The Chan-Chan archaeological site is a highlight of Peru's Moche Route,. The complex was the capital of the Chimú civilization from AD 900 to 1400. Located about 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) west of Trujillo, it was built around AD 1300 and covers about 28 square kilometers (11 square miles), making it the largest mud city in the world. UNESCO World Heritage Site Chan Chan The city of Chan Chan was built out of adobe (or bricks of dirt). Built by the Chimu people in about 1300AD, Chan Chan is close by to the modern day city of Trujillo, an area rich in pre-Columbian history and home to many thousands of years of civilisation. Carved motifs Arguably the most striking features of the city’s impressive architecture are the brilliant designs and motifs carved into the adobe bricks. These represent birds, animals and figures as well as following intricate horizontal and vertical stepped patterns. The motifs depict everything from customs, religious mythology and constellations to farming and fishing seasons. On the outskirts of the citadel, there was an area where the people were mainly engaged in farming, craftsmanship, and fishing—the main activities that sustained this northern Peruvian civilization. Chan Chan in its heydey In its heyday, Chan Chan consisted of administrative offices, ceremonial altars, storerooms, military bunkers and vast reservoirs that still stand today. Although the site is no longer as splendid as it must once have looked, visitors can still marvel at the architecture of the palaces: huge constructions of clay and sand measuring up to 15 metres in height. Visiting Chan Chan Chan Chan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. Chan Chan is one of the many fascinating archaeological sites along the Moche route (the Chimu Empire descended from the Moche). Contact us today to speak to
The Chan-Chan archaeological site is a highlight of Peru’s Moche Route,. The complex was the capital of the Chimú civilization from AD 900 to 1400. Located about 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) west of Trujillo, it was built around AD 1300 and covers about 28 square kilometers (11 square miles),…
Chachapoyas, situated deep in Peru's northern Sierra, is steeped in history, peppered with the remnants of powerful pre-Inca civilizations, and contains vast swathes of dramatic, rugged landscapes. The must-see sites of a tailormade Chachapoyas tour will take you to the impressive ruins of Kuelap, perched on a hilltop overlooking stunning scenery, and hike to the towering Gocta Waterfall. However, there's plenty more to see in the region from little-visited ruins to hiking trails tucked away in the cloud forest. Here Aracari shares suggested Chachapoyas Tour itineraries and information on visiting the area. Chachapoyas Tour Itineraries Here's our roundup of our recommended, tried and tested, Chachapoyas tour itineraries and the best things to do in the area. All Aracari's itineraries are private and can be tailormade to suit your interests, travel dates and accommodation preferences. Read our Chachapoyas Itinerary Peru's Best Kept Secret - 5 Days / 4 nights The Must-See Highlights: Chachapoyas tour - 4 Days Day 1 - Fly direct from Lima to Jaen and transfer to Gocta Natura Cabins Day 2 - Hike through farms and cloud forest to Gocta Waterfall, among the tallest in the world Day 3 - Visit Kuelap, a remarkable pre-Inca archaelogical site constructed by the Chachapoyas people. Day 4 - Transfer to Jaen for return domestic flight to Lima Discover More: Chachapoyas Tour - 5 Days Day 1 - Fly direct from Lima to Jaen and transfer to Kentitambo Lodge in Leymebamba Day 2 - Visit the funerary tombs of Revash. Visit the Museum of Leymebamba, with an exclusive access visits allowing you behind-the-scenes access to the museum's depostiory with the founder Day 3 - Visit Kuelap, a remarkable pre-Inca archaelogical site constructed by the Chachapoyas people. Transfer to Gocta Natura Cabins Day 4 - Hike to Gocta Waterfall Day 5 - Transfer to Jaen for return domestic flight to
Chachapoyas, situated deep in Peru’s northern Sierra, is steeped in history, peppered with the remnants of powerful pre-Inca civilizations, and contains vast swathes of dramatic, rugged landscapes. The must-see sites of a tailormade Chachapoyas tour will take you to the impressive ruins of Kuelap, perched on a hilltop overlooking stunning scenery,…
Celebrating the beauty of Chachapoyas Peru Poised on the brink of mass exposure, Chachapoyas Peru, is a swathe of dense cloud forest in the Andes of Northeastern Peru, and holds a special place in our hearts. In some ways, Aracari's history is intertwined with this magical place. It was here, in "Indiana Jones" country, that archaeologists made a startling find of 219 mummies on the remote shores of the beautiful Laguna de los Condores in 1997. A find so exciting that we had to endure ten hours of horseback riding from the nearest road just to see it for ourselves - on two separate occasions. The mummified remains were of the 'cloud people', the Chachapoya, a civilisation renowned for its fearsome warriors and famed shamans who thrived in this region from 800AD to the mid-1500s. The Chachapoya were special in many ways - physically they were taller than their neighbours, with whiter skin, strong bones and teeth. While, architecturally they are famed for their round houses built of stone and often embellished with decorative stone friezes. Chachapoyas Peru Ruins: Kuelap Fortress Nowhere is this appreciated more than at Kuelap - a walled settlement perched 9,500ft (approximately 3,000m) up overlooking the cloud forest. Known by many as the "Machu Picchu of the North", this ancient fortress houses over 400 dwellings within its imposing 60ft (18m) high walls, some of which feature friezes and friezes on their curved stone walls. And this is just one of the many varied sites half-hidden beneath the lush vegetation of bromeliads, ferns and orchids. Sacrophagi at Karajia There are the funerary houses at Revash painted in red and yellow ochre or the sarcophagi at Karajia embellished with prominent sculpted heads. Museo Leymebamba You can gain an understanding of their significance at the state of the art Museo
Celebrating the beauty of Chachapoyas Peru Poised on the brink of mass exposure, Chachapoyas Peru, is a swathe of dense cloud forest in the Andes of Northeastern Peru, and holds a special place in our hearts. In some ways, Aracari’s history is intertwined with this magical place. It was here, in…
