Peru · Archaeology

4-Day Chachapoyas History and Nature: Kuelap and Gocta Private Tour

4 Days Round trip from Chachapoyas Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the impressive archaeological site of Kuélap
  • 02 See the spectacular Gocta Waterfall in cloud forest scenery
  • 03 Enjoy a private 4-day history and nature experience in Chachapoyas
  • 04 Travel by cable car on the way to Kuélap
  • 05 Spot diverse flora and fauna along the route to Gocta
  • 06 Includes 3 nights of accommodation with daily breakfast
  • 07 Traditional lunch included on the Gocta and Kuélap excursion days

Discover two of northern Peru’s standout treasures on this 4-day private journey through Chachapoyas. Explore the monumental fortress of Kuélap, one of the country’s most remarkable archaeological sites, and experience the dramatic beauty of Gocta Waterfall, set within lush cloud forest landscapes.

Along the way, enjoy scenic transfers, traditional local lunch stops, and time to take in the region’s rich mix of history, nature, flora, and fauna. With accommodation included and guided visits in English or Spanish, this itinerary offers a rewarding introduction to the culture and landscapes of Chachapoyas.

Gocta Waterfall, locally known as "La Chorrera", is 771 meters high and it is considered among the highest waterfalls in the world.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City Chachapoyas
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Welcome to Chachapoyas

Arrival and transfer to the Chachapoyas City. Lodging.

2
Day 02

Gocta Waterfall

We will be headed to the town of San Pablo de Valera, located 26 miles from the city of Chachapoyas. From there, we will begin our journey towards Gocta waterfall (an hour and a half on horseback plus one hour walk). Along the way, we will enjoy the great diversity of flora and fauna, and a splendid view of the waterfall. Gocta Waterfall, locally known as "La Chorrera", is 771 meters high and it is considered among the highest waterfalls in the world. It is the perfect habitat for toucans, monkeys, mountain lions and Andean cocks-of-the-rock. It is located in a large cloud- covered forest, around which there are about twenty waterfalls. It offers a beautiful combination of geography and history, making it a magical place. We will return to San Pablo and have a traditional lunch.

3
Day 03

Kuelap, Citadel of Sachapuyos

In the morning, we will go to Kuelap, a majestic architectural site built by the Chachapoyas. On our way, we will make a brief stop for a panoramic view of the Macro Archaeological site, also known as "Macro Towers" for its characteristic design. Macro is located on the side of a hill overlooking Utcubamba river. As follows we will go to Nuevo Tingo town, where we will board the bus that will take us to the Cable Car station. Once on board the modern cable cars, a short and safe trip will take us to the starting point of the visit to Kuelap. We may climb on foot or on horseback to the "Fortress", which is built on top of the Cerro Barreta (3,000 m.a.s.l.). Kuelap is a place surrounded by beautiful landscapes; at first, it seems inaccessible since it is protected by colossal walls and cliffs on three of its four sides. It has three platforms, and inside they have circular buildings decorated with rhomboidal and zigzag friezes. Its complex interior architecture, indicates it was a well-organized population group. The surrounding landscape and the natural scenarios makes it unforgettable. We will return to Nuevo Tingo town for lunch. Then return to Chachapoyas city.

4
Day 04

Farewell day

On time, transfer to the airport.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Chachapoyas 1 city · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Chachapoyas airport / Chachapoyas / airport
  • FD Gocta Waterfall: from San Pablo de Valera with lunch
  • FD Kuelap Fortress with Cable Car & lunch
  • 3 nights of accommodation at the selected hotel category - Daily breakfast

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities

Know before you go

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants. Otherwise, your tour may not be confirmed.
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Only for arrival flight LA 2300 LIM JAE
  • Only for departure flight LA 2301 JAE LIM
  • Note: Your program is confirmed. Please provide your flight information, full legal name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality as soon as possible. Not providing your information may result in cancellation of your tour. Please present your printed voucher to the representative upon arrival. In case you have an emergency or need extra information regarding your service, you may call our 24 hours department at (ext 255 or 279).

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Chachapoyas, PE
Tour start
Chachapoyas, PE
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Chachapoyas.

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