The Empire of the Chachapoya

This adventure tour is the northern counterpart to the “gringo trail” that runs through southern Peru including Machu Picchu. This diverse round trip eventually leads to the heart of the mysterious Chachapoya civilization, also known as the “cloud people”, and their former stronghold the spectacular Kuelap fortress. This fortress situated on a 3.000 meter high ridge is bigger, older and higher then Macchu Picchu and is one of the highlights of this journey. The lost empire of the Chachapoya covered at its peak, between 1200 and 600 years ago, a large area in northern Peru on the border of the rainforest and the Andes Mountains. Today the area is still littered with ruins of their characteristic tombs and carved round building structures on the steep slopes of the mountains.

Because of its isolated location in the cloud forest of the Andes Mountain range, this future touristic highlight is rarely visited by tourists. Also the touristic infrastructure is still in its early days. An adventurous tour far away from the beaten track full of authentic picture moments is guaranteed!

The journey starts in the friendly fishing village of Huanchaco, where the residents still fish in the graceful reed fishing boats, a tradition that goes back many centuries. In Huanchaco you’ll have the opportunity to get used to the Peruvian lifestyle. You can relax on the beach or take some surfing lessons. You can also have a look at the various attractions in the area, like the largest pre-Columbian mud city of Chan Chan, the former capital of the Chimu empire or the various pyramid temples of the Moche culture. In Huanchaco you will also meet the FairMail teenagers and see how they live their daily lives.

After several days in Huanchaco, you travel by public transport with the entire group from the desert to the Andes Mountains. We get settled in the valley of Utcubamba, where the Chachapoyas ruled during their power. In this area we spend more then a week to discover the remains of the sites of this tribe of warriors. Most of the sites are often still covered by vegetation like orchids, bromeliads and beard moss. The residents of this area are hardly in contact with tourists and soon you will be touched by their genuine friendliness and hospitality.

Read the full trip discription here (pdf)

Questions? Just ask us!

Interested? Book your trip here

 

Included:

- Dutch and English speaking guide (founder of FairMail)

- All overnight stays in a shared room in hostels.

- All meals, except the first, second and last day in Huanchaco

- Transport during basic program

- Entrance fees during basic program

- Bus station or Airport pickup in Huanchaco

- Lunch meeting with the FairMail teenagers before departure

- Preparation Package

- Project contribution (€ 165)

 

Not Included:

- Flight to Peru (from Europe from 850 euro)

- Transport by bus or airplane from Lima to Huanchaco (from 20 euro)

- Airport pick-up Lima (from 11 euro)

- 1 overnight stay in Lima (from 15 euro)

- Any (taxi) transport besides the basic program

- Food en drinks besides the 3 daily meals.

- Photography equipment

- Tips

- Optional tours around Huanchaco