The Chachapoyas culture built the Chipuric Archaeological Complex. It is also known as the Mausoleum of Luya. They built it as a burial complex between 900 and 1450 AD. This place is in Luya, in the Amazonas department, in the district of Luya Viejo.
The Luya Mausoleum is an example of the Chipuric architectural style. Structures made for this purpose are known for the use of funerary figures. A better-known illustration of this is the "Karajia Sarcophagi". Researchers have found masks inside these structures., located in hard-to-reach areas like ravines.
This archaeological complex, along with Revash, features a special display of the two distinct funerary architectural styles of the Chachapoyas culture: those with statues surrounding the body and others resembling "chullpas" (Sarcophagus), or rectangular houses with two or three stories and sealed niches housing the mummies.
The Chachapoyas wanted to keep the guarded remains from deteriorating. They may have placed the mausoleum amidst the ravines as a result of this. The dead body needed to be preserved. People believed destroying it would cause the mummified human to die.
The Chachapoya believed in an afterlife, no doubt why they carefully kept their dead in good condition. We can understand that because of their beliefs, these graves were placed in complicated to-reach spots.
What to Do in Chipuric?
Learn All About the Karajia Sarcophagi: While exploring the place, you'll surely want to know more about them. How were they placed at that place? What are they made of? What do their decorations mean? You can't go home without all your questions being answered.
Capture Memories: You'll see lovely landscapes from the walk to the Karajía cliff. They are perfect for taking and bringing back photos.
Explore Quiocta Caverns: Although this cavern is far from the sarcophagi, it's a spot of interest. People often explore it because it's on the way to the enigmatic coffins from Chachapoyas. Both tourist attractions are only separated by a 23-minute car ride (10 kilometers).
Visit the museum: You’ll find it at the start of the trail to the sarcophagi. The museum has skulls, crafts, bones, and other Chachapoyas items found around the tombs. At the start of the journey to the ancient cemetery, you'll see people selling beautiful and colorful handmade souvenirs.
How Can I Get Chipuric?
Visitors have two options for getting to this archeological complex: driving eight kilometers from Luya or walking eight kilometers. Visitors should visit this place between May and October, while the weather is dry, due to the area's frequent and unexpected rains.
The “Purunmachus” Legend
The locals call the sarcophagus “Purunmachos” and are the late ancient warriors or priests. They were figures who left a mark, and today their descendants worship and honor them through rituals. The inhabitants attribute a sacred character to the Purunmachos, preserving their history and traditions.
It is often that people say that these pots, paintings, and stone houses belong to the Purunmachos who live up on the cliffs. People also believe that Purunmachus are watching over them, looking at them, just like spies. For that reason, is normal, though, for inhabitants to offer coca leaves or some other offerings.
Some legends and stories about the Purunmachus are that they "grab" those who desecrate their chulpas (tombs). Purunmachus take them to the hill and never release them again. It is also believed that purunmachus may cause rare diseases in the desecrators, leading to mysterious deaths.
People who accidentally step on a bone or an ancient pot suffer from tumors that physically disable them or develop skin disease. Naturally, some specialized healers treat diseases caused by the Purunmachos.
