Best karajía Tombs 1 day tour chachapoyas
The most complete tour to the Karajía Tombs from Chachapoyas, featuring ancient sarcophagi, Andean landscapes, and a hike to discover the Chachapoya culture.
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per person
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- International cards accepted
Secure your spot with only 50%
Confirmation
Immediate
Duration
10 Hours
Difficulty
Easy
Daily departures
365 days a year
Trip type
Group or private
Save your spot with only 50%
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- Immediate confirmation
- International cards accepted
Best karajía Tombs 1 day tour chachapoyas
A one-day experience from Chachapoyas to discover the Karajía Tombs and one of the most remarkable funerary legacies of the Chachapoya culture.
Anthropomorphic sarcophagi perched high on a cliff, Andean landscapes, and a hike that brings you closer to centuries of history and archaeology.
Group Tour
- Best price
- Independent traveler
- Fixed departures
Private Tour
- Flexible schedule
- Personalized service
- Private vehicle
Day 1: Best karajía Tombs 1 day tour chachapoyas
Your Experience at a Glance:
8:00 AM
Pickup from your hotel in Chachapoyas
8:30 AM
Departure from Chachapoyas to Karajía
10:30 AM
Arrival at the Karajía access area
10:45 AM
Start of the hike to the Karajía Tombs
11:30 AM
Visit to the Karajía Tombs
1:00 PM
Return to the transportation
2:00 PM
Lunch
3:30 PM
Start of the return to Chachapoyas
6:30 PM
Arrival in the city of Chachapoyas
- Transportation
- 1 km
- Guide
- Tickets
- 10 hours
8:00 a. m. – Pickup from Your Hotel in Chachapoyas
Our tourist transportation will pick you up from your hotel to begin the excursion to the Karajía Tombs, one of the most unique funerary sites of the Chachapoya culture.
8:30 a. m. – Departure from Chachapoyas to Karajía
Once the group is together, we will begin the road trip toward the Karajía area, enjoying the landscapes of the Amazonian Andes along the way.
10:30 a. m. – Arrival at the Karajía Access Area
We will arrive at the access point, where we will begin our approach to the archaeological site accompanied by our guide.
10:45 a. m. – Start of the Hike to the Karajía Tombs
We will begin a hike surrounded by nature and Andean landscapes until we reach the area from where we can observe the famous Karajía sarcophagi.
11:30 a. m. – Visit to the Karajía Tombs
We will see the six impressive anthropomorphic sarcophagi, more than two meters high, built with reeds and clay and strategically positioned on a rocky cliff.
Our guide will explain the funerary practices of the ancient Chachapoya people, as well as the reddish details and decorations that can still be seen on these structures.
1:00 p. m. – Return from the Karajía Tombs
After having time to observe the archaeological complex, take photographs, and enjoy the scenery, we will begin the hike back to our transportation.
2:00 p. m. – Lunch
We will stop to enjoy the included lunch, ideal for recharging your energy after our visit to Karajía.
3:30 p. m. – Start of the Return to Chachapoyas
We will board our tourist transportation again to begin the return journey, passing through the characteristic landscapes of this region of Amazonas.
6:30 p. m. – Arrival in the City of Chachapoyas
We will finish our Karajía Tombs Full-Day Tour at approximately 6:30 PM with our return to the city of Chachapoyas.
Area Considerations
Maximum Altitude
2713 m.a.s.l. / 8900 ft
Minimum Altitude
2335 m.a.s.l. / 7660 ft
Maximum Temperature
22°C / 71°F
Minimum Temperature
12°C / 53°F
Distance
1 km / 0.62 mi
Usually
Cold winds
Travel Expert Recommendations
Will I be able to see the Karajía sarcophagi up close?
Yes. The trail leads to a viewpoint from where you can see the Karajía sarcophagi and clearly distinguish their figures positioned on the cliff.
Is the hike to the Karajía Tombs demanding?
It is a short hike, but it includes changes in elevation. Wear footwear with good traction to walk the trail more comfortably and safely.
Can I enter or touch the sarcophagi during the visit?
No. The sarcophagi are protected and remain high on the cliff; the visit is carried out from a distance that helps preserve them.
Why Is This Tour Different?
- Pickup from your hotel
- Visit to the Karajía Tombs
- The six impressive anthropomorphic sarcophagi
- Lunch (included)
- Book with just 50%
Reserva con confianza
- Confirmación inmediata
- Más de 6 años creando experiencias
- Atención personalizada por WhatsApp
- Operador local especializado
- Salidas garantizadas
Included
Our Karajía Tombs 1-Day Tour from Chachapoyas includes:
- 24/7 support and assistance after your booking.
- Hotel pickup in Chachapoyas
- Tourist transportation
- Guide
- Entrance fees
- Excursion
- Lunch
Not Included
- Tips for the guides.
- Travel insurance (Peruvian regulations recommend entering Peru with insurance purchased in your country of origin).
- We work with some clinics and can help you arrange medical care if needed (the clinics will apply the insurance you previously purchased; however, they do not provide travel insurance).
- Extras
- Snacks
- Accommodation in Chachapoyas
What to Bring!
- Personal medications.
- A clear photo of your passport.
- Small adventure backpack (with a rain cover if possible).
- Water (we recommend bringing 1L per day).
- Rain poncho or rain jacket.
- Extra snacks.
- Hiking shoes and pants.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Lip balm.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, coat, long-sleeved shirts, etc.).
- Cash in Peruvian SOLES.
Payment
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GET IN PERU will only charge you a 50% deposit to reserve your seats and tickets.
The remaining balance must be paid 3 days before your departure.
Contact your travel advisor for more details or visit our Terms of Service Agreement.
Travel Your Way
$ Price per person
Our tour packages are available in both group and private formats. Consult with one of our travel experts to tailor your journey and enjoy a personalized experience led by our specialized local guides.
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$Soon…USD
per person
- Best Price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$Soon…USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Better Photo Opportunities
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
- Specialized Local Guides
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$Soon…USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- Exclusive Guide for Your Group
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$Soon…USD
per person
- Best price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Secure your spot with only 50%
Pay the rest later
- Secure Payment Processing
- Instant Booking Confirmation
- All Major International Cards Accepted
- Pay in Your Preferred Currency
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Everything You Need to Know
Before You Travel
What Does the Karajía Tombs 1 Day Tour from Chachapoyas Include?
The Karajía Tombs 1 Day Tour from Chachapoyas combines tourist transportation, a hike, a guided visit to the archaeological site, and time to discover one of the most unique funerary complexes of the Chachapoya culture.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Take advantage of your guide’s explanation before focusing only on taking photos; understanding the funerary purpose of Karajía completely changes the way you experience the site.
⚱️ Did you know…? Karajía is officially registered as an archaeological cemetery of the Chachapoya culture dating from the Late Intermediate Period, approximately between AD 1100 and 1470.
Where Are the Karajía Tombs and How Long Does It Take to Get There from Chachapoyas?
The Karajía Tombs are located in Luya Province, Amazonas Region, near San Miguel de Cruzpata.
From Chachapoyas, PROMPERÚ estimates approximately 2 hours by bus or car to Cruzpata and, from there, about a 30-minute one-way walk to the sarcophagi. Our itinerary includes approximately two hours of transportation before beginning the hike.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Have your water and sunscreen ready before getting out of the vehicle so you do not have to reorganize your backpack just as the hike begins.
📍 Did you know…? The Karajía Archaeological Site is located at approximately 2,713 meters above sea level, a considerably lower altitude than many high mountain treks in Peru.
How Long Do You Have to Walk to Reach the Karajía Sarcophagi?
The walk to the Karajía Sarcophagi takes approximately 30 minutes each way from Cruzpata, according to official information from PROMPERÚ.
In our program, we begin the hike at approximately 10:45 AM and arrive at the visiting area at around 11:30 AM, allowing enough time to walk at a relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Don’t use all your energy on the way there; remember that after visiting the sarcophagi, you will need to walk the trail again to return to the transportation.
🥾 Did you know…? The final stretch to reach Karajía must be completed on foot, so the hike is an integral part of the experience rather than simply an additional transfer.
How Difficult Is the Hike to the Karajía Tombs?
The hike to Karajía is relatively short and does not require technical trekking experience, but it does require a basic level of fitness to complete the natural trail there and back.
The effort depends on each traveler’s pace, the elevation changes, and trail conditions. Local operators often classify the route as an accessible hike, although that does not mean it should be attempted with inappropriate footwear.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip and avoid sandals, especially if it has rained.
👟 Did you know…? In addition to the road journey, tourist access to Karajía includes a walking section that different local sources estimate at approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
What Are the Karajía Tombs or Sarcophagi?
The Karajía Sarcophagi are anthropomorphic funerary monuments created by the Chachapoya culture to hold mummified human remains and part of their funerary offerings.
These structures have a human-like appearance and were made primarily from materials such as clay. The Central Reserve Bank of Peru describes sarcophagi reaching approximately 2.5 meters in height, with modeled heads and painted decoration.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Use your camera zoom or binoculars to observe their faces, shapes, and decorations without attempting to approach restricted areas.
🗿 Did you know…? The Karajía sarcophagi were individual funerary capsules, and inside them the flexed mummy of an important person could be placed.
Why Are the Karajía Sarcophagi Located High on a Cliff?
The Chachapoya placed the Karajía sarcophagi in elevated, hard-to-reach cavities in the cliff, a feature closely related to their funerary practices.
Their location also helped keep these burial spaces isolated. The site is set on a rocky cliff, and the sarcophagi were built vertically in protected sections of the precipice.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: When you reach the viewpoint, look at the entire cliff first before using your zoom. The location is just as important for understanding Karajía as the sarcophagi themselves.
⛰️ Did you know…? Some of the visible sarcophagi are located approximately 24 meters above the natural trail from which they are observed, according to regional tourism studies.
How Many Karajía Sarcophagi Are There?
Here, it is important to distinguish between the entire archaeological complex and the best-known and most visible group of sarcophagi.
MINCETUR describes the site as a funerary complex consisting of an average of 14 purunmachus, while other sources specifically describe a group of six visible and well-preserved sarcophagi. The difference arises because not all sources are counting exactly the same section of the complex.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Don’t focus only on the typical phrase “the six sarcophagi”; during your visit, ask your guide about the complete layout of the archaeological site.
🔎 Did you know…? Karajía is more extensive than the famous row seen in most tourist photographs, which is why different sources may provide different figures without necessarily contradicting one another.
What Should I Bring for the Karajía Tombs Tour?
For the Karajía Tombs Tour, we recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing with an extra warm layer, sunscreen, a cap or hat, insect repellent, water, and waterproof protection on rainy days.
PROMPERÚ specifically recommends bringing a camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a cap for Karajía.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: If you have small binoculars, bring them. This is one of the few archaeological attractions where they can noticeably improve the experience.
🔭 Did you know…? The sarcophagi are viewed from a certain distance due to their location on the cliff, so a camera with zoom or binoculars will help you appreciate their details more clearly.
What Is the Difference Between Karajía and Kuélap?
The main difference is that Karajía is primarily a funerary site, while Kuélap is a much larger architectural complex associated with residential, ceremonial, and defensive functions of Chachapoya society.
Visiting both allows you to understand very different aspects of this culture: Kuélap shows how they built and organized large spaces; Karajía reveals how they treated certain deceased individuals and how they integrated funerary practices into the landscape.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: If you have several days in Chachapoyas, don’t think of the choice as “Karajía or Kuélap”; they are complementary experiences.
🏺 Did you know…? The Ministry of Culture currently includes Karajía within the “Karajía, Guerreros Pucahuia” route of the Chachapoya Ecomuseum, which is designed to connect archaeological heritage, local communities, and traditions.
Is It Worth Visiting the Karajía Tombs on a 1 Day Tour from Chachapoyas?
Yes, visiting the Karajía Tombs is worth it for travelers interested in archaeology, Chachapoya culture, and mountain landscapes. On a one-day excursion, you can depart from Chachapoyas, take a short hike, discover one of the most unique funerary traditions in northern Peru, and return to the city in the afternoon.
It is especially recommended if you want to complement visits such as Kuélap with an archaeological site focused on the funerary practices of the ancient Chachapoya people.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Include Karajía if you want to understand the Chachapoya beyond their large architectural sites; this place offers a completely different perspective on their culture.
🌄 Did you know…? Peru Travel describes the sarcophagi as monumental anthropomorphic structures more than a thousand years old, set against the mountainous landscape of Amazonas.
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