What places you should visit on your next trip to the Peruvian Amazon?

Located between green mountains and surrounded by misty forests, Peruvian Amazon is a region that seems stopped in time. Its narrow streets, old houses and archaeological complexes suggest that this place is the cradle of a rich colonial history, but, above all, of an epic period dominated by the kingdom of the Chachapoyas. Lost fortresses and cities, mysterious lagoons, and amazing nature make it the ideal destination for adventurous spirits.

The impressive Kuélap fortress, the surprising Quiocta caverns and the imposing Gocta waterfall are just some of its treasures. Now, discover them in detail and start a journey that you will never forget.

Laguna de los Cóndores (Condors lagoon)

There are at least 18 cemeteries on the limestone cliffs that look out over the Condors lagoon, one of the most representative and important archaeological sites of the Chachapoyas culture. Covered by a foggy forest for more than half a century, this group of tombs remained hidden in a natural shelter, one hundred meters above the lake.

A few kilometers to the north, you will also find the remains of an ancient town that would have been the place where this pre-Inca civilization lived.

Traveling to this lagoon involves a demanding journey on horseback and on foot through the moor, wetlands and a dense foggy forest, making it an ideal destination for lovers of trekking and adventure.

There are at least 18 burial sites on the limestone cliffs overlooking the Laguna de los Cóndores. Credit: PromPeru.

Kuélap 

This archaeological site, located 93 km south of the city of Chachapoyas, is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in Peru. Its special location -on the top of a high mountain- offers an impressive view of the entire Utcubamba valley that captivates for its beautiful landscape.

This fortress, which exhibits until today the splendor of the Chachapoyas culture, constitutes a masterpiece of the pre-Hispanic architecture. It shelters about 500 homes with capacity for more than 3,000 people. As a curious fact, Kuélap contains three times more construction material than the pyramids of Giza, in Egypt.

Catarata de Gocta (Gocta waterfall)

Considered one of the highest waterfalls in the world, the beauty of this veil of water more than 700 meters high in the middle of the green landscape is an impressive show that must be seen. To get to this natural wonder and appreciate it in all its magnitude, you must go to Cocachimba and from there start a three-hour walk along a path that goes through cloud forests and abundant flora and fauna.

Gocta was discovered in 2002 by the German researcher Stefan Ziemendorf, who returned four years later to, with the support of local guides, study this attraction. As a result, Ziemendorf noted that there are actually 22 waterfalls all the way to Gocta. Two of them, register the following measurements: the first is 231 meters high and the second is 540, forming an impressive set of 771 meters.

Las cavernas de Quiocta (The caves of Quiocta)

Located an hour and a half from the Lamud district, visiting these caves is a must, along with a tour of the Sarcophagi of Karajía. It is a series of caves with impressive geological formations, natural pools, Inca archaeological remains and bone remains.

Figures and shadows, stalactites and stalagmites of millions of years old, captivate the visitors. Entering these caves is a journey through history and geology, as well as a tangible spectacle whose Gothic beauty is breathtaking.

Entering these caverns is a journey through history and geology. Credit: PromPeru;.

Pongo de Manseriche 

If you are an adventurous person, along the Marañón River, six great pongos (from Quechua language punku, meaning "door") are waiting for you; they are impressive geographical features in the form of narrow canyons where the course of the river is reduced to only 30 meters wide. This causes the waters to crowd making strong waves and furious swirls that defy the courage of any navigator.

Sources: Y Tú Qué Planes / Blog RedBus / Rumbos del Perú / Hola.com

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