From the magnificent Gocta Waterfall, one of the highest in the world to the majestic Kuelap, a pre-Incan settlement as awe-inspiring as Machupicchu, the Amazonas region in northern Peru is a fascinating part of the country waiting to be explored. If you are not familiar, wanted to share more about the region and what’s new there!
It’s known for its dense cloud forests, rugged Andes mountain terrain and ancient ruins. Here are highlights of the region we suggest including in a visit to the area and what’s new:
- Chachapoyas is the regional capital covered in white walls, elegant balconies and tiled roofs. It is the starting point for exploring Amazonas and enjoying its cultural food and customs embodied in Huancas pottery.
- Gocta is the home of Gota Falls. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers and adventurers. Its forests are home to the Cock-of-the-Rock, the Spatule-tailed Hummingbird and a wide variety of orchids.
- Kuelap takes you to the heart of one of the most important stone structures of pre-Inca cultures. To get there, guests ride Peru’s first cable car system for 25 minutes while enjoying views of Utcubamba River.
- Leymebamba is a destination that captivates travelers with its unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Surrounded by lush vegetation and towering mountains, the town of Leymebamba offers a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, where you can enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, birdwatching and breathtaking trekking trails. Additionally, you’ll find artisans carving unique pieces from wood and textile artisans using natural dyes to create their finest garments, showcasing their cultural heritage inherited from the Chachapoyas.
- The province of Luya is known as the Archaeological Capital of the Amazonas region, for possessing a great variety of resources and tourist attractions that rest in the beauty of the past, from mysterious caverns with whimsical rock formations, giant guardians of history that lie imposing in inaccessible spaces of rocky cliffs, sources of crystalline water, to beautiful views of zigzagging valleys that invite guests to begin this adventure, enjoying nature and culture. This destination offers one of its main festivals in honor of the Patron Saint “Señor de Gualamita,” who awaits your visit in September, to immerse yourself in spirituality and enjoy its many activities filled with customs and traditions of a people who, despite the passage of time, maintain their religious fervor alive.
- Raymi Llaqta Festival, which takes place in Chachapoya May 30 – June 8, celebrates the rich cultural identity of Amazon. This festival is a vibrant celebration that showcases the cultural richness of the Amazonas region, with traditional music, dances, parades and delegations from across the area, all coming together to honor their ancestral heritage.
- Land of Waterfalls. This interesting destination is home to three giant waterfalls in the province of Bongará. They are spectacular waterfalls, which are revealed in all their splendor during the rainy season. Getting to them is quite a challenge; the journey takes from 2 to 8 hours depending on the routes and the falls you wish to visit. As a reward for the effort, the hike takes place in the middle of forests, contemplating the abundant local flora and fauna. If you are patient, have a little luck, and visit during the early hours of dawn, you will be able to see the Cock-of-the-Rock, the Spatule-tailed Hummingbird, among other endemic species. At dusk, the night monkey often appears along the way.
