Introduction[]
Chachapoyas is the capital of the province of the same name, and is tucked in the midst of the Northern Peruvian Andes. Its location makes it the perfect base to explore the surrounding region. Yet, the lack of a functioning airport (the airport just outside town has been closed for many years) make it much less accessible, leading to much fewer tourist arrivals considering the surrounding sights.
Location[]
In the Northern Peruvian Andes, 653 kilometres North of Lima.
Things to Do[]
- Kuélap 6°25′05″S 77°55′24″W
An ancient Chachapoyan fortress built on a ridge. Some have compared the site with Machu Picchu, but it is significantly different. - Catarata del Gocta 6°01′14″S 77°53′08″W
A spectacular two-drop waterfall that is one of the highest in the world. Its existence was only recently made known outside the local area in 2005. - Revash 6°32'57"S 77°52'12"W, Karajia and Cuichimal
Cliff-top funerary complexes and mummies.
Trekking around the surrounding countryside is also great, with ancient Inca roads and beautiful landscapes.
Weather[]
Chachapoyas is located in the jungle, with an average temperature of 18°C and relative humidity of 74%. Despite being a warm area, it belongs to the Andes and not the Amazon, and there are places where the temperature can drop to 2°C. In Chachapoyas, the climate is mild, moderate rain and moderate temperature range.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Av. High/˚C | 20.1 | 19.7 | 19.7 | 19.9 | 20.1 | 19.6 | 19.3 | 19.8 | 20.0 | 20.4 | 20.8 | 20.7 |
| Daily Mean/˚C | 20 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
| Av. Low/˚C | 9.7 | 9.9 | 10.0 | 9.9 | 9.5 | 8.6 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.7 | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.5 |
| Precipitation/mm | 86.6 | 96.2 | 121.2 | 86.8 | 43.5 | 28.2 | 18.6 | 33.5 | 48.3 | 87.8 | 86.6 | 73.9 |
Getting There & Away[]
The best way to get to Chachapoyas is via Chiclayo. The bus ride takes about 10 hours through unpaved roads. The route from Tarapoto goes through Moyobamba to Pedro Ruiz, where you connect to Chachapoyas.
The route from Cajamarca to Chachapoyas is dangerous and is not recommended.