Why Luxury Travelers Should Explore Chachapoyas In Northern Peru
Have you heard of Chachapoyas in Peru?
Located within Peru’s lesser-visited north, this fascinating city tastefully blends pre-Inca history and ancient customs along with beautiful Spanish plazas and architecture. Luxury travelers in particular can enjoy a comfortable stay within the heart of the historic center, while enjoying private tours to see some of the region's very best sights - which includes ancient cliffside burial coffins, mountain fortresses and giant waterfalls.
In this definitive article we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Peruvian city of Chachapoyas, as well as the surrounding region. This includes why it’s worth visiting, as well as the very best things for luxury tourists to see and do here. We’ll also answer anything else you need to know in our frequently asked questions section.
Why Chachapoyas Is Worth Visiting During A Trip Through Peru
Similar to the diverse amount of things to do within the ancient city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Chachapoyas offers luxury tourists incredible ruins, exploration and comfort - however in a much less touristy fashion. Here we can wander along beautifully-carved colonial streets and quaint plazas, watch unique Andean life as locals go about their day-to-day routines, and also see how this humble northern city thrives while maintaining its pre-Inca roots.
Speaking of history, Chachapoyas is the perfect place for history buffs to come and enjoy - which was once home to the ancient Chachapoya culture which pre-dated the Inca roughly 2000 years ago. There are many incredible sites to visit that were built by this culture, such as the formidable fortress of Kuélap, as well as the sarcophagi of Karajía in the nearby remote mountains. Travelers can also enjoy some truly spectacular scenery too in the surrounding regions, such as Gocta Waterfalls, which, at a total height of 771m / 2530ft, is one of the tallest waterfalls on earth.
The Very Best Things To Do In Chachapoyas For Luxury Tourists
Thinking of visiting Chachapoyas during your Peru vacation? Read on to find out the best ways to enjoy this vibrant city and region - while maintaining luxury and comfort along the way.
Explore The Ancient Kuélap Fortress
Arguably one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Peru, Kuélap was built around the 6th century by the Chachapoya culture - whose massive walls resisted Inca attacks for roughly a decade. Here luxury travelers can enjoy a scenic cable-car journey to reach the remote site, before exploring its enormous stone walls, circular structures and ancient ceremonial areas with an expert private guide. From its elevated position, visitors can also admire spectacular views across the surrounding green mountains and deep cloud forest valleys.
Discover The Spectacular Gocta Waterfall
Towering 771m above the surrounding cloud forest, Gocta is one of Peru’s tallest and most spectacular waterfalls. Here luxury tourists can enjoy a guided hike through lush vegetation filled with endless orchids, as well as exotic bird species. Guests can stay in beautiful boutique hotels overlooking the waterfalls which include everything from infinity pools to on-site gourmet restaurants - while also looking out for the famous Cock-of-the-rock bird that can be spotted in the late afternoons.
Stroll Through The Charming Historic Center Of Chachapoyas
Famous for its beautiful colonial architecture and charming streets lined with wooden balconies, Chachapoyas’ historic center is a must-visit for tourists. The Jirón Amazonas and Plazuela de la Independencia are perfect for a late morning wander, where guests can stay in boutique hotels around the Plaza de Armas. Chachapoyas is also home to a truly unique gastronomy - where we can enjoy Amazonian cuisine in restaurants like El Batán Del Tayta, as well as restaurants that are housed in beautifully restored colonial mansions.
Visit The Mysterious Sarcophagi Of Karajía
Hidden within the dramatic cliffs within the deeper Amazonas region, the Sarcophagi of Karajía are some of Peru’s most unique archaeological treasures. Several human-shaped burial structures are located on steep ridges of a valley, which the Chachapoyas built in order to house the remains of important individuals. Luxury travelers can enjoy a private tour to these cliffside tombs with hotel pick-up and drop-off, where we can also enjoy strolls through picturesque Andean villages along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chachapoyas
Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about Chachapoyas, as well as anything else important that you need to know.
What Is The Elevation Of Chachapoyas Peru?
The average elevation of Chachapoyas city lies at around 2234m / 7329ft, which is most similar to the altitude of Arequipa in Peru’s south. This means altitude sickness symptoms are less likely compared with Cusco or other higher-lying Andean destinations, so tourists can visit with little concerns or physical preparation needed before or during their visit. However it’s worth knowing that certain destinations within the surrounding region can be higher in elevation, so it’s important to walk slowly and stay well hydrated during visits - as well as spending your first two days acclimating in the city beforehand.
What Was The Chachapoyas Culture?
The Chachapoyas culture was formed roughly around 500 CE by several regional communities. Known as the “Sky Warriors”, they thrived between 800-1470 CE up within the cloud forests and Andes of northern Peru, and most famously built Kuélap Ruins - one of the most formidable structures in ancient Peru - that managed to resist sieges from the Inca for several years.
How Tall Were The Chachapoya People?
Researchers who have examined skeletal remains of the Chachapoya culture have found that the average height of its residents were roughly 5ft tall. While this made them taller than other pre-Inca civilizations around the Andes, it was still quite a relatively modest height. It’s often confused that the Chachapoya were giants because of the giant sarcophagi which can be found in the region - such as those of Karajía which stand up to 2.5m tall.
Overview Of Chachapoyas In Northern Peru
And that’s all for this guide on Chachapoyas, one of Peru’s most fascinating northern cities.
Once home to pre-Inca cultures that date back several thousand years, immense waterfalls that are amongst the tallest on earth, as well as a region full of pretty colonial Spanish architecture - Chachapoyas is a refreshing visit for tourists who want to escape the tourist crowds of southern Peru. Luxury guests in particular can take full advantage by staying in centrally-located boutique hotels, hiring private English-speaking guides, as well as spending at least three days here to see the very best highlights of the region.
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