LA petaca & Diablo wasi Trek: 2D/1N

• Two-day trekking & horse riding with multiple landscapes, wildlife & unique archaeology.

• Remarkable cliffside tombs of La Petaca & Diablo Wasi.

• Mysterious Chachapoya citadel of La Boveda.

• Beginning & ending in Leymebamba.

• Northern Peru at its most intriguing & alluring!

For an authentic, off-the-beaten-path hike, through lush, mountainous forest, the cliffside tombs of Petaca and Diablo Wasi are highly recommended.

These archaeological wonders have been featured on the Discovery and History Channels as well as the BBC’s ‘Lost Kingdoms of South America’ series … and yet they still receive very few visitors.

This two-day adventure involves trekking and horse riding to Tajopampa. Nearby is La Petaca, an enormous cliff with some 150 tombs … and evocative petroglyphs.

Beyond La Petaca is another cliff tomb site called Diablo Huasi, which we visit on the second day, along with a Chachapoya citadel called La Boveda, surrounded by ancient terracing.

La Petaca & Diablo Wasi 2-Day Trek: Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Leymebamba - Tajopampa on horseback. La Petaca. Overnight camping.
Day 2: La Boveda - Diablo Wasi - Leymebamba.

NB. A visit to Tajopampa and La Petaca cliff tombs can be done as a one-day expedition, such as on PeruNorth's Hidden Chachapoyas 7D itinerary. 

Below prices are per person, based on two trekkers.

La petaca & diablo wasi Trek: Day-by-day Itinerary:

Day 1: Leymebamba - Tajopampa (L,D)

Departing Leymebamba, we cover the first part of the journey on horseback as we gradually ascend, through ever-changing scenery, along the Condor Canyon, following the path of the Atuen River, with wonderful views of the flora and fauna of the area, including toucans, hummingbirds, native fruit trees, and much more.

We follow the canyon to its end (there is an abandoned fish-farming project here), and another valley opens up with views of green hillsides and flatlands, and sprawling tributaries.

Following this valley for another hour or so, we arrive at Tajopampa Bridge, which will be our base for exploring the area. It is notably colder here.

Condors can often be seen in the area.

A short walk takes you to a lookout point, with views of La Petaca’s cliffside mausoleums and rock paintings. The best known of these depicts a warrior holding the head of an enemy, signifying victory!

Day 2: La Petaca - La Boveda - Diablo Wasi - Leymebamba (B,L)

After breakfast, we take a beautiful trail through green valleys and surrounded by mountains to a point at around 3,000 m (10,000 ft) above sea level, called La Boveda (which means ‘The Vault’, in English).

Here we can see evidence of a small, Chachapoya citadel, hidden in the undergrowth: stone walls of circular and rectangular houses, set amongst ancient concentric terracing.

We then continue our trek, through Andean grassland, to a stunning cliffside that has been home to mausoleums from the Chachapoya culture for hundreds of years.

This is Diablo Wasi (also spelt 'Diablo Huasi') … which means ‘home of the devil’ in a combination of Spanish and Quechua!

In these house-like tombs are mummified human remains, along with religious symbols.

We can observe these from a viewpoint, 40 m (130 ft) away.
NB. Binoculars are recommended, in order to make out the details.

The return to Leymebamba involves retracing our steps back down Condor Canyon.  

INCLUDED IN La petaca & diablo wasi Trek Price:

• All transfers and excursions mentioned in itinerary

• Entrance fees

• 1 night’s accommodation in basic cabin/tent.

• 1 breakfast, 2 lunches & 1 dinner

• Baggage-carrying mules and mule-handler

• Official Spanish-speaking Tour Guide
  NB. An English-speaking guide can be arranged

• First Aid Kit

NOT INCLUDED IN La petaca & diablo wasi Trek Price:

• Services not specified in the programme

• Domestic & International flight tickets

• Extras and tips

• Personal expenses

• Local & International airport taxes (where applicable)

• Personal Travel Insurance

What our clients say about the Petaca & Diablo Wasi 2D Trek