Lake of the Condors and Kuelap

If you like adventure, get ready for a thought-provoking journey that is physically demanding but mentally purifying. To acclimatize you will first decide whether visiting the striking Karajia sarcophagi or the huge Gocta waterfalls. Next day you will explore the impressive fortress of Kuelap. Finally you will visit Lake of the Condors which is not just a natural masterpiece, but also represents a sacred place for one of the most mysterious and impressive cultures of ancient Perú. In front of the lake, an almost vertical hillside was chosen by the Chachapoyas to preserve their dead officials. Six mausoleums rise under a natural water cloak decorated with cave paintings and red walls. Here less than a decade ago, more than 150 burial mounds were found. These archaeological sites were located strategically in this inaccessible place to ensure the eternal rest of the top leaders.

Discover the mysteries of Kuelap fortress
Purify your body and mind through a 45 kilometer trek to the Lake of the Condors
Dare to explore the Chachapoyas Chulpas “Tombs” embedded in high steep cliffs
Feel the power of Gocta Waterfall, third highest in the world
Admire the striking Karajia sarcophagi

Day 1 – Lima / Chiclayo / Chachapoyas

We will meet you at your hotel in Lima and drive to the airport to take your flight to the city of Chiclayo.
Once in Chiclayo we will drive along the Panamerican Highway for 30minutes to Tucume. Tucume is an extensive site of adobe (mud brick) pyramids built by the Lambayeque Culture. Then we will drive to Ferrenafe a town surrounded by irrigated sugar cane fields and home of the Sican Museum. The museum houses many gold and ceramic artifacts found at the adobe pyramids of Batan Grande. Return to Chiclayo to eat lunch and visit the witches market. Later you will visit Lambayeque and the Royal Tombs museum, now home for thousands of precious gold, silver and copper artifacts recovered from tombs at Sipan. In the afternoon you will take a night bus to Chachapoyas (dinner served aboard).
Meals: dinner

Day 2 – Funerary site of Karajia or Gocta Waterfalls

Today you can decide whether to visit the striking and impressive Karajia sarcophagi or the Gocta Waterfalls which are the third largest waterfall on earth. The funerary site of Karajia is unique in the world as a burial system located in a large cliff with difficult access. These striking sarcophagi, sculptured like humans have become an icon of the area. For 750 years they have looked towards the rising sun and undoubtedly are the resting place for some elite members of Chachapoya warriors. On the other hand you can decide to go on an adventure trek to the third highest waterfall in the world. Along this short trekking route you will be able to see cane fields, the typicall sugar mill and admire the flora and fauna of this area. Overnight in Chachapoyas.
Meals: lunch

Day 3 – Kuelap Fortress

We will drive early in the morning to the mysterious Kuelap fortress, the largest ancient stone structure in South America. Kuelap will surprise you with its stunning architecture and its circular rooms. Our guide will explain you about the Chachapoyas culture and myths about this fortress located on top of a mountain over 3,000 m.a.s.l. Later we return to our private transport and drive further south to the village of Leymebamba, where we spend the night at Hostal La Casona. Leymebamba marks the setting- off point for the grueling route to Lake of the Condors.
Meals: lunch