Province of Chachapoyas - South American Destination

Location:
Highlands, rim of the jungle, and
Amazonian jungle in Northern Peru
Area: 39.249 km 2 / 15.154 miles 2
Capital:
Altitude:
Chachapoyas (2334 masl / 7657 fasl)
Lowest point: 230 masl / 755 fasl (Santa Maria
de Nieva)
Highest point: 3450 masl / 11319 fasl (Chuquibamba)
Distances:
Bagua
Jumbilla
Santa Maria de
Nieva
Lamud
Mendoza
Bagua Grande
From the city of Chachapoyas to the following cities:
(Province of Bagua) 162 km (101 miles) / 3 hours and 45 minutes
(Province of Bongara) 130 km (81 miles) / 3 hours and 30 minutes
(Province of Condorcanqui) 570 km (354 miles) / 7 hours
and 30 minutes by land to Imazita and 5 hours by boat to Nieva
(Province of Luya) 29 km (18 miles) / 1 hour
(Province of Rodriguez de Mendoza) 84 km (52 miles) / 3 hours
(Province of Utcubamba) 92 km (57 miles) / 3 hours
Access Routes:
By land:
By air:
Lima-Chiclayo-Chachapoyas: 1409 km / 876 miles (21 hours by car)
Lima-Trujillo-Cajamarca-Chachapoyas: 1716 km / 1066 miles (30
hours by car)
Tarapoto-Moyobamba-Chachapoyas: 361 km / 224 miles (7 to
8 hours by car)
At the moment, there are no flights available.
Karajia Sarcophag
Mylene D'Auriol / PromPerú
Kuelap Fortress
Mylene D'Auriol / PromPerú
1 Capilla Santo Domingo
2 Capilla Virgen Asunta
3 Capilla Virgen de la Natividad
4 Casa de Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza
5 Catedral
6 Iglesia de Belén
7 Iglesia de la Buena Muerte
8 Iglesia Santa Ana
9 Iglesia Señor de Burgos
10 Pozo de Yanayacu
During the thirteenth century A.D., the people of the Chachapoya culture lived in
the region, and their most important expression is the impressive fortress of
Kuelap. Even with evidence of human settlements in the area as early as 7000
B.C., the richest and most representative legacy is that of the Chachapoya constructions.
What is predominant in their architecture is the circular buildings and
walls decorated with rhomboidal and zigzag friezes. These ancient inhabitants
had an important cult of the dead, proof of which are the mummies of the Lake
of the Condors and the Karajia sarcophagi that were found embedded in the
cliffs.
According to the legend, the Chachapoyas tenaciously opposed Inca expansion
but were finally defeated by Tupac Yupanqui.
On September 5 th , 1538, Alonso de Alvarado founded the city of San Juan de la
Frontera de los Chachapoyas (Saint John of the Chachapoyan Frontier) and from
that point on, it became a very important place in the region and an access point
to the jungle.
In the years before the independence, the Chachapoyans decided to support the
cause of freedom and halted the Royalist troops, located in Moyobamba, from
advancing to Trujillo where they were massing. The Royalists did fight the patriots
afterwards in the battle of Higos Urco (June 6, 1821), where the patriots
were victorious.
The department of Amazonas has three very different geographies: highlands
(2300 - 3450 masl / 7546 - 11319 fasl), rim of the jungle (800 - 1000 masl /
2625 - 3281 fasl), and jungle (800 masl / 2625 fasl and below). In the highlands,
you find the provinces of Chachapoyas, Luya, and part of Bongará. The provinces
of Rodriguez de Mendoza, Bagua, Utcubamba, and the other part of Bongará are
located in the steep zone of the rim of the jungle. The Province of Condorcanqui
is the only one located in the jungle, and it is made up mainly of extensive plains
and small hills.
The city of Chachapoyas has a temperate climate with rains in the summer
months (December-April). The average annual maximum temperature is 23ºC
(68ºF) and the minimum is 13ºC (51ºF).
Province of Chachapoyas
Main Square, city of Chachapoyas
It is surrounded by beautiful colonial homes with traditional
balconies. In many cases, these houses have
become hostels, restaurants, and businesses. The main
attractions are the Palacio Municipal (City Hall) and the house where Toribio
Rodriguez de Mendoza, a predecessor to independence, was born; today, it serves
as the rectory and diocese headquarters. In the square, you can appreciate the
Republican style bronze fountain..
Plazuela de la Independencia (Independence Square)
Jr. Amazonas cdra. 3 s/n.
Built to commemorate the battle of Higos Urco, where the patriots, led by Colonel
Jose Matos, fought and defeated the Spanish forces.

Pozo de Yanayacu (Yanayacu Well)
Located on the hill, Cerro Luya Urco, 1 km from the Main Square (15 minutes on foot)
The original name of the well was “Fuente Cuyana” (Cuyana Springs) and according
to tradition, single men that arrived in the city and drank its waters remained
forever, attracted by the irresistible charm of its beautiful women. Saint Toribio de
Mogrovejo came to this place and, on a rock, sculpted the figures of a miter and a
crosier, and the year.
Yalape Archeological Remains
21 km / 13 miles south of Chachapoyas (40 minutes by car)
Located at 2700 masl / 8858 fasl, this Chachapoya archeological complex dates
back to 1100 to 1300 A.D. The area is calculated to be four hectares and features
the classic circular constructions decorated with rhomboidal and zigzag friezes in
high relief.
Iglesia de Jalca
Mylene D'Auriol / PromPerú
Laguna de los Cóndores (Lake of the Condors)
93 km / 58 miles south of Chachapoyas (3 hours and 30 minutes by car) is the town of
Leymebamba. From there, it is another 45 km / 28 miles to the lake (12 hours on foot
and by mule). You will need to hire a guide.
It is also known as the Laguna de las Momias (Lake of the Mummies) since more
than 200 mummies were found embedded on the side of a cliff located on its
shores, all in good condition despite the hot and humid climate of the area. Along
with the mummies around 3000 objects belonging to the Chachapoya and Incan cultures
were found. The caves are decorated with prehistoric rock paintings
Leymebamba Site Museum
Avenida Austria, Leymebamba. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
The city of Leymebamba is 93 km / 58 miles south of Chachapoyas (3 hours and 30
minutes by car). The museum is a 10 km / 6 miles walk from the city.
This modern museum exhibits the mummies and the objects found at the Lake of
the Condors as well as textiles, ceramics, and weapons found in the area.
Province of Bagua
Numparket Waterfall
40 km / 25 miles north of Bagua (3 hours by car and another 3
hours by mule)
This beautiful waterfall of some 90 meters / 295 feet
descends into a 20 m 2 / 215 feet 2 pool..
Pongo de Rentema(Rentama Narrows)
Take the Jaen-Bagua highway to gain access, 14 km / 9 miles from Bagua (40 minutes)
The narrows runs parallel to the Bagua-Imazita highway and is 2 km / 1,2 miles
wide at its widest point. Nearby, the Marañon, Utcubamba, and Chinchipe rivers
merge together.
Province of Bongará
Niño en fortaleza de Kuélap
Mylene D'Auriol / PromPerú
Laguna de Pomacochas (Lake Pomacochas)
You arrive at the town of Pomacochas, 84 km / 52 miles north
of Chachapoyas (3 hours by car). From there, a 1 km / 0,6 miles
walk brings you to the lake (15 minutes on foot).
The mere is 2858 meters / 9377 feet long, 2440 meters /
8005 feet wide, and located at 2150 masl / 7054 fasl. It is fed by subterranean
waters, and the color is dark green at its deepest location (80 meters / 262 feet).
The surrounding flora includes totora reeds, yedra bells, and fox tails. Among the
representative animals are herons and grebes.
Chinata Waterfall
7 km / 4 miles away from the town of Pedro Ruiz Gallo, you will arrive at the District of
San Carlos (20 minutes by car). From there, a 12 km / 7 miles walk takes you to the waterfall
(2 hours).
This waterfall is approximately 580 meters / 1903 feet, and its name means
“Spring that falls from heaven”. Abundant vegetation grows all around it, typical of
the rim of the jungle, mostly orchids, ferns, and moss.
Province of Luya
Catarata y Aguas Termales de Corontachaca
(Corontachaca Waterfall and Hot Springs)
5 km / 3 miles from Pedro Ruiz Gallo (10 minutes by car)
This is an 80 meter / 262 feet waterfall. One side has formed
a small hot spring of salt and sulfuric water. Two flows of
heated water fall from the rocks at a rate of 2 liters per minute.
Fortaleza Fortress
72 km / 45 miles southeast of Chachapoyas (3 hours and 30 minutes by 4x4 vehicle)
This impressive stone fortress was built by the Chachapoya people around 800
A.D. It is located 3000 masl / 9843 fasl and is 6 hectares in surface. There are
three defensive platforms; the first is 20 meters / 66 feet high and 680 meters /
2231 feet long. Its three entrances are walled alley-ways that narrow as they climb
up to the following two platforms. Inside, there are 420 circular buildin.
Karajia Sarcophagi
48 km / 30 miles northeast of Chachapoyas (2 hours by car and another 20 minutes on
foot)
These coffins are pre-Inca tombs, some 1000 years old, implanted at the top of a
cliff. They are 2 meters / 7 feet tall, sculpted in mud, and are decorated with geometric
motives. They probably served to house the remains of the supreme tribal
leaders.
The most important dances of the department are the Chumaichada (an urban
dance), the Levanto dance, the Anchashkenken, the Trenzas, the Chuquiac, the
Carnaval de Chachapoyas dance, and the El Brazo dance.
The following list highlights some typical dishes of Amazonas:
Purtumute: Boiled beans with mote sancochado (individual grains of corn boiled
with cilantro)
Cuy con papas: Seasoned, cooked, and fried Guinea pig served with a potato stew,
toasted peanuts, chopped onions and hot peppers.
Juanes de yuca: Grated and boiled yucca mixed with rice and either chicken or
beef jerky; this mixture is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.
Cecina: Beef or pork jerky
Tamales: Mashed corn filled with beef, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed.
Humitas: Mashed corn filled with seasoned beef or cheese, wrapped in corn
shucks and steamed.
Enrollado: Roast beef, rolled and stuffed with ground pork and chicken meat,
raisins, and hard boiled egg.
Traditional drinks
Guarapo: drink made from boiled and fermented sugar cane juice.
Chuchuhuasi: cordial made from a bitter root of the same name; very popular
everywhere in eastern Peru but found only in the Province of Condorcanqui.
Licor de mora: made from cordial, blackberries, and syrup.
Licor de leche: made from cordial and whey filtered drop by drop until transparent.
Pur Pur: made from cordial, fruit and pur pur seeds. Later, syrup is added.
Chachapoyan Carnival – February – March
Province of Chachapoyas
It is a mixture of Celendinas and Chachapoyan customs. It is celebrated with the
planting of “Humishas”, large trees decorated with balloons, streamers, clothing,
and other objects. In addition, there is a float contest, a carnival queen election,
social and popular dancing, and games with water, streamers, and colors

Chachapoyas’ Tourist Week – June 1 st – 7 th
Province of Chachapoyas
Filled with recreational, social, and cultural activities, the highlight of this event is
“el Raymillacta de los Chachapoyas”, which gathers dancers from all the regional
communities to demonstrate the best of their traditional dances.
Feast of Saint Mary of the Assumption– August 7 th – 15 th
Province of Chachapoyas
The image of the Virgin is carried through the city streets of Chachapoyas, which
are covered with multicolored carpets of flowers. Many cultural activities, artisanal
and agricultural fairs, dances, typical food tasting, and Peruvian Paso horse presentations
take place.
Festival of Saint Nicolas de Tolentina and the Virgin of the
Nativity – September 7 th – 12 th
Province of Rodríguez de Mendoza
This is a festival of traditional customs in which everyone participates. Gastronomical and
agricultural fairs and recreational and tourist activities take place.
Festival of the Lord of Gualamita – September 10 th – 16 th
Province of Luya, District of Lamud
On September 13 th , the Hatun Luya is celebrated, where everyone from the surrounding areas
comes together. During this festivity, you can witness demonstrations of popular customs.
Throughout the entire festival, there is music and dances from around the deapartment.
OVERLAND TRANSPORT
Chachapoyas: There is no bus station; however, most of the businesses are located
on 3 rd and 4 th blocks of Jiron Ortiz Arrieta, 9 th block of Jiron Salamanca, 3 rd block
of Jiron Grau, and 4 th block of Jiron Libertad.
HEALTH CENTERS
Chachapoyas.
Hospital General Base Chachapoyas (Chachapoyas General Hospital)
Jiron Triunfo, block 3 Telephone: (041) 47-7016 / 47-7792. Attention: 24 hours
Higos Urco Hospital (ESSALUD – Ministry of Health)
Intersection of Jiron Ortiz Arrieta and Jiron Amazonas
Telephone: (041) 47-7052 / 47-8086. Attention: 24 hours
Bagua: Bagua Apoyo Hospital
Avenida Principal 980 Telephone: (041) 47-1159 / 47-2064. Attention: 24 hours
LOCAL POLICE
Chachapoyas: Jiron Amazonas 1220, Chachapoyas. Telephone: (041) 47-7017.
Attention: 24 hours
Bagua: Avenida Heroes del Cenepa 1700. Telephone: (041) 47-1416.
Attention: 24 hours
Bagua Grande: Avenida Chachapoyas 2318. Telephone (041) 47-4403.
Attention: 24 hours
CRAFT MARKETS
Chachapoyas:
The handicraft shops are found on the 7 th block of Jiron Ortiz Arrieta, 8 th and 9 th
blocks of Jiron Amazonas, and 7 th block of Jiron 2 de Mayo.
POSTAL SERVICES
Chachapoyas: Serpost
Jiron Ortiz Arrieta 632, Chachapoyas. Telephone: (041) 47-7019.
Attention: Mon.-Sat. 8:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M.
Bagua Grande: Jiron San Martín 350 Telephone (041) 47-4505.
Attention: Mon.-Sat. 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M..
NATIONAL TOURISM CHAMBER www.canaturperu.org
REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF AMAZONAS www.regionamazonas.gob.pe
Association of Hotels, restaurants, and Related Services – AHORA
Chachapoyas www.chachapoyasperu.com.pe
TOURIST INFORMATION
At the Tourist Information and Assistance Service, iperu, you can ask for objective
and impartial tourism information, as well as assistance in case the tourist services
you received were not provided according to the contract signed.
Contact the service nationwide, 24 hours a day:
Telephone: (01) 574-8000 Email: iperu@promperu.gob.pe
Chachapoyas: Jiron Ortiz Arrieta 588, Plaza de Armas (Main Square)
Telephone: (041) 47-7292 Attention: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Email: iperuchachapoyas@promperu.gob.pe
MORE INFORMATION: www.peru.info
Legal Deposit Number: 2005-7543
The information contained in this document is a list of attractions and services at the disposal of the traveler
in the entire department. In order to update it, PromPeru has been assisted by official information
sources like: National Institute for Natural Resources (INRENA), National Culture Institute (INC), National
Institute of Geography (IGN), National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (SENAMHI), and the Regional
Administration of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
Commission for the Promotion of Peru