Chachapoyas: Archaeology, Craftsmanship and Landscapes

Chachapoyas is known for its archaeological history, traditional craftsmanship and striking landscapes. In the Province of Chachapoyas, you can visit the Museo Leymebamba, the Laguna de los Cóndores archaeological site, the ceramic tradition of Huancas and the Cañón del Sonche. Each destination has a distinct focus: a museum collection, historic buildings, craft techniques and natural dimensions offer different insights into the region.

Archaeology and historic sites

In the District of Leymebamba in the Province of Chachapoyas, the Museo Leymebamba is part of Peru’s national museum system. It houses 2,300 archaeological objects from the Chachapoya-Inca culture. The museum is therefore a cultural highlight in its own right for travelers interested in archaeological collections.

Laguna de los Cóndores, also known as Laguna de las Momias, is recognized as a Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru and is associated with the Chachapoya culture. Its heyday was during the Late Intermediate Period, from 1100 to 1470 AD. Perched on a limestone cliff, the archaeological site comprises six intact mausoleums and the foundations of a seventh structure. The surviving mausoleums and the foundations can thus be understood as two distinct components of the archaeological site.

The center of La Jalca Grande offers a different historical perspective. On September 5, 1538, it was the founding site of San Juan de la Frontera de los Chachapoyas. The church and atrium are protected monuments; the square and neighboring buildings are protected as a monumental urban setting. Here, the history of the town’s founding meets a protected architectural ensemble. The historic center is part of the “Juan Osito” tourist route, which includes visits to the most important cultural sites. The bear dance is also performed in connection with the local legend of Juan Osito.

Ceramics and textile traditions

Pueblo Alfarero Huancas is recognized as a Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru because the community preserves traditional pottery techniques and maintains a living ceramic tradition. Visitors can observe the craft-making process and purchase original ceramic pieces. Both the production methods and the finished pieces are central to this ceramics-focused destination.

Paraíso Artesanal de Quelucas offers a different craft experience as part of the Ecomuseo Chachapoya. There, visitors can learn about the traditional production of textiles using a backstrap loom. Ceramics and weaving thus offer two different insights into craft traditions.

Canyon and river landscape

The Cañón del Sonche is located in Huancas. It stretches approximately 11.45 kilometers and reaches a depth of 962 meters. The Río Utcubamba offers a different geographical scale: its source lies in the District of Leimebamba in the Province of Chachapoyas. From there, the river flows approximately 230 kilometers from south to north before joining the Río Marañón in the Province of Bagua. The canyon is defined by its breadth and depth, while the river is defined by its source, direction and mouth.

Walking routes and time planning

The Qhapaq Ñan route from Barrio El Molino in Chachapoyas to the Yálape archaeological monumental zone involves a 10-kilometer walk and takes four hours on foot. To reach Laguna de los Cóndores, also known as Laguna de las Momias, a 41.1-kilometer walking route follows a mule track from a junction; the walk takes approximately nine hours. The two routes therefore differ considerably in distance and time required. Their starting points also differ: Barrio El Molino is specified for Yálape, while a junction is specified for the lagoon. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Discover more destinations: Chachapoyas, Bongará Province.

For the broader travel overview: Amazonas.