Anniversary of Amazonas

Anniversary of Amazonas

From Chachapoyas (its capital, located in the south of the region), to Condorcanqui (the province closest to the north), passing through Rodríguez de Mendoza, Luya, Bongará, Utcubamba, and Bagua. Every November 7, the 7 provinces of the Amazonas region come together in a single celebration: they celebrate the anniversary of the department in a big way.

With the steps of La Chumaichada and Huanca –typical dances of the area–; with the display of the Danzantes de Levanto to the sound of the Carnival of Chachapoyas, the creation of this area, dating back to 1832, is celebrated with pure music and dance. However, the activities related to dance are not the only ones that take place during this time.

The authorities, together with some citizen associations and private companies, carry out a series of recreational activities during this day. In addition to the aforementioned dance exhibitions, they usually organize sports championships of futsal and soccer for men, and futsal and volleyball for women. They even organize contests of oratory, singing, and poetry so that people of all ages can demonstrate their talent and good public performance.

Tourists on their way to the Archaeological Complex of Kuélap. Credit: PromPeru.

Visit Amazonas

No matter when you go, you cannot leave the region without thoroughly exploring its territory. During its anniversary, tourists are usually encouraged to better understand its different attractions, which combine ancient history –its ancestors carry pre-Inka, Inka, and colonial history– with stunning natural spaces to be appreciated attentively.

For example, you can take an excursion to the heart of the Amazon, where virgin spaces surround the Gocta Waterfall, located in the province of Bongará. Its 717 meters in height will leave you amazed as much as the journey to witness this beautiful waterfall, as it is an adventurous challenge to reach it: the route can be done in different sections, where you combine hiking with horseback riding.

You also have the Archaeological Complex of Kuélap at your disposal, an imposing fortress of the Chachapoyas culture, where you can stroll and witness the remains that are still preserved. Nowadays, they are easily accessible, as a cable car has been installed to reach the highest point of the mountain where it is located.

If you want to continue connecting with the past, you can do so by visiting two attractions that are gaining popularity over the years: the Sarcophagi of Karajía and the Mausoleums of Revash. The first is a set of coffins belonging to the Chachapoyas culture, which measure more than 2.50 meters high. These are located in a cave with very difficult access, making them an enigma for anyone who approaches their confines.

On the other hand, the Mausoleums of Revash is an ancient cemetery, also of the Chachapoyas culture, located in the district of Santo Tomás. This necropolis is located in a ravine and gives the feeling of being a city, due to the appearance of the stone structures: they look like houses, with windows and roofs.

Credit: PromPerú