Cajamarca + Chachapoyas: 7 Days and 6 Nights
DESCRIPTION
The 7-Day/6-Night Cajamarca and Chachapoyas Tour invites you to discover the historical, cultural, archaeological, and natural riches of northern Peru. The adventure begins in Cajamarca, a city steeped in Andean and colonial traditions, where you’ll explore its historic center and iconic landmarks such as the Church of San Francisco, the Shrine of the Virgin of Sorrows, the Cuarto del Rescate, the Church of Belén, and the Santa Apolonia viewpoint, as well as visit Cumbemayo, famous for its rock formations, pre-Hispanic canals, and ancient ceremonial sites. The tour also takes you to Huambocancha and the Porcón Farm, where you’ll enjoy handicrafts, rural landscapes, and experiential tourism activities.
The route continues to Chachapoyas, a destination where nature, mystery, and the legacy of the Chachapoya culture converge. From Nuevo Tingo, you’ll take a cable car up to the Fortress of Kuélap, exploring this impressive archaeological complex surrounded by Andean landscapes. The journey continues with the Revash Mausoleums, the Quiocta Caves, and the Karajía Sarcophagi, before embarking on a hike to the spectacular Gocta Waterfall. This Cajamarca and Chachapoyas tour package is ideal for travelers who want to combine history, archaeology, adventure, nature, and culture in a comprehensive tour of two of the most fascinating destinations in northern Peru.
ITINERARY
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cajamarca | Colonial Route
Meet and Greet at Cajamarca Airport
Meet and greet at the airport, transfer to the hotel, check-in, and a short rest before starting the tour.
Start of the Colonial Tour
At approximately 4:00 p.m., the tour begins through the historic center of Cajamarca to explore its main cultural and religious attractions.
Plaza de Armas and Cathedral
Visit to the Plaza de Armas, one of the city’s most iconic sites, where you can admire the Cathedral and Cajamarca’s distinctive colonial architecture.
San Francisco Church and the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows
Tour of the San Francisco Church and the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows, important religious and historical sites in the city.
Room of the Rescue
Visit the historic Room of the Rescue, a site associated with the capture of the Inca Atahualpa and one of the most important places in the history of Cajamarca.
Belén Monumental Complex
Tour of the Belén Complex, a colonial architectural ensemble that preserves important religious, historical, and cultural sites.
Santa Apolonia Lookout
Visit to the Santa Apolonia Lookout to see the Inca’s Throne and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Cajamarca Valley.
Return and Overnight Stay
The tour ends at approximately 7:00 p.m. Return to the hotel, free time, and overnight stay in Cajamarca.
Day 2 – Cumbemayo – Transfer to Chachapoyas
Breakfast and departure for Cumbemayo
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Cumbemayo to explore its high-altitude landscapes, stone forests, and pre-Hispanic ruins.
Bellavista Lookout
Stop at the Bellavista Lookout to take in the Andean landscape and enjoy panoramic views perfect for photos.
Layzón Pre-Inca Temple
Visit the Layzón archaeological complex, an ancient ceremonial site where you’ll learn about some of the traditions and rituals of pre-Hispanic cultures.
Sanctuary and Ceremonial Altars
Tour of the rock formations and ceremonial sites at Cumbemayo, associated with ancient water-related practices.
Sacrifice Stone
Visit this iconic rock formation, accompanied by an explanation of its possible ceremonial and cultural significance.
Cumbemayo Canal
Guided hike along the famous Cumbemayo Canal, a major pre-Hispanic hydraulic structure carved into the rock.
Return to Cajamarca and Check-out
Return to Cajamarca to pick up your luggage and check out. Free time for lunch, rest, or shopping.
Overnight Transfer to Chachapoyas
Departure by tour bus to Chachapoyas. The trip takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, passing through Andean and jungle foothill landscapes.
Overnight on board
Overnight stay during the night trip to Chachapoyas.
Day 3 – Cable Cars and Kuélap Fortress – City Tour
Welcome in Chachapoyas
Arrival at approximately 4:00 a.m., welcome at the terminal, and transfer to the hotel to rest and freshen up.
Breakfast at the hotel
Breakfast and preparation to begin the excursion to one of Amazonas’s main archaeological attractions.
Departure for Nuevo Tingo
Transfer from Chachapoyas to Nuevo Tingo for approximately 1 hour, enjoying the valley and rainforest edge scenery.
Nuevo Tingo Station
Arrival at the cable car station. Time to use the restrooms, rest, and enjoy the viewpoint.
Cable Cars to La Malca
Ascent by cable car for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, traveling about 4 kilometers over forests and ravines.
Hike to Kuélap
From La Malca, a guided hike of approximately 30 minutes begins, leading to the fortress.
Visit to the Kuélap Fortress
Guided tour of the fortress, located at nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, taking in its walls, entrances, ceremonial areas, and circular dwellings.
Return and Lunch
Walk back to La Malca and take the cable cars down to Nuevo Tingo. Enjoy a light lunch and some time to rest.
Return to Chachapoyas
Transfer back to Chachapoyas, arrival at the hotel, and free time to rest or explore the city center.
Overnight in Chachapoyas
Free evening and overnight stay in Chachapoyas.
Day 4 – Quiocta Cave – Karajía Sarcophagi
Breakfast at the hotel
Breakfast and preparation for the excursion to Lamud and the area’s main archaeological attractions.
Departure for Lamud
Transfer from Chachapoyas to Lamud, a journey of approximately 1 hour, passing through the rural and agricultural landscapes of Amazonas.
Entrance to the Quiocta Caves
Arrival at Quiocta and a brief orientation before entering the cave.
Exploration of Quiocta
A tour of approximately 500 meters through the cave, observing stalactites, stalagmites, and other natural formations.
Break Time
Exit the cave and enjoy some free time to rest, hydrate, and take photos before continuing.
Cruzpata and the Karajía Viewpoint
Transfer to Cruzpata to begin the hike to the Karajía Sarcophagi viewpoint.
Karajía Sarcophagi
Guided tour to explore the anthropomorphic sarcophagi of the Chachapoya culture and understand their significance within ancient funerary practices.
Return to Chachapoyas
Return to Chachapoyas, arrival at the hotel, free time, and overnight stay.
Day 5 – Revash Mausoleums – Leymebamba Museum
Breakfast and departure for San Bartolo
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a departure for San Bartolo—a journey of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes through mountainous landscapes and the jungle foothills.
Hike to the Revash Mausoleums
From San Bartolo, we’ll begin a hike of approximately 40 minutes along a nature trail until we reach the mausoleums.
Visit to the Revash Mausoleums
Tour of these funerary structures located on rocky cliffs, appreciating their designs and learning about Chachapoya burial traditions.
Transfer to Leymebamba
Return to San Bartolo and continue the journey to Leymebamba for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Lunch in Leymebamba
Enjoy a tourist-style lunch in town, followed by a short break to rest or explore shops selling handicrafts and regional products.
Leymebamba Community Museum
Visit to the museum, which houses an important collection related to the Chachapoya culture, including mummies, textiles, ceramics, quipus, and other artifacts.
Return to Chachapoyas
Return to Chachapoyas, arrival at the hotel, free time, and overnight stay.
Day 6 – Gocta Waterfall – Transfer to Cajamarca
Breakfast and departure for Cocachimba
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to Cocachimba lasting approximately 1 hour, during which you’ll enjoy the natural landscapes of Amazonas.
Hike to Gocta Falls
From Cocachimba, the hike begins—a journey of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes along nature trails, through forests, and past scenic overlooks.
Gocta Falls
Arrival at Gocta Falls, which stands 771 meters high. Time for photos, a rest, and taking in the natural surroundings.
Return to Cocachimba
Walk back along the same route, making brief stops to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the views.
Lunch in Cocachimba
A tourist lunch in Cocachimba and time to recharge before continuing the trip.
Return to Chachapoyas
Return to Chachapoyas to pick up luggage and do some quick shopping before the evening transfer.
Overland Transfer to Cajamarca
Departure from the Chachapoyas bus terminal to Cajamarca. The trip takes approximately 7 to 8 hours.
Overnight on the Bus
Overnight stay during the overnight bus ride to Cajamarca.
Day 7 – Huambocancha – Porcón Farm – Airport
Reception in Cajamarca
Arrival at the bus terminal, transfer to the hotel, time to freshen up, and a short rest.
Reception in Cajamarca
Arrival at the bus terminal, transfer to the hotel, time to freshen up, and a short rest.
Huambocancha and Stone Carvers
Transfer to Huambocancha, a town renowned for its tradition of stone carving. Visit workshops and observe the artisans at work.
Artisan Experience
We’ll learn about the process of creating stone pieces, from design to finishing, with time for photos and optional shopping.
Porcón Farm
Transfer to Porcón Farm, one of Cajamarca’s top rural and experiential tourism attractions.
Textile Workshops
Visit the artisan workshops to learn about the traditional processes of spinning, dyeing, and weaving.
Zoo and Recreational Areas
Tour of the nature areas and the zoo at Granja Porcón, where you can observe different species of wildlife.
Return to Cajamarca and Check-out
Return to Cajamarca, check out of the hotel, and a short time to pack your luggage or do some last-minute shopping.
Transfer to Cajamarca Airport
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule, final assistance, and farewell.
End of Service
Conclusion of the 7-Day, 6-Night Cajamarca + Chachapoyas Tour, following an experience that combines history, culture, nature, and archaeology in northern Peru.
INCLUDED
What’s Included?
Tourist Transportation
Airport–hotel transfers and transportation during excursions and along the Cajamarca–Chachapoyas–Cajamarca route.
Accommodations
2 nights in Cajamarca and 4 nights in Chachapoyas, at selected tourist hotels.
Meals
6 breakfasts and 4 tourist lunches during the excursions.
Admission Tickets
Admission to the attractions included in the itinerary and a cable car ticket for Kuélap.
Guide and Assistance
Professional guide in Spanish and assistance throughout the tour.
Group Service
Shared tour with other passengers, subject to availability.
NOT INCLUDED
What’s Not Included?
Tickets and Fees
Air or ground transportation tickets and unspecified taxes.
Additional meals
Lunches in Cajamarca, dinners, beverages, snacks, and meals not listed.
Personal expenses
Shopping, tips, laundry, phone calls, and other personal expenses.
Optional services
Horseback riding, additional excursions, and activities not included in the itinerary.
Additional Accommodations
Additional nights resulting from changes, delays, or the passenger’s decisions.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations
Before Your Trip
Book in advance, confirm your flight times and accommodations, and bring your ID or passport along with cash in soles.
Health, Altitude, and Weather
Stay hydrated and dress in layers, as the route includes areas with high altitude, cold temperatures, fog, and rain.
Clothing and Gear
Wear hiking shoes with good traction, a waterproof jacket, a light coat, a hat, sunscreen, and a daypack.
Hiking Backpack
Pack water, snacks, a power bank, a waterproof gear bag, and a bag for your trash.
Food and Hydration
Eat a hearty breakfast before your hikes and bring energy snacks such as nuts, energy bars, or chocolate.
Safety and Personal Care
Keep your belongings safe and carry a small first-aid kit with basic travel supplies.
Cultural and Environmental Respect
Respect archaeological sites, temples, and natural areas. Do not litter or damage structures or natural formations.
Transfers and Punctuality
Have your luggage ready in advance and be on time for pickups, excursions, and transfers.
Photography
Bring fully charged batteries and protect your cell phone or camera from rain and fog, especially during your visits to Gocta and Kuélap.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What sites will I visit on this tour?
You’ll visit the Cajamarca Colonial Route, Cumbemayo, Kuélap (via cable car), Karajía, Revash, the Leymebamba Museum, and the Gocta Waterfall.
When is the best time to take this tour?
From May through October, when weather conditions are generally best for excursions.
What kind of travelers are this tour for?
It’s ideal for those who enjoy history, archaeology, culture, and nature.
How do I get to the attractions from Chachapoyas?
The tour includes transportation from your hotel to the scheduled attractions and back.
Is the Kuélap cable car always in operation?
It operates regularly, although it may be closed on some days for maintenance. In that case, the alternative access route is used.
Does the tour include pickup and drop-off at the hotel?
Yes, the service includes pickup and drop-off according to the booked itinerary.
How challenging are the hikes?
They are of moderate difficulty, especially in Karajía, Gocta, and Kuélap. We recommend wearing appropriate footwear and staying well-hydrated.
What clothes should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, a waterproof jacket, a hat, sunscreen, and shoes with good traction.
Are Cajamarca and Chachapoyas at high altitudes?
Some attractions, such as Kuélap, are located at around 3,000 meters above sea level. It is recommended that you acclimate and stay hydrated.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, additional nights, visits, or activities can be added depending on availability.
Are admission fees included?
Yes, the package includes admission to the attractions listed in the itinerary.
Does it include a professional guide?
Yes, it includes a professional guide who speaks Spanish during the scheduled excursions.