The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, characterized by dense forests, powerful rivers that drain into the Amazon, and a vast Indigenous cultural heritage. It acts as a climate regulator, vital for both the country and the planet, and is often compared to a “lung” or a “kidney” because of its river system.
Kuélap is the main cultural and tourist attraction of the Amazonas region. The northeastern Andes were the place chosen by the Chachapoyas culture, responsible for building this enigmatic city with an inverted truncated-cone shape. It includes administrative, religious, ceremonial, and even residential spaces, strategically located and protected by large walls, while also surrounded by impressive landscapes.
The city of Kuélap is located in the district of Tingo, south of the town of the same name, in the province of Luya, department of Amazonas, at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level. This archaeological site is composed of two enormous superimposed artificial platforms, on which the settlement or city was built. The fortress has three entrances: two facing east and one on the west side. These three access points were built as large passageways that end in a small doorway allowing only one person to enter at a time.
This archaeological site was officially brought to public attention in the 1960s by local explorers. After investigations, it is estimated to have been a ceremonial and administrative center. The 26 circular structures initially documented feature mosaics made of slate slabs forming human figures, birds, felines, and geometric motifs, all carefully embedded. These designs suggest a deep relationship with the Chachapoyas worldview, linked to fertility rituals, ancestor worship, and spiritual connection with nature.
Gran Pajatén is located in the department of San Martín, Huicungo district, Mariscal Cáceres province, within Río Abiseo National Park, at an approximate altitude of 2,850 meters above sea level. Access to this site is only allowed with special permits from SERNANP and the Ministry of Culture.
It has a cloud forest climate: humid and temperate, with an average temperature between 14 °C and 22 °C throughout the year.
In the upper part of the complex, there are circular structures and an iconic entrance that can be seen on some one-sol Peruvian coins. It shows five human figures with flexed arms and knees bent outward, with nail-like heads alternating from figure to figure.
Pusharo is located in the Palotoa River basin, inside Manu National Park, in Madre de Dios. It was discovered by the Dominican priest Vicente de Cenitagoya in 1921.
Some claim that the Incas may have known the place, but the most accepted interpretation indicates that it corresponds to Amazonian shamanic traditions linked to spiritual ceremonies. It has even been speculated that Pusharo could be related to the mythical city of Paititi, although there is no conclusive evidence.
The main panel extends over a rocky cliff more than 30 meters long on the banks of the Palotoa River. It features anthropomorphic figures with elongated faces and inverted hearts, mythical animals such as felines and snakes, and geometric shapes such as spirals, zigzags, and circles.
Its climate is humid tropical, with temperatures between 20 °C and 32 °C throughout the year. The recommended time to visit is from May to October, the drier season with lower river levels.
Sarcophagi of Karajía
Located on Karajía Hill, in the district of Trita-Luya Colina, province of Luya, department of Amazonas, at an approximate altitude between 2,600 and 2,800 meters above sea level. These are funerary structures shaped like vertical capsules with human features. Each sarcophagus measures between 2.5 and 3 meters high and was made with clay, stone, straw, and lime, painted white and decorated with red and yellow pigments. It is believed they were used to bury high-ranking individuals.
Mausoleums of Revash
Funerary constructions shaped like houses that belong to the Chachapoyas culture, located in the district of Santo Tomás, province of Luya, Amazonas region. They were built in caves and cavities on a cliff and resemble small houses painted in red and cream tones.
Los Pinchudos
A funerary complex associated with the Chachapoyas culture, located inside Río Abiseo National Park. It stands out for its mausoleums built on cliffs and its anthropomorphic wooden carvings. It forms part of the park’s protected archaeological heritage.
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