Based in Cusco, Peru, Heather is an expert on travel to Peru and South America. Heather writes on tourism, trekking, and social issues in Peru for publications including BBC Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Matador Network, Thrifty Nomads, World Nomads, Frommer's, Flashpack, and more. Heather co-founded the Covid Relief Project with Henry Quintano Loaiza to assist vulnerable families in the Cusco region.
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Duration: Four days
- Max elevation: 3,500 metres
- Accommodation: Hostels, homestays and cabins
- Start/end point: Cocachimba/Kuélap
This is the best trek in the north of Peru to see both spectacular jungle and pre-Inca archeological sites. You’ll visit the petroglyphs of Pitaya, the sarcophagi of Karajia, the extensive Gran Vilaya archeological complex, the Lanche archeological site and the immense citadel of Kuélap. You’ll also see Gocta Waterfall, which is an astonishing 771 metres high, and the unique ecosystem that transitions from the high Andes to the Amazon Rainforest. You’ll hike past coffee farms and have the opportunity to try locally grown and roasted coffee.
Though most agencies run this as a four day trek, there are also three day and five day options. The distance covered each day varies and it is possible to do most of the trek on horseback. Not all agencies include the nine km return hike to Gocta waterfalls on the first day, so be sure to ask about that when you book.
It's a moderately difficult trek, as long as you are comfortable both hiking and on horseback. The third day is planned on horseback because it’s 20 kilometres, which makes for an exhausting day if you're hiking. That day also has the greatest climbs, with an ascent of 1,400 metres of elevation and a descent of 700 metres. You will carry your own picnic lunch every day.
You will stay each evening in a town that has electricity and bathrooms with plumbing. Lodging on this trek is usually quite basic and there are no fancy hotels in the area. The first night is in Huaylla Belén, usually in cabins. The second night is in Congón, where you have the opportunity for a homestay with a local family. The third night is usually in a family B&B in Choctamal, just below the Kuélap ruins. If you prefer to stay in tents, make sure to notify the agency when you book the trek.
There are a few local tour operators in the town of Chachapoyas. If you book with a tour agency in Cajamarca, Lima or an international agency, ask which local operator they partner with so you can look for reviews of their services. Ask if the cable car is included for the descent from Kuélap on the last day. You will have a muleteer for the pack horses and the horses you ride. Depending on the size of your group, your guide may have an assistant with them. There are sections on the first and fourth day when you will be in a van.
Transportation is usually included from the town of Chachapoyas to Cocachimba and from Kuélap back to Chachapoyas. There are daily flights from Lima to Cajamarca, which is 328 km from Chachapoyas. If you need to be picked up in Cajamarca be sure to mention that when you book. You can also fly to Jaen, which is 186 km from Chachapoyas, but smaller than Cajamarca with more limited flights.
At a glance
Destinations
Chachapoyas & Kuelap
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & TrekkingPhysical Level
Moderate
Duration
4 days
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