Chachapoyas - Kuelpa. Gocta WaterFall 3 days / 2 nights

Peru

Chachapoyas – Kuelpa. Gocta WaterFall 3 days / 2 nights

Summary

Chachapoyas Classic 3 Days / 2 Nights – Kuélap, Karajía, Quiocta & Gocta Waterfall

Day 1:
Bus Terminal Transfer – Kuélap Fortress – Cable Cars

Reception at the Chachapoyas bus terminal and transfer to your selected hotel. After breakfast, begin the excursion to the Macro Archaeological Site, Nuevo Tingo, and the Kuélap cable car system. Explore the archaeological complex of Kuélap with a professional guide, enjoy lunch in Nuevo Tingo, and return to Chachapoyas.

Day 2:
Sarcophagi of Karajía – Quiocta Cave

Travel to Cruz Pata and hike to the impressive Sarcophagi of Karajía, funerary structures built into a rocky cliff. Continue to the Luya-Lamud area for lunch before exploring Quiocta Cave, known for its stalactites, stalagmites, and archaeological importance.

Day 3:
Gocta Waterfall – Cocachimba – Bus Terminal Transfer

Travel to Cocachimba and hike through the cloud forest toward Gocta Waterfall. Enjoy time at the waterfall, return to Cocachimba for lunch, and travel back to Chachapoyas. In the evening, transfer to the bus terminal for your onward journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bus Terminal Transfer – Kuélap Fortress – Cable Cars

Highlight of the day: Explore the monumental archaeological complex of Kuélap and enjoy a scenic cable car journey through the Andean landscape.

Reception and Hotel Transfer

Upon your arrival at the Chachapoyas bus terminal, our staff will welcome you and transfer you to your selected hotel.

After settling in, you will enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

The tour begins at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Journey to Kuélap

After breakfast, we will begin our excursion toward the archaeological complex of Kuélap.

After approximately 45 minutes of travel, we will reach the Macro Archaeological Site, where we will make a stop to observe and learn about the structures built along the hillside.

We will then continue to the town of Nuevo Tingo.

From there, we will proceed toward the cable car system and continue to the departure platform.

Kuélap Cable Cars

We will board the cable cars for an approximately 20-minute journey covering around 4 km toward the Malca Pampa area.

From this point, we will walk for approximately 20 minutes until we reach the archaeological complex of Kuélap.

Guided Visit to Kuélap

At Kuélap, an experienced professional guide will explain the historical and archaeological importance of the site.

During an approximately 3-hour guided visit, we will explore different sectors of the complex, including ceremonial areas, circular structures, the Main Temple, and other architectural remains.

Kuélap is located at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, making it the highest point reached during this itinerary.

Lunch and Return to Chachapoyas

After the guided visit, we will return using the cable car system and continue toward Nuevo Tingo.

There, we will enjoy lunch before beginning the return journey to Chachapoyas.

The full excursion lasts approximately 8 hours.

Distance: Approximately 42 km by road.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Chachapoyas.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 2: Sarcophagi of Karajía – Quiocta Cave

Highlight of the day: Discover two remarkable archaeological attractions of the Chachapoyas region: the Sarcophagi of Karajía and Quiocta Cave.

Departure from Chachapoyas

At approximately 8:00 a.m., we will begin our journey toward the community of Cruz Pata.

The route covers approximately 52 km on unpaved roads.

Sarcophagi of Karajía

Upon arrival at Cruz Pata, we will begin an approximately 25-minute walk toward the funerary site of the Sarcophagi of Karajía.

These remarkable funerary structures are positioned high on an inaccessible rocky cliff and represent an important part of the archaeological heritage of the Chachapoyas culture.

Your guide will provide information about their historical significance, construction, and funerary traditions.

After the visit, we will return to our transportation and continue toward the Luya-Lamud area.

Lunch

We will enjoy a regional lunch before continuing with the afternoon excursion.

Quiocta Cave

In the afternoon, we will visit Quiocta Cave.

Inside the cave, you will be able to observe numerous stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes.

The cave was also used by the ancient Chachapoyas for funerary purposes, and archaeological remains can be found within different areas of the cavern.

After completing the visit, we will return to Chachapoyas.

The complete excursion lasts approximately 9 hours.

Accommodation: Selected hotel in Chachapoyas.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 3: Gocta Waterfall – Cocachimba – Bus Terminal Transfer

Highlight of the day: Hike through the cloud forest to the impressive Gocta Waterfall before completing your journey in Chachapoyas.

Departure to Cocachimba

At approximately 8:30 a.m., our transportation will pick you up and begin the journey toward the community of Cocachimba, located approximately one hour from Chachapoyas.

Upon arrival, we will register with the local community and prepare for the excursion.

Hike to Gocta Waterfall

We will begin an approximately 2-hour hike toward Gocta Waterfall.

The route passes through natural landscapes, agricultural areas, and cloud forest vegetation.

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are strongly recommended, especially because weather conditions may cause sections of the trail to become wet.

Horses may be rented directly from the local community as an alternative to completing the entire route on foot. Horse rental is not included in the package.

Gocta Waterfall

Upon reaching the waterfall area, we will have time to admire the landscape, take photographs, and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Gocta Waterfall reaches approximately 771 meters in height.

After the visit, we will begin the return hike, which takes approximately another 2 hours, until we reach Cocachimba.

Lunch and Return to Chachapoyas

Upon returning to Cocachimba, we will enjoy a typical lunch.

In the afternoon, we will travel back to Chachapoyas, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m., depending on walking pace, road conditions, and operating conditions.

Bus Terminal Transfer

In the evening, at the previously coordinated time, we will transfer you from Chachapoyas to the bus terminal for your onward journey.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

End of our services.

Options Pricing

Starting at $ .00 USD Per Person

Group Departure Price: From USD 160 per person.

Minimum: 2 passengers.

Prices apply to the regular travel season and scheduled group departures.

Rates may vary during holidays, long weekends, Holy Week, Raymi Llaqta, Peruvian National Holidays, local patron saint festivities, and other high-demand travel periods.

The package price may also vary depending on the number of passengers, booking date, hotel availability, and service conditions.

Booking Conditions:

To confirm the reservation, a deposit of 50% of the total package price is required.

The remaining 50% must be paid upon arrival in Chachapoyas.

Booking in advance is recommended to access better availability and organize the trip properly.

Guiding Service:

Scheduled group tours are guided in Spanish.

An English-speaking guide can be requested for an additional cost and should be confirmed in advance.

Private & Customized Services:

Travelers may join a scheduled departure or request a private or customized trip with travel dates adapted to their plans.

Please contact us for the applicable rate according to your travel date, number of passengers, and requested service type.

Inclusions

Included in Your Chachapoyas Classic 3 Days / 2 Nights:

Bus Terminal Transfers:
Reception at the Chachapoyas bus terminal upon arrival and transfer to the selected hotel, plus transfer back to the bus terminal at the end of the program.
Day 1: Kuélap Tour
Tourist transportation, visit to the Macro Archaeological Site, scheduled cable car journey, guided visit to Kuélap, entrance tickets according to the program, and lunch.
Day 2: Sarcophagi of Karajía & Quiocta Cave
Tourist transportation, guided visit to the Sarcophagi of Karajía, visit to Quiocta Cave, entrance tickets according to the program, and regional lunch.
Day 3: Gocta Waterfall
Tourist transportation to Cocachimba, guided excursion to Gocta Waterfall, entrance ticket according to the program, lunch, return transportation to Chachapoyas, and evening transfer to the bus terminal.
Accommodation Included:
2 hotel nights in Chachapoyas
Meals Included:
Breakfast at the hotel during the program
Lunch on Day 1
Lunch on Day 2
Lunch on Day 3
Professional Tourism Guide:
Professional Spanish-speaking guide during the scheduled excursions.
Entrance Tickets:
Entrance tickets to the tourist attractions included in the scheduled itinerary.
Permanent Assistance:
Assistance and travel advice during your stay in Chachapoyas.

Not Included:

Bus transportation to Chachapoyas and return transportation to your next destination
Dinners
Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and additional beverages
Horse rental during excursions
English-speaking guide unless requested and paid for separately
Unscheduled excursions
Additional accommodation not specified in the program
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Services not specified in the itinerary

What to bring

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

Travel Essentials
- Original passport or identification document
- Bus tickets and travel information
- Travel insurance information
- Cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses, optional services, horse rental, and tips
- Small daypack for daily excursions
Clothing
- Lightweight and comfortable clothing for daytime excursions
- Warm sweater, fleece, or light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Waterproof jacket
- Rain poncho
- Extra socks
- Quick-drying clothing for the Gocta Waterfall excursion
Footwear
- Comfortable walking or trekking shoes
- Non-slip footwear with good grip
- Footwear suitable for potentially wet or uneven trails
Sun & Weather Protection
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
Personal Equipment
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or smartphone
- Portable power bank
- Waterproof protection for electronics and documents
- Flashlight or headlamp for additional visibility when needed
Health & Hygiene
- Personal medications
- Basic personal first-aid items
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal toiletries
Recommended for Gocta Waterfall
- Non-slip trekking shoes
- Water bottle
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- Quick-drying clothing
- Small daypack
- Sun protection
Important Tips:
- Most tourist attractions on this itinerary require walking, so comfortable non-slip footwear is essential.
- Carry enough water during excursions to remain properly hydrated.
- Rainfall can occur unexpectedly, so keep a waterproof jacket or rain poncho in your daypack.
- Mornings and evenings in Chachapoyas may feel cooler than daytime hours, so bring an additional warm layer.
- The itinerary reaches approximately 3,000 meters above sea level at Kuélap, so walk at a comfortable pace and allow your body time to adapt.

before you go

Who is this 3-day Chachapoyas package designed for?

This program is particularly convenient for travelers arriving in Chachapoyas by overnight bus, including passengers connecting from Chiclayo.

The program begins with reception at the Chachapoyas bus terminal and starts its first excursion at approximately 8:00 a.m.

What time does the program begin?

The first scheduled tour begins at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Day 1.

Travelers should plan their arrival in Chachapoyas early enough to complete the transfer to the hotel and have breakfast before beginning the Kuélap excursion.

Where will I stay?

The package includes two nights of hotel accommodation in Chachapoyas.

Day 1 and Day 2 are overnight stays in Chachapoyas.

Day 3 concludes with an evening transfer to the bus terminal, so no third hotel night is included.

What is the difficulty level of this tour?

The overall difficulty is considered moderate.

The itinerary includes walking at Kuélap, the Sarcophagi of Karajía, Quiocta Cave, and a longer hike to Gocta Waterfall.

Travelers should be comfortable walking for several hours on natural and sometimes uneven terrain.

What is the highest altitude reached during the tour?

The highest point of the itinerary is around Kuélap, at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level.

Travelers who are sensitive to altitude should walk at a comfortable pace, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion.

What language are the tours guided in?

Scheduled group tours are guided in Spanish.

An English-speaking guide can be requested for an additional charge and should be arranged in advance.

Are the tours private?

The standard price applies to scheduled group departures, so groups may include other travelers.

Private and customized services can also be requested according to your preferred travel dates and requirements.

How do we reach Kuélap?

The excursion begins by tourist transportation from Chachapoyas.

After visiting the Macro Archaeological Site and continuing to Nuevo Tingo, the itinerary uses the Kuélap cable car system.

The cable car journey takes approximately 20 minutes, followed by an approximately 20-minute walk to the archaeological complex.

How long is the Kuélap visit?

The guided visit inside the Kuélap archaeological complex lasts approximately three hours.

The full Day 1 excursion lasts approximately eight hours, including transportation, the Macro stop, cable cars, walking, the archaeological visit, and lunch.

What are the Sarcophagi of Karajía?

The Sarcophagi of Karajía are funerary structures associated with the ancient Chachapoyas culture.

They are positioned on a rocky cliff and are reached after an approximately 25-minute walk from the Cruz Pata area.

What will we see inside Quiocta Cave?

Quiocta Cave contains numerous stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes.

The itinerary also describes archaeological and human remains associated with the historical funerary use of the cave.

How difficult is the Gocta Waterfall hike?

The hike from Cocachimba to Gocta Waterfall takes approximately two hours each way.

The excursion therefore involves approximately four hours of walking in total, although the exact duration will depend on your walking pace and trail conditions.