The department of Amazonas is famous for its cloud forests, areas with stunning microclimates and whose intense humidity favors the exuberant growth of plants like orchids and bromeliads and animals like the spectacled bear and the Andean Cock Of The Rock.

The capital, Chachapoyas, full of narrow streets and containing a large Main Square, maintains beautiful mansions and lovely balconies as evidence of its Colonial past. This is the launching site for excursions to the fabulous citadel of Kuélap, built by the Chachapoyas, a fierce people that for years resisted the expansion of the Incas.

Located at the top of rocky cliffs and guarded by a gigantic defensive wall, Kuélap contains in its interior circular compartments with decorative friezes. There are also other places in the area you can also visit like the Lake of the Condors, also known as Lake of the Mummies, the Chinata Falls, and the Karajía Sarcophagi, amazing two-meter high clay tombs placed on the side of a rocky mountain.

Source: http://www.peru.info/e_ftociudadeseng.asp?pdr=645&jrq=3.1&ic=2&ids=1279

Main Square, city of Chachapoyas
It is surrounded by beautiful colonial homes with traditional balconies. In many cases, these houses have become hostels, restaurants, and businesses. The main attractions are the Palacio Municipal (City Hall) and the house where Toribio Rodriguez de Mendoza, a predecessor to independence, was born; today, it serves as the rectory and diocese headquarters. In the square, you can appreciate the Republican style bronze fountain.

Independence Square (Plazuela de la Independencia)
Jiron Amazonas, 3rd block
Built to commemorate the battle of Higos Urco, where the patriots, led by Colonel Jose Matos, fought and defeated the Spanish forces.

Yanayacu Well (Pozo de Yanayacu)
Located on the hill, Cerro Luya Urco, 1 km from the Main Square (15 minutes on foot)
The original name of the well was “Fuente Cuyana” (Cuyana Springs) and according to tradition, single men that arrived in the city and drank its waters remained forever, attracted by the irresistible charm of its beautiful women. Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo came to this place and, on a rock, sculpted the figures of a miter and a crosier, and the year.

Yalape Archeological Remains
21 km / 13 miles south of Chachapoyas (40 minutes by car)
Located at 2700 masl / 8858 fasl, this Chachapoya archeological complex dates back to 1100 to 1300 A.D. The area is calculated to be four hectares and features the classic circular constructions decorated with rhomboidal and zigzag friezes in high relief.

Lagoon of the Condors (Laguna de los Cóndores)
93 km / 58 miles south of Chachapoyas (3 hours and 30 minutes by car) is the town of Leymebamba. From there, it is another 45 km / 28 miles to the lake (12 hours on foot and by mule).
You will need to hire a guide.It is also known as the Laguna de las Momias (Lake of the Mummies) since more than 200 mummies were found embedded on the side of a cliff located on its shores, all in good condition despite the hot and humid climate of the area. Along with the mummies around 3000 objects belonging to the Chachapoya and Incan cultures were found. The caves are decorated with prehistoric rock paintings.

Leymebamba Site Museum
Avenida Austria, Leymebamba. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.The city of Leymebamba is 93 km / 58 miles south of Chachapoyas (3 hours and 30 minutes by car). The museum is a 10 km / 6 miles walk from the city.
This modern museum exhibits the mummies and the objects found at the Lake of the Condors as well as textiles, ceramics, and weapons found in the area.

Distances from the city of Chachapoyas to the following cities:

* Bagua (Province of Bagua) 162 km (101 miles) / 3 hours and 45 minutes
* Jumbilla(Province of Bongara) 130 km (81 miles) / 3 hours and 30 minutes
* Santa Mariade Nieva(Province of Condorcanqui) 570 km (354 miles) / 7 hours and 30 minutes by land to Imazita and 5 hours by boat to Nieva
* Lamud (Province of Luya) 29 km (18 miles) / 1 hour
* Mendoza(Province of Rodriguez de Mendoza) 84 km (52 miles) / 3 hours
* Bagua Grande (Province of Utcubamba) 92 km (57 miles) / 3 hours

COAT OF ARMS OF THE AMAZONAS DEPARTMENT

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