Apu Chuillaxa visitors’ center, Kuélap

National GeographicOct 20

Visit Kuélap, a Peruvian Archaeological Site a Millennium Older Than Machu Picchu

The region’s many impressive falls are all accessible by day hikes. The best-known is Gocta Falls, reached via a three-mile hike from Cocachimba, which contains two separate drops measuring 2,530 feet ...

new exhibits to see in 2027

12 things in this story

Apu Chuillaxa visitors’ centerSightnew exhibits to see in 2027
MalcapampaSightnew trail in an active archaeological site
Elsewhere
RevashSightSanto Tomás, Perucliffside mausoleums a half-hour walk from Santo Tomás
Sarcophogi of KarajiaSightSan Miguel de Cruzpata, Perua half-hour walk from San Miguel de Cruzpata
Lake of the CondorsSightLeymebamba, Perustunning high-altitude lagoon reached on a three-day trip
Leymebamba museumMuseumLeymebamba, Perudisplays Chachapoya and Incan artifacts
spatuletail hummingbirdSightCocachimba, Peruendemic species frequently seen around Cocachimba
Huembo LodgeHotelHuembo, Peruconservation reserve an hour north of Huembo
Owlet LodgeHotelAbra Patricia Reserve, Perueco-stay in Abra Patricia Reserve
yellow-tailed woolly monkeySightAbra Patricia Reserve, Peruendangered species seen at Owlet Lodge
Gocta FallsSightCocachimba, Perubest-known falls reached via a three-mile hike
Yumbilla FallsSightChachapoyas, Peruemerges from the San Francisco Cave

Read the full piece at National Geographic →

Apu Chuillaxa visitors’ center

In the coverage1 story

Visit Kuélap, a Peruvian Archaeological Site a Millennium Older Than Machu Picchu