Question 1

DAY 1 - FLIGHT TO NORTHERN PERU & SCENIC DRIVE TO MILPUJ

Accepted Answer

Our trip starts with your arrival in Chachapoyas, where we will pick you up directly from the airport. From there, we begin a scenic drive toward Milpuj, passing through lush cloud forests and winding mountain roads with beautiful views of the Utcubamba River valley. If time allows, we can also visit the women potters of Huancas and enjoy a short afternoon of traditional pottery demonstration — a lovely first encounter with the culture and landscapes of northern Peru.

We’ll then continue to Milpuj, where we’ll drive to La Casa de Doña Lola, our cozy homestay for the night. It’s the perfect place to relax, slow down, and feel at home after our journey.

If there are no available flights to Chachapoyas, arrival will be via Tarapoto. In this case, the drive is longer (approximately 6–7 hours), but it is a fascinating journey, transitioning from the Amazon’s tropical warmth to the cooler Andean highlands, passing through vibrant jungle landscapes and picturesque foothills.
Either way, it’s an adventure that sets the tone for the days ahead!

Meals Included: Box Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Milpuj Homestay

Question 2

DAY 2 - WONDERING AROUND KUELAP

Accepted Answer

We will start the day by visiting Kuelap, one of the most important sites of the Chachapoyas culture. To reach the fortress, we take a scenic cable car ride that glides over deep valleys and cloud forest, offering spectacular views along the way.

Once at Kuelap, we explore this impressive stone complex, once home to around 3,000 people and made up of more than 400 structures, making it one of the largest pre-Hispanic sites in the Americas. Perched high above the valley, it is believed to have been built as a defensive settlement.

During our guided visit, we’ll learn about the history, architecture, and daily life of the Chachapoyas people, while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and dramatic landscapes that surround the site. After the visit, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, a perfect moment to relax and take in the beauty of northern Peru.

Meals Included: Box Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Milpuj Homestay

Question 3

DAY 3 - FROM MILPUJ TO HUIQUILLA FOREST AND TO LEYMEBAMBA

Accepted Answer

Start your day at Milpuj with a tasty breakfast in a warm, home-like setting. From there, we head to the Huiquilla Private Conservation Area for a walk through the forest. Huiquilla covers 1,140.54 hectares and ranges in altitude from 2,500 to 3,500 meters above sea level. This variation creates different microclimates that support a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The area has been officially recognized by the state since 2006 and also protects the surroundings of the well-known archaeological site of Kuelap
.
After our visit to Huiquilla, we continue by road towards Leymebamba . Upon arrival, we visit the Leymebamba Museum, the most important interpretation center of the Chachapoyas culture. Opened in 2000, the museum showcases both Chachapoyas and later Inca cultures, and houses more than 200 mummies and funerary offerings recovered in 1997 from the Laguna de los Cóndores. It also features a unique collection of quipus, preserved in exceptional condition, and a beautiful garden with over 100 species of orchids.

After a pleasant drive to the outskirts of Leymebamba, we arrive at our accommodation and take some time for a short briefing and to organize and pack our belongings in preparation for the challenging trek to Laguna de los Cóndores the following day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. 
Accommodation: Kentitambo - Hummingbird Inn.

Question 4

DAY 4 - TREK FROM LEYMEBAMBA TO PUEBLO VIEJO CAMPSITE

Accepted Answer

Our journey begins in the captivating community of Leymebamba, where we follow the path of an ancient pre-Hispanic road through the unique cloud forest habitat. This habitat is home to a variety of remarkable birds, such as the majestic Andean condor, vibrant Andean toucans, the splendid golden-headed quetzal, and various local tanagers.

Approaching Leymebamba, the route crosses the Atuén River, surrounded by lush shrubby vegetation and terrestrial bromeliads. Along the Atuén's course, a lush corridor of arboreal vegetation unfolds. The nearby town of Quebrada Huabayacu showcases a scenic valley with alternating flat swamps and patches of dense forest.
Despite the area's diverse ecology, it remains largely unexplored, with only a few studies, notably by Flanagan and Vellinga in 2003. A significant expedition led by the non-governmental organization Mundo Azul in July 2000 marked the first multidisciplinary scientific exploration of Laguna de los Cóndores.

Start Height: 2 250 masl / 7 380 ft. 
Max Height: 3 400 masl / 11 200  ft. 
Min Height: 2 250 masl / 7 380 ft.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Campsite at Pueblo Viejo.

Question 5

DAY  5 - TREK FROM PUEBLO VIEJO TO LAGUNA DE LOS CONDORES

Accepted Answer

Today, on our walk we have to reach 3 800 masl / 12 467 ft. a place called La Fila, from where we can see the mountain ranges of the branches of the Northeast Mountain Range. From this place we have to descend to the Gran Vilaya in the middle of mountains and canyons with exuberant vegetation. Arrival at the Laguna basic cabin (2600 masl / 11 811) which is where we overnight.

*Gran Vilaya: a complex of many achaeological remains and ruins, spread over a wide area in the Utcubamba Valley in northern Perú. Gene Savoy, an American explorer, discovered and named the complex in 1985.

Laguna de los Cóndores and the Atuén River are located on the border between the departments of Amazonas and San Martín, under the jurisdiction of the peasant community of Leymebamba, which is also the closest city. The area is dominated by montane forests. In addition, there are cultivation fields that are supposed to be a very old practice in the area, due to the presence of old platforms of the Chachapoyas culture.

Distance: 14km / 8.7 ml.
Start Height: 2 250 masl / 7 380 ft. 
Max Height: 3 800 masl / 12 467 ft.
Min Height: 2 250 masl / 7 380 ft.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Night in a basic cabin.

Question 6

DAY 6 - SIGHTSEEING AROUND LAGUNA DE LOS CONDORES

Accepted Answer

After a tasty breakfast we start our tour by boat and also walking along the edge of the lagoon, passing through the remains of an ancient Chachapoya settlement known as Llactacocha, located on the shores of the lagoon at 2600 masl / 8530 ft. If possible, we have the opportunity to use wooden stairs to reach the ledge where the graves are located. These are now empty after archaeologists recovered their contents in 1997 to be placed in the interesting Leymebamba Museum. You can still see pictographs painted on the cliffs and appreciate the surroundings and the importance that the deceased had for ancient peoples. From the place where these tombs were found, there is a spectacular view of the Gran Vilaya and the misterious lagoon.
 
Walking through the Laguna de los Cóndores enjoying the landscape and the forest where you can see local birds such as tanagers, hummingbirds, the golden-plumed Parakeet (Leptosittaca branickii), Superciliaried Hemispingus (Thlypopsis superciliaris), wild ducks among other birds. 164 bird species are known, including globally threatened and endemic species such as the Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesiamirabilis), the Yellow-browed Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus huallagae),   and the Pardusco (Nephelornis oneilli). There is no information on their populations.

Start Height: 2 250 masl / 7 380 ft. 
Max Height: 2 600 masl / 8 530 ft. 
Min Height: 2 250 masl / 7 380 ft.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Campsite in a basic cabin.

Question 7

DAY 7 - BACK TO PUEBLO VIEJO CAMPSITE

Accepted Answer

Early in the morning, after an invigorating breakfast, we will take our return route. We will follow the same path that brought us here and savor the captivating landscapes along the way.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of cloud forests is their capacity to retain water. The vegetation that blankets the mountains functions like a colossal living sponge, capturing up to 60% of the atmospheric water and directing it through well-defined pathways. Without these forests, there would be a significant loss of species in the low-lying areas. Furthermore, with the onset of rainfall, there would be an increased risk of landslides, severe erosion, and major flooding.

Cloud forests also play a crucial role as carbon sinks. Considering the slow decomposition of organic matter at high elevations, it is estimated that the amount of dead biomass is equivalent to the standing biomass.

Distance: 14km / 8.7 ml.
Start Height: 2 600 masl / 8 530 ft. 
Max Height: 3 800 masl / 12 467 ft.
Min Height: 2 600 masl / 8 530 ft. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Pueblo Viejo campsite.

Question 8

DAY 8 - FROM PUEBLO VIEJO BACK TO LEYMEBAMBA

Accepted Answer

We depart from Pueblo Viejo campsite for the final day of our trek. Following the same trail back toward the community of Leymebamba, we take time to enjoy the surrounding nature and reflect on the journey we’ve just completed.
Tonight, we will stay at the same hotel in Leymebamba where we stayed before beginning our trek to Laguna de los Cóndores, allowing us to rest comfortably after the adventure.

Start Height: 3 400 masl / 11 200  ft. 
Max Height: 3 400 masl / 11 200  ft. 
Min Height: 2 250 masl / 7 380 ft.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Kentitambo - Hummingbird Inn.

Question 9

DAY 9 - ANCESTRAL TEXTILES & NATURE AT GOCTA LAB

Accepted Answer

In the morning, we take it easy and enjoy a well-deserved rest after the demanding walk of the previous days. Our accommodation is surrounded by green areas, fresh air, and local birdlife, in one of the most renowned bird-watching spots in northern Peru.
After a late morning departure, we head to the nearby town of Dos de Mayo, close to Leymebamba, where we enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by local families. We then visit Mrs. Norma, who shares a traditional textile demonstration learned from her mother. This is a special moment to connect with ancestral Chachapoyas textile techniques and one of the highlights of our journey in northern Peru.

Later in the afternoon, we drive toward Cocachimba to stay at Goctalab, our charming lodge with unique views of the Gocta waterfall. Goctalab is a space dedicated to sustainable technologies, well-being, and regenerative culture, surrounded by vegetable gardens, local tubers, aromatic and medicinal plants, Amazonian fruits, and a variety of endemic trees. The setting reflects a strong connection to the land and local food traditions, making it a peaceful place to rest and enjoy the natural environment at the end of the day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. 
Accommodation: Goctalab - Cocachimba

Question 10

DAY 10 - HIKE TO GOCTA WATERFALLS

Accepted Answer

The impressive Gocta falls are born from the union of three small streams – called Shique, Zuta and Upa – that form in the Amazon cloud forest. Its waters create two falls, one of 231 m and another of 540 m. A German hydroengineer named Stefan Ziemendorff spotted the falls and, in 2006, made preliminary measurements: an astonishing 771m (2,531ft). When the rains load their streams they form a spectacular wall of water that reaches 771 m. which makes it one of the largest in the world.
 
We have an early start to go to the bottom of the Gocta Falls. From Cocachimba we need to hike about six hours round trip through cloud forest, full of orchids and bromeliads - where Cock-of-the-Rock, Spatuletail hummingbirds and yellow-tailed woolly monkeys are sometimes seen.

After this, our latest adventure, we will stay for one more night in Goctalab. We will savor a super special dinner—an ultimate opportunity to share and exchange our amazing experiences in this corner of the cloud forests of marvelous Peru.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Box Lunch & Dinner. 
Accommodation: Goctalab - Cocachimba

Question 11

DAY 11 - FLIGHTS BACK TO LIMA

Accepted Answer

Today, we transfer you to Chachapoyas Airport, allowing plenty of time for your departure flight and marking the end of our journey through northern Peru.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 - FLIGHT TO NORTHERN PERU & SCENIC DRIVE TO MILPUJ

DAY 2 - WONDERING AROUND KUELAP

DAY 3 - FROM MILPUJ TO HUIQUILLA FOREST AND TO LEYMEBAMBA

DAY 4 - TREK FROM LEYMEBAMBA TO PUEBLO VIEJO CAMPSITE

DAY 5 - TREK FROM PUEBLO VIEJO TO LAGUNA DE LOS CONDORES

DAY 6 - SIGHTSEEING AROUND LAGUNA DE LOS CONDORES

DAY 7 - BACK TO PUEBLO VIEJO CAMPSITE

DAY 8 - FROM PUEBLO VIEJO BACK TO LEYMEBAMBA

DAY 9 - ANCESTRAL TEXTILES & NATURE AT GOCTA LAB

DAY 10 - HIKE TO GOCTA WATERFALLS

DAY 11 - FLIGHTS BACK TO LIMA

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