San Juan de la Frontera de los Chachapoyas, or just Chachapoyas is a northern Peruvian city, if we compare it to Machu picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca, for example, is not that popular. Actually, Peru’s northern part is often overlooked by many. However, is an area worth visiting, due to its natural awe-inspiring attractions and archaeological sites around the city. You may spend from two to three-day trips in Chachapoyas, but believe us when we say that it won’t be enough.
Chachapoyas is the capital of the Amazonas region. Its cobblestoned streets are beautiful, and known for their history. They have impressive colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. In this town of Quechua, Incas’ ancient language means “Men of the clouds ”. Amazonas was the cradle of the Chachapoya culture, which thrived in the region for hundreds of years before being conquered by the Spaniards.
It has an impeccable Plaza de Armas and colonial houses over 400 years old. Many houses have become perfect for tourists. In 1988, it was declared a cultural heritage site of the nation.
The city has historic buildings, like colonial churches and mansions. Now, there are hotels and restaurants for tourism. The city has an enchanting atmosphere, making all visitors fall in love. We are sure you'll take lots of pictures when you're there!
The center would only be a National Cultural Heritage Site (1988) with its square. The square is even more beautiful at night. The surroundings are also great, including old churches and historic colonial-style buildings.
All these elements blend with the area's elegant white facades and red roofs. Its lit lampposts bring it to life invite you to walk, photograph, and love it. In the following lines, discover what you can expect in your visit to Chachapoyas City.
Chachapoyas has two of Peru's most magnificent tourist viewpoints. Sonche is one of them, a 1000-meter-deep canyon that serves as a viewpoint. However, Sonche is far from the city if we compare it to the Luya Urco viewpoint.
This viewpoint is just 15 minutes from the downtown. It's ideal for seeing the panorama between the Puma Urco and Malcamal hills. We can say that this lovely sightseeing has the best view of Chachapoyas city.
Luya Urco is a few meters from Chachapoyas' Plaza de Armas and another viewpoint, the "Mama Nate". Also close is the simple but magnificent chapel of Virgen de la Natividad. It offers travelers natural, historical, and religious attractions all in one spot.
The scenery is splendid from the viewpoint, but remember that your experience will change if you visit during the day or at night. You’ll realize that every moment has its own charm. A clear sky lets you see the mountains and the gray and red roofs of the houses, at sunset, the valley turns into a beautiful city of lights.
The Yanayacu Well’s name comes from the Quechua words "Yana," meaning black, and "Yacu," meaning water. This well has a fascinating history linked to the city of Chachapoyas.
There are at least two local legends about this Well. The first legend says that those who drink water from the Yanayacu Well fall in love. Do you want some of that water? This well is a key part of Chachapoyas' culture. It will connect you to the local history.
During the 16th century, Chachapoyas was part of the archbishopric of Lima. The second archbishop, Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo, twice visited the city and its surroundings. During one of these visits, it is said that when he touched the hill with his staff, water miraculously sprang forth. This happened in the Luya Urco neighborhood.
We can say that this spot serves as a viewpoint as well as it offers a panoramic view of the city as it’s in the upper part of Chachapoyas. Consider that taking water from the well is not allowed, but in the past, it took part of the city's tradition and history.
La Catedral de Chachapoyas (Chachapoyas Cathedral) also known as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Chachapoyas has a long history. The Spanish built it in 1546, this church was originally called the Iglesia Matriz San Juan Bautista, and then it became a cathedral.
Pope Benedict XV gave it the title of Basilica in 1925. This made it part of the Vatican Basilica of Saint Peter. The cathedral is in Chachapoyas' main square and, nowadays is the seat of the Diocese of Chachapoyas, serving also as a Catholic church parish.
Chachapoyas' Plaza de Armas is a central area with a bronze fountain from the colonial era. The Archbishop's headquarters stands out among the buildings around the plaza. It was previously the birthplace of Alejandro Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza Collantes, a key player in the independence fight.
Chachapoyas Historic Center is only 6 blocks away from the bus terminal, you have some options to get there:
Walking: To get to the historic center, walk six blocks from the bus terminal. You may take in the atmosphere of the city and do this on foot in around fifteen minutes.
Public transportation: Another option is to use public transportation, which stops just in front of the historic center. Request shared taxis or buses that are going to the city center.
Taxi or Mototaxi: Getting to the historic center from the bus terminal can also be accomplished via taxi or mototaxi. Before boarding the vehicle, make sure that the fare has been agreed upon.
Our Tips
Visit in Mid-Year: The best time to visit Chachapoyas is between July and September. During this period, the weather is warm, but there are occasional showers that help cool down the city. It's a good balance between warmth and refreshing rain.
Protect from the Jungle’s climate: If the weather is sunny, the sun can be quite intense. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun's rays. On cloudy days, the climate is cooler, especially in the evenings, but it's still a good idea to have a jacket handy.
However, the weather in Peru could be treacherous, so be careful with sudden weather changes wear raingear, light clothing, and a good pair of shoes
Take a Guided Tour: Since there are many places to visit, some of which are a bit far from the city center, it's convenient to book a guided tour. Viagens Machu Picchu opeartes this part of Peru and more. Why don’t you see our destinations?
For more tips in Chachpoyas, or the Amazonas region check out this post.
Rising tourist attractions are in Chachapoyas. Some of them are 30 minutes away, between Pedro Ruiz and San Bartolo Villages. Some attractions are far from the city.
However, it’s worth it to visit all of them as Chachapoyas has not only quantity to offer but it has quality in their attractions such as one of the highest waterfalls in the world, the Gocta waterfall This waterfall has been becoming one of the most exciting tourist destinations in Peru. This Peruvian Amazon attraction is located in the center of the cloud forest.
Situated atop the neighboring mountains lies Laguna de los Condores. The gorgeous three-kilometer-long lake got its name from the condors that used to fly over it. The lake is an element of the Chachapoya mausoleum archeological complex. For thousands of years, 200 mummies were kept in the mausoleums. They are currently on exhibit in the Museum of Leymebamba.
Visiting Laguna de los Cóndores is a complete adventure. The name Laguna de las Momias, or Lagoon of the Mummies, is another popular name for this lake. Walking or riding into the jungle from Leymebamba takes nine hours. Visiting the whole historic complex may take you 9 hours.
Kuelap is the most visited tourist and archaeological site in the Amazonas region. It is known as the Kuelap Fortress and is a masterpiece of ancient Peruvian architecture. This castle, with 420 circular houses fashioned of fine stone blocks and mud cement, was undoubtedly one of the most important of the period.
It includes administrative and religious buildings, ceremonial places, and even dwellings, demonstrating its cultural relevance. Its defensive structure is visible in its walls, which can reach up to 20 meters in height.
The Yumbilla waterfall is located between lush and cloud forests in the Amazonas region. It is one of the world's tallest waterfalls, standing at 895.4 meters and ranking fifth overall. It is second in Peru. This place is located in Cuispes, a small town in Bongara province, northern Amazonas department, at an elevation of 1991 meters above sea level.
Yumbilla Falls is located approximately 70 kilometers from the Amazonas region's capital, only nine kilometers from Pedro Ruiz. Yumbilla is part of the waterfall path, which comprises Chinata, Pabellon, and Yumbilla. These waterfalls are located in areas that remain unspoiled jungles.
These are some of the few attractions you can find in the Amazonas region, discover more of them with Viagens Machu Picchu.
