TRAVEL AND TOURS

CHACHAPOYAS, capital of Amazonas, is one of Peru's oldest cities and one of the few that still maintains its noble air and Spanish style. A land of coffee, orchids, sugar cane, cock fights and exquisite food, it is capable of charming anyone who visits it.

Chachapoyas is in north eastern Peru, at 2,335 mts. above sea level. Its name comes from the native word Chachapoyacuno, which means "forest of mist". Alonso De Alvarado founded the city on September 5, 1538. It was the starting point for expeditions setting out to conquer and colonize the Amazon and in colonial times it was the capital of eastern Peru.

The large colonial houses in the city, with their tiled roofs, ample patios and inimitable balconies; surrounded by gardens and orchards, provide evidence of the Spanish presence.

In the surrounding areas and nearby provinces, there are many important archeological monuments built by the Sachapuyo (or chachapoyas). This civilization's striking citadels were built on the summits of the mountains, to make maximum use of the land for cultivation. Chachapoyas is the starting point for the tour to Kuelap, an excellent example of these monumental citadels found near the village of Tingo, in Luya province.

Kuelap; like most other archaeological sites of Chachapoyas, is wrapped in an enigmatic and mysterious veil which waits to be pierced by those who visit it.

CITY ATTRACTIONS

Impressive archeological ruins, unbelievable landscapes, towns with age-old cultures, adrenaline pumping adventure sports, are but a few of the reasons that make Chachapoyas - and the department of Amazonas - an ideal place for tourism.

In the city

Chachapoyas

Also known as 'The City of Balconies', it is famous for its roman tiled roof houses, decorated with balconies in their large interior patios, surrounded by orchards and gardens.

The Plaza de Armas (Main Square), Independence Square, the churches of Santa Ana and of the Lord of Burgos (Seņor de Burgos), provide clear evidence of the Spanish heritage. Due to this fact, the Regional Government of Extremadura, Spain, provided financial aid for the construction of an Iberian style stone bridge.

Yanayacu Well built by Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo, and full with visiting loving couples, the orchid nurseries of Santa Isabel and the Grottos of Santa Lucia are just some of the attractions that no visitor should go without seeing.