In northern Peru there is a place where the impossible becomes reality: a forest suspended between sky and earth, where the clouds wind between the jungle and the Andes creating an ecosystem unique in the world. It is the Amazonas region, which despite its misleading name holds a secret that is very different from the classic Amazon forest.
Cloud forests
Here, the mysterious “cloud forests” reign supreme, an environment as rare as it is precious where extraordinary creatures such as the spatula-tailed hummingbird and the spectacled bear live. These forests are generally found between 1,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level and are distinguished by their high humidity, due to the condensation of water vapor which forms the persistent fog. A place where nature has created a bridge between two seemingly irreconcilable worlds: the hot Amazonian humidity and the cold Andean peaks.
The Gocta waterfall
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The wonders don’t end here: the region also hides the majestic Gocta waterfall, discovered only in 2002: a 700 meter waterfall that plunges into the green forest, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Known locally as “La Chorrera”, this waterfall was discovered by the general public only in 2002 thanks to the German explorer Stefan Ziemendorffalthough it was already known to the inhabitants of the area. La Gocta is immersed in a landscape of cloud forests rich in biodiversity, where species such as the Andean cock of the rock and the woolly monkeys. It can be reached by trekking through traditional villages and paths full of vegetation. The waterfall also has cultural and mythological importance: according to local legends, it is protected by a mermaid and a guardian spirit who guard a hidden treasure.
The warriors of the clouds
The fascinating civilization of the Chachapoyas, the “warriors of the clouds”, developed in these places, leaving impressive traces of their presence. The most spectacular is Kuélap, a fortress city perched at 3000 meters above sea level, surrounded by 20 meter high walls and shrouded in perpetual fog. A site that, surprisingly, is still little frequented by tourists.
They represent one of the most extraordinary examples of the ancient funerary culture of the Chachapoyasthe sarcophagi of Karajía, anthropomorphic figures more than 2 meters tall who watch over the valley from over 2500 meters above sea level, silent witnesses of ancient rituals. Call locally “purunmachos”are anthropomorphic funerary statues sculpted in clay, wood and stone, approximately tall 2.5 meterswhich contain the mummified remains of important members of society.
The sarcophagi of Karajía date back to around 15th centuryshortly before the Inca conquest. They offer valuable information on the religious, artistic and funerary practices of the Chachapoyas, highlighting their mastery of integrating the natural environment and symbolic architecture.
The village of Leymebamba
Leymebamba is a charming village located in the Amazonas region of Peru, nestled in the Andean mountains and surrounded by lush vegetation. This tranquil place is known for its extraordinary cultural and historical heritage, linked to the ancient civilization of the Chachapoyas. Leymebamba is the starting point for exploring some of the region’s most important archaeological sites, including the Mummy Museum, which houses over 200 mummies and artefacts recovered from the Laguna de los Cóndores. The village is also known for its traditional colonial-style houses and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants, who use horses as a means of transport and the cobbled streets tell stories of a past that blends harmoniously with the present.
The Amazonas region proves to be an ideal destination for those looking for an adventure outside the classic tourist itineraries of Peru. Reachable with a domestic flight from Lima to Chachapoyas (the regional capital), the area can be explored in a 4-5 day journey. We start from the spectacular Kuélap fortress, easily accessible thanks to a modern cableway, and then head towards the Gocta waterfall with excursions on foot or on horseback suitable for all levels of physical preparation. The trip can end in Leymebamba, a perfect base for visiting the Karajía sarcophagi and the Quiocta Cave. To make the most of the experience, the ideal period is from April to October, during the dry season, when the cloud forests offer breathtaking views and the paths are easily accessible.
