In the Utcubamba valley, near the Utcubamba River, you’ll find “Las "Torres de Macro" (The Macro Towers) another Chachapoya archaeological site located in the middle of the cloud forest. However, unlike other examples difficult to access, this site is more accessible as it only requires about an hour's walk.
The site dates from 1100 to 1300 AD. Rhomboid friezes and wall sculptures embellish stone platforms and building foundations. It is estimated that 100 people lived in the complex at the height of Chachapoyas culture
The "Macro Towers," were circular houses dating back at least 800 years. People often think Chachapoya architecture was for defense, the military, and control. However, it may also have been for climate-related interests, like avoiding floods.
Like other Chachapoyas people's constructions, the Macro Towers reflect their beliefs and cosmology. They feature circular shapes, they also have rhomboid and zigzagging motifs. These represent the eyes of the puma and snakes, all of them are made from stone joined with mud mortar following the typical pattern of this culture.
Macro is in the Amazonas region in the province of Chachapoyas, in the Magdalena district. It is at an altitude of 1902 meters above sea level. This site is much more accessible.
From the city of Chachapoyas, you can reach a point about 8 kilometers before the site by transport. From there, it's just an hour's walk to reach the Macro Towers.
Macro's climate is warm and humid. Rain is possible year-round. The best time to visit is from May to October. So, plan your trip for then and make reservations.
