views of the Utcubamba Valley and its breathtaking landscapes.
Pottery Experience
Meet the potters of Huancas to learn about their traditional techniques and the process of making local pottery.
Sonche Canyon
Continue on to the Sonche Canyon, where you can appreciate its depth, natural formations, and the mountainous landscape of Amazonas.
Luya Urco Lookout
Return to Chachapoyas with a brief stop at the Luya Urco lookout to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Overnight Stay in Chachapoyas
Accommodations and rest.
Day 3 – Kuélap Fortress – Cable Cars – Nuevo Tingo
Departure for Nuevo Tingo
Breakfast and transfer from Chachapoyas to Nuevo Tingo, traveling through the landscapes of the Utcubamba Valley.
Kuélap Cable Cars
Ascent via cable car for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, enjoying views of mountains, forests, and ravines.
La Malca Rest Stop
Arrival at the La Malca tourist rest stop, the access point to continue on to the fortress.
Visit to Kuélap
Walk and guided tour of the Kuélap Monumental Zone, taking in its walls, circular dwellings, friezes, and main archaeological sites.
Photography and Exploration
Free time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and explore the architectural details of the complex.
Return and Lunch
Descent by cable car to Nuevo Tingo, lunch on your own, and a short rest.
Return to Chachapoyas
Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Chachapoyas.
Day 4 – Quiocta Cave – Karajía Sarcophagi
Departure for Lamud
Breakfast and transfer to Lamud—a journey of approximately one hour through rural and Andean-Amazonian landscapes.
Quiocta Cave
Entrance and a tour of approximately 500 meters through the interior of the cave, observing stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone formations.
Transfer to Cruzpata
Continue the journey to Cruzpata, enjoying the rural landscape of the province of Luya.
Karajía Sarcophagi
Short hike to the overlook to explore the iconic funerary sarcophagi of the Chachapoya culture and learn about their historical significance.
Time for photos
Time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and explore local handicrafts before heading back.
Return to Chachapoyas
Return to the city and spend the night at the hotel.
Day 5 – Gocta Waterfall – Cocachimba | Nature and Adventure
Departure for Cocachimba
Breakfast and transfer to Cocachimba—a trip of about one hour—through the lush green landscapes of the Amazonas region.
Hike to Gocta
Start the hike along natural trails surrounded by vegetation, crops, and forests, enjoying the scenery along the way.
Flora and Fauna
During the hike, we’ll be able to observe different species of birds and the vegetation characteristic of the area’s forests.
Gocta Waterfall
Arrival at Gocta Falls, with a drop of 771 meters, where we’ll have time to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
Return to Cocachimba
We’ll hike back along the same trail to Cocachimba, with time to rest and rehydrate.
Return to Chachapoyas
Transfer back to Chachapoyas and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6 – Chachapoyas – Jaén | End of the Tour
Breakfast and check-out
Breakfast at the hotel, packing, and check-out.
Transfer from Chachapoyas to Jaén
Departure by tour bus to Jaén—a journey of approximately 4 hours, once again passing through the Andean-Amazonian landscapes.
Stop along the way
A brief stop to rest, use the restroom, and do some optional shopping.
Arrival at Shumba Airport
Arrival in Jaén and transfer to Shumba Airport, with assistance with pre-boarding procedures.
End of Service
Farewell and conclusion of the 6-Day, 5-Night Chachapoyas Tour, an experience that combines nature, culture, archaeology, and adventure in the Amazon.
INCLUDED
What’s Included?
Tour Transportation
Transportation from Jaén to Chachapoyas and back, plus transportation during all scheduled tours.
Accommodations
5 nights’ hotel accommodation in Chachapoyas, based on the selected category.
Breakfasts
5 breakfasts included during the program, either continental or regional style.
Admission Tickets
Admission to the attractions included in the itinerary.
Professional Guide
Guide in Spanish and English during the excursions.
Tour Assistance
Coordination and assistance throughout the tour.
Group Service
Shared tour with other passengers, subject to availability.
NOT INCLUDED
What’s Not Included?
Tickets and Fees
Air or ground transportation tickets to Jaén and unspecified taxes.
Food and Beverages
Breakfast on Day 1, lunches, dinners, beverages, snacks, and additional purchases.
Personal expenses
Tips, shopping, laundry, phone calls, and other personal expenses.
Optional Services
Horseback riding in Gocta, additional excursions, and activities not included.
Additional Accommodations
Additional nights or services not included in the itinerary.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations
Before the Trip
Confirm your arrival and departure times in Jaén, bring your documents, and get plenty of rest before starting the tour.
Clothing and Gear
Wear layers, a waterproof jacket, a light coat, hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Daypack
Pack water, snacks, a power bank, a flashlight, and a waterproof bag to protect your belongings.
Kuélap and Cable Cars
Wear a light jacket, walk at a leisurely pace, and follow the trails and signs during your visit.
Quiocta and Karajía
Wear shoes with good traction and walk carefully in wet areas. Respect the natural formations and archaeological heritage.
Hike to Gocta
Bring water and snacks, maintain a steady pace, and consider riding a horse as an additional option if you need it.
Food and Hydration
Stay hydrated throughout the day and set aside a budget for lunch, dinner, and personal expenses.
Money and Connectivity
Bring cash in soles and small bills. In some areas, cell service may be limited, so it’s helpful to download maps in advance.
Environmental Protection
Do not litter, do not remove natural or archaeological artifacts, and respect all signs throughout the entire route.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to take the tour?
From April to October, when there is usually less rain and better conditions for hiking.
Is it necessary to book in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability at Kuélap and the other attractions.
What level of physical fitness is required?
A basic to moderate level of physical fitness is required for the hikes to Gocta, Quiocta, and Kuélap.
Can I visit Kuélap without the cable cars?
Yes. If the cable cars are unavailable, you can take the traditional trail.
What kind of weather can I expect in Chachapoyas?
The weather is variable, with cool mornings, mild afternoons, and possible rain. We recommend packing layers.
What flora and fauna can I see?
During the excursions, you can spot hummingbirds, cock-of-the-rock birds, and diverse vegetation typical of the jungle fringe.
What documents do I need?
A valid ID or passport and your booking confirmation, either printed or digital.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
Activities may be adjusted based on weather conditions, always prioritizing the safety of travelers.
Can I customize the package?
Yes, you can add additional nights, visits, or activities by prior arrangement.
Is the tour safe?
Yes, excursions are conducted with transportation and a professional guide, following established routes and safety recommendations.