Karajía Sarcophagi and Quiocta Caves
Discover the Karajía sarcophagi, funerary figures of the Chachapoyas that watch over the valley from high on a cliff, and then explore the Quiocta cave with its stalactites and ancestral remains.
Ancestral guardians high on the cliff
Summary
The Chachapoyas developed unique ways of honoring their dead. At Karajía, high on a cliff, stand the purunmachus, clay and wood sarcophagi over two meters tall with elongated faces, which have watched over the valley for centuries.
To reach the Karajía sarcophagi, you walk along a trail among farmland to a viewpoint facing the cliff, where your guide explains this culture’s funerary worldview.
Then, in the afternoon, you explore the Quiocta cave, a cavern with stalactite and stalagmite formations where human remains and rock paintings from the pre-Hispanic period have been found. You can complement the trip with Kuélap; also, the Revash mausoleums show another side of the Chachapoyas.
Highlights
Itinerary
08:00 - 08:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Chachapoyas before the drive.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the drive to the province of Luya by tourist transportation.
08:30 - 10:00
Transfer to Cruzpata
Drive through the landscapes of the Luya province while your guide explains them.
We drive along mountain roads until we reach the village of Cruzpata, the starting point of the walk to Karajía.
10:00 - 12:00
Karajía sarcophagi
Walk, then a viewpoint facing the cliff.
Then we descend a trail of about 30 minutes to the viewpoint facing the Karajía sarcophagi, where you learn about their history and meaning.
12:00 - 13:30
Lunch in Lamud
Lunch at a local restaurant before the cave visit.
Later, we transfer to the town of Lamud for lunch at a local restaurant.
13:30 - 15:30
Quiocta cave
Exploring the cave, especially its stalactites.
Then we explore the Quiocta cave with headlamps and boots, while we observe its rock formations, rock paintings and the ancestral remains preserved inside.
15:30 - 17:00
Return to Chachapoyas
Return by tourist transportation when the tour ends.
Finally, we return to Chachapoyas and drop you off at your hotel.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Chachapoyas
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance to Karajía
- Entrance to the Quiocta cave
- Boots and headlamp for the cave
- Lunch
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
Comfortable layered clothing
Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
Hiking shoes with good grip
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Water and snacks
Cash for personal expenses
Passport or identification document
Weather
The Amazonas region has a mild, humid climate, with temperatures between 12 and 23 °C. The cloud forests can be covered in mist; also, rain is possible at any time, especially from November to April.
Best season
The tours operate all year. From May to October the roads are drier and views clearer; however, in the rainy season the trails can be muddy.
Recommendations
Inside the Quiocta cave the floor is damp and may be muddy, so boots are provided. Also, it is not recommended for people with claustrophobia; respect the archaeological remains and do not touch them.
Gallery
FAQ
What are the purunmachus?
The Karajía sarcophagi belong to the Chachapoyas culture; they are made of clay, wood and cane, with elongated faces, and held the remains of important figures.
Can you get close to the sarcophagi?
No. They are viewed from a viewpoint facing the cliff, which ensures their preservation.
How demanding is the tour?
It is moderate, because the trail to Karajía has an uphill return and the cave has damp, uneven sections.
Do I need special equipment for the cave?
No. Boots and headlamps are provided for the visit, so you only need comfortable clothes.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, for children who are not afraid of closed or dark spaces.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.
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