The clouds people
The remote Chachapoyas area in northern Peru is surrounded by high mountains with cloud forests and only accessible via a spectacular route along rugged landscapes where mountain passes and valleys follow each other. Along the way, you'll pass marketplaces where locals walk in traditional costumes and with impressive high felt hats. On the dizzying Calla Calla pass you end up in the fog. Clearly, you are approaching the area of the Chachapoyas; the clouds people. An introduction to the ancient civilization of the Chachapoyas is a unique experience.
The most famous remains are that of Kuélap, an impressive stone fort built on a rocky mountaintop. Wandering around the cylindrical ruins, lookouts and sacrificial sites, you will be amazed at the tranquility that prevails here. What a difference from the busy Machu Picchu to which this complex is strongly reminiscent. Further on you will find Revash,a special cemetery. The chull pass (graves) in the form of small mud houses with red roofs and carved openings are built into a rock face, high above the valley. Near the village of Cocachimba, in the midst of pristine jungle, is the magical Gocta waterfall, which is known as one of the higher waterfalls in the world and was only 'discovered' in 2002. What an overwhelming natural phenomenon!
