Green Andes
Amazonas / San Martín
Located within the embrace of the lush eastern Andean landscapes, the Huallaga River meanders gracefully, cradling the expansive Amazon plain. In the proximity of Tarapoto, a realm of jungle adventures beckons, adorned with inviting lagoons, cascading waterfalls, and meandering rivers, all awaiting your exploration.
Venturing deeper into this captivating region, one finds Chazuta, celebrated as the epicenter of San Martin’s exquisite ceramics craftsmanship. Here, skilled artisans painstakingly fashion organic cacao products, infusing every delectable creation with tradition and artistry. Additionally, visitors can embark on enchanting river journeys to the historic Pongo de Aguirre, retracing the ancient paths of exploration and adventure.
Gazing toward the western horizon, a majestic, rugged mountain range rises, while the graceful Marañon River defines the captivating realm of the Chachapoyas, a people intimately intertwined with the ethereal cloud forest. Amidst emerald-clad hills and valleys, circular stone houses grace the landscape, giving rise to enchanting towns like Kuélap and Yálape located within the Utcubamba valley.
The region’s crowning jewel, the Gocta waterfall, plummets from staggering heights, adorning the landscape with nature’s majestic artistry. Above, in the skies, endemic bird species of northern Peru adorn the canopy with their vibrant plumage. And for those in search of solitude and serenity, tranquil strolls through the serene landscapes of Leymebamba offer an intimate connection with the uncharted beauty of this captivating circuit.
Green Andes
Amazonas - San Martín
Embarking on the Cacao Route: A Journey of Transformation: In Chazuta, cocoa arrived to change the lives of its inhabitants and bring unexpected well-being. Plots of all sizes are cared for with dedication, and initiatives for products derived from different varieties of plants open their doors to visitors with joy. We will visit the Mishki Cacao Cocoa Farmers Association, formed by several generations of women to transform the fruits into chocolates and other derivatives. This is a learning experience about cocoa, but also an example of the transformative force that women have in the world.
Chazuta Village and the mystical Huallaga River: Stroll along the riverside boardwalk of the town of Chazuta, where cocoa beans bask in the sun surrounded by a charming pier that leads to a vast river network that connects the high jungle with the Amazon lowlands. Chazuta, imbued with timeless charm, is a center of ancient pottery traditions. Meet the skilled artisans who preserve these traditions. Conclude your Amazon trip with lunch on the banks of the river, immersing yourself in the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
New regenerative proposals in the Amazon:
Guardian Forest and Pumarinri. Discover the Bosque Guardian Lodge in the high jungle of Peru, near Tarapoto. This ecological lodge works to sustainably recover the forest and protect ancestral territories, offering a unique mix of comfort and Amazonian aesthetics in the middle of a lush environment. Explore the Green Andes region from this base. The Pumarinri Amazon Lodge, located near Tarapoto, offers stunning views of the Huallaga River and Pumarinri Hill, and is a gateway to Amazon exploration. Whether you navigate rivers or enter ancient forests, you will find native communities dedicated to coffee cultivation, chocolate making, and clay crafts.
Unveiling the Cloud Kingdom of the Chachapoyas: Journey to the realm of the Chachapoyas, the “cloud people,” who thrived in northern Peru’s high jungles. While their political unity is debated, they exhibited remarkable cultural cohesion. Explore the Utcubamba River’s upper reaches, known as “Pampa del algodón” (Cotton Plains) in Quechua, a testament to an extraordinary pre-Hispanic civilization. This hidden gem offers insights into a bygone era, far from the beaten tourist paths.
Sarcophagi and Suspended Mausoleums: Echoes of the Past: Amid Chachapoyas’ stone walls adorned with bromeliads, you’ll discover the remnants of the culture’s cemeteries. Explore these sacred sites, some with human-shaped sarcophagi (e.g., Karajía, El Tigre, Sholón), and others with mausoleums featuring intricate, painted “chullpas.” Ancient mysteries await in places like Revash and Diablo Huasi, where time stands still, and the past’s secrets echo from the walls.
The Majestic Gocta and the Enchanting Valley of Falls: For four centuries, an ancient culture thrived in these chilly, lush forests, where the rainy season births top five highest waterfalls. Explore Gocta, focused on ecotourism, and the mysterious Cuispes waterfall valley, home to unique birds. This Upper Utcubamba Valley destination is at the heart of northern Peru’s bird route, renowned for endemic birdlife.
Traversing the Clouds to the Magnificent Kuelap Fortress: In the Green Andes, you’ll find the awe-inspiring archaeological wonder of Kuelap. Perched on a cliff’s edge, it boasts a massive stone wall over 20 meters high and 500 meters long. Circular houses with intricate stone patterns endure, a testament to its builders’ enduring spirit. Access via Peru’s cable car system from Nuevo Tingo. Within Kuelap, Inca architecture traces its historical evolution through conquest and later invasions from the south. As you ascend to Kuelap, you’ll be transported through time, where the stones whisper ancient tales.
Leymebamba and its Enigmatic Mummy Museum: Leymebamba, historically significant, hosted the first Inca sun celebration, evolving from Raymi Pampa. It’s on the eastern Qhapaq Ñan, the Great Inca Trail, near Atuén. In the colonial era, it served as a vital stop for travelers heading to Chachapoyas from Trujillo and Cajamarca, crossing the Marañon River. The Leymebamba museum houses a cultural treasure, including 31 quipus and over 200 mummies from Laguna de los Cóndores. The town is a hub for hikes to explore archaeological sites, bird-filled routes, and Andean history.
The Epic Trek to Laguna de los Condores: Leymebamba’s star trek is to Laguna de los Condores, a 40-kilometer journey from the museum. This challenging day hike reaches 3800 meters at La Fila, offering solitude and horses for assistance. The lagoon, at 2600 meters, spans three kilometers and is shrouded in a lush forest with diverse wildlife, including spectacled bears and rare birds. Spend the night in a cabin beside the lagoon, then explore the forest to discover chullpas, ancient mausoleums hanging dramatically along a colossal stone wall, a testament to an ancient civilization.