Kuélap Fortress 4 day, 3 night Tour

The tour begins with a transfer from Chiclayo to Chachapoyas. Along the way, you’ll pass arid deserts and tall mountains. After crossing the Continental Divide you’ll descend to the Marañón River and then ascend through the lush Utcubamba Canyon. A box lunch is included on this day.

On the second day, you’ll drive for an hour and fifteen minutes to the town of Cocachimba. Once here, you’ll begin your hike to the Gocta Falls. With a height of 2,530 feet (771 m), these are the 14th-tallest waterfalls in the world. To reach the falls, you’ll walk along a trail for about 3 miles (5 km)—you’ll hike through dense rainforests and enjoy good views of the surrounding landscape. After about 2.5 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the falls. The falls pass over two cliffs and are absolutely incredible. After spending some time at the falls (and eating a box lunch), you’ll hike out and return to your hotel.

On the third day you’ll go to Kuélap. Set on a limestone ledge, Kuélap is an impressive stone citadel surrounded by a massive, 36-foot (11-m) wall. The whole citadel is about 2,300 feet (700 m) long and 360 feet (110 m) wide at one point. Above this are the ruins of 400 or so circular stone houses. The houses have cone-shaped, thatched roofs, and some are covered with bromeliads and cloud forest trees.

Although Kuélap was discovered before Machu Picchu, it is not nearly as well known. Recent discoveries related to Kuélap have, however, captured the attention of archeologists, international magazines, and film companies. Lunch is eaten in a local restaurant.

On the fourth and final day you’ll drive from Chachapoyas back to Chiclayo. A box lunch is provided on this day.