Gocta Waterfalls & Kuelap: The Chachapoyas Experience

Upon arrival in the Jaén Airport, take a private transfer to Chachapoyas. Here you land in the Amazon, just twenty minutes from the busy city of Jaén. Continue on a scenic drive as you descend to the Marañon River and a major Amazon tributary. Cross past an arid region before entering the Utcubamba Canyon where you will stop for lunch in Bagua Grande.

Then, finally ascend to the village of Cocachimba via the picturesque Utcubamba Canyon. In the early evening, arrive at the Gocta Andes Lodge where every room offers a spectacular view of the Gocta Waterfall, some of the world's highest waterfalls. Experience the tranquility and serenity.

In the morning, begin your trek to the incredible Gocta Waterfalls. These falls were first measured in 2006 and are now amongst some of the highest waterfalls in the world reaching 771 meters. The hike follows the side of the valley, passing by sugar cane fields and continuing into the forest teeming with wildlife including, yellow-tailed wooly monkeys, mountain sloths, and the magnificent ***-of-the-rock bird. With over 80 species of birds in the Chachapoyas region, hikers can enjoy fantastic bird watching along the way. This area is untouched by mass numbers of tourists, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the local nature and culture. Finally, arrive at the base of the falls; those brave enough may want to take a refreshing dip in the pool. If you are not comfortable hiking, you can travel to the falls by horse. After some time, return to the village for a second night in Gocta Andes Lodge.

After breakfast, drive to Utcubamba and cross into the neighboring Province of Luya. From the village of Luya, continue to the village of Cruz Pata, where a short 45-minute walk takes you to Karajia. In Karajia you will find striking sarcophagi, sculptured like humans, that have become an icon of the area. For 750 years the statues looked towards the rising sun and undoubtedly mark the resting place for some elite members of the Chachapoya warriors. Snap a few photos of the sarcophagi before continuing to the city of Chachapoyas for lunch. Continue north to the small village of Huancas, famous for its pottery made by local women. Close to the Huancas is a stunning lookout across the 1000m deep Sonche Canyon. Explore the area and return to Chachapoyas for the night.

Today, drive to Yerbabuena and get ready for a short hike climbing a gradual hill (2 hours) for a close-up view of a spectacularly colorful cliff tomb. This photographic site rests atop a yellow cliffside with small tombs that look like mini houses with red pictographs dating back to 1200 AD. Learn about the indigenous people that used to inhabit this region before continuing to Leymebamba. Finish today with a visit to the stunning museum in Leymebamba that houses 219 mummies that were found in 1997 at a nearby lake. Drop-off at your hotel in Leymebamba or return to Chachapoyas.

Today take a 1-hour drive heading to the village of Nuevo Tingo and board a bus that will get you to the Kuelap Cable Car. The cable car takes guests across a ravine to the ticket office a short distance below Kuelap. The towering walls and hundreds of roundhouses capped by the cloud forest at 3,000 meters (9,900 feet) above sea level always amaze first-time visitors. Explore the many ceremonial constructions and brilliant layouts as a group with plenty of opportunities to wander on your own. In the late afternoon return to Chachapoyas.

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Jaén Airport in time for your flight to Lima or to your next travel destination in South America. Seamlessly combine a trip to Machu Picchu and Cusco from Lima.