Enjoying a free day in Leymebamba whilst traveling through Northern Peru? Use our tips to discover this beautiful village at your own pace. Take a stroll to see the stunning stone church, the water spring, or hike to San Miguel via the Old Path, where you can find KentiKafé, the coffee shop of Kentitambo Hotel, where you can indulge in a cup of coffee and a slice of cake while admiring the hummingbirds in the magnificent gardens – even if you’re not a hotel guest. Be sure to visit the fantastic Museo Leymebamba, which is definitely worth a visit.
This free day is an opportunity to appreciate the local culture and connect with the community. Don’t miss out on exploring the village’s unique qualities and experiencing its natural beauty. In this article, we’ll show you 6 ways to spend a free day in Leymebamba, Northern Peru.
Please note: the excursions mentioned in this article are exclusively available as part of a custom trip arranged by our specialist travel designers. For an unforgettable adventure through Northern Peru, enquire about your custom itinerary now and start planning your dream trip with us!”
These are our recommended activities for the day:
These are our recommendations for 6 Ways to Spend a Free Day in Leymebamba, Northern Peru. Click to learn more about each option:
- Option 1: Discover the Leymebamba Museum and Visit Local Craftspeople
- Option 2: Explore Culture and Scenery on a Hike to Sinuno Village
- Option 3: Saddle Up for a Thrilling Horseback Ride to See Andean Condors!
- Option 4: Experience the Fusion of Local and Japanese Cuisine on a Unique Culinary Tour in Leymebamba
- Option 5: Discover the Fascinating History of Leymebamba on a Full-day Tour to La Congona
- Option 6: The Ultimate Atuén Adventure: Culture, History, and Nature in One Day!
Option 1: Discover the Leymebamba Museum and Visit Local Craftspeople
Start with a visit to the awe-inspiring Leymebamba Museum, located just across from the entrance to KentiKafé. With an English-speaking guide, you’ll learn about the fascinating history of the area in a lively and engaging way. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 200 mummies and artifacts from the Chachapoya civilization, including sarcofagi, niches, and mausoleums. You’ll also discover the bravery of the Chachapoyas warriors and how they were eventually conquered by the Inca Empire.
After your museum visit, continue with a tranquil walk through the beautiful surroundings. There are multiple options to choose from, so coordinate with your guide to decide which route you prefer. Take a stroll along the old footpath, passing through charming historic villages along the way. Then visit artisan woodcarver Miguel, who creates stunning pieces inspired by the Chachapoya culture, or meet textile artist Isabel to learn about the art of weaving using traditional waist looms and natural dyes.
Book this tour and connect with local craftsmen while discovering the wonders of Leymebamba. With an English-speaking guide and a leisurely pace, it’s the perfect way to get started on your exploration of the region.
Price (2023, in soles)
- 2 pax: S/. 283 per person.
- 3 pax: S/. 212 per person.
- 4 pax: S/. 173 per person.
Option 2: Explore Culture and Scenery on a Hike to Sinuno Village
Looking for a more immersive way to discover Leymebamba’s stunning natural beauty and ancient history? This is our second recommended activity for the day.
Like option 1, it also starts with a museum visit. Afterwards, embark on a moderate hiking tour to the charming village of Sinuno. Your local guide and English-speaking interpreter will lead you along the old footpath, providing fascinating insights into the area’s rich cultural heritage and biodiversity.
Along the way, you’ll come across beautiful landscapes, lush farmlands, and ancient terrace walls being restored by the Farje family for small-scale agriculture. You’ll also see examples of Chachapoya constructions, such as tombs or possible kitchens, in the small black palm forest. The three-hour hike concludes with breathtaking mountain views and an opportunity to take a refreshing dip in a natural river pool, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit!
At the end of the hike, you’ll have a chance to rest and recharge at the home of Mr. Javier Farje, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch made with fresh local ingredients by Mrs. Elena.
This unforgettable experience provides a unique opportunity to connect with a local family and explore the natural beauty and rich history of Leymebamba.
Please note that individuals who have physical limitations or heart problems are advised not to participate in this activity.
Price (2023, in soles)
- 2 pax: S/. 367 per person.
- 3 pax: S/. 276 per person.
- 4 pax: S/. 231 per person.
Option 3: Saddle Up for a Thrilling Horseback Ride to See Andean Condors!
Interested in an unforgettable way to experience Leymebamba’s breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife? This is our third recommended activity for the day!
Join us for a thrilling early morning horseback ride to a beautiful valley that is home to some of the region’s most magnificent creatures: the majestic Andean condor. Your local guide and English-speaking interpreter will meet you at the hotel at 5:30 am with well-trained horses, so that you can enjoy a comfortable and safe ride.
As you traverse the valley, keep your eyes peeled for these rare birds, which have a wingspan of up to 10 feet and are considered to be a symbol of power and freedom in the Andean culture. It’s an awe-inspiring sight that you won’t soon forget!
After your horseback ride, enjoy a guided visit to the Leymebamba Museum, where you’ll learn about the fascinating history and traditions of the Chachapoya civilization. With over 200 mummies and artifacts on display, it’s a must-see destination for history buffs and anyone interested in learning about this ancient culture.
This unique experience provides an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Leymebamba, and witness the Andean condor in its natural habitat.
Please note that this tour requires an early start time of 5:30 am.
Price (2023, in soles)
- 2 pax: S/. 506 per person.
- 3 pax: S/. 375 per person.
- 4 pax: S/. 309 per person.
Option 4: Experience the Fusion of Local and Japanese Cuisine on a Unique Culinary Tour in Leymebamba
Prefer a unique culinary adventure in Leymebamba? Then check out our fourth recommended activity for the day!
Experience a fusion of local and Japanese cuisine with a guided culinary tour. You’ll start by visiting an organic farm, where you’ll learn about the cultivation of herbs and medicinal plants, and even have the opportunity to harvest some yourself.
Next, it’s on to the kitchen, where you’ll work with experienced chefs to prepare a delicious meal using traditional Japanese techniques and incorporating local ingredients. With a maximum of two dishes, you’ll create a unique culinary masterpiece that blends the best of both worlds.
Finally, sit down to enjoy your creations, along with other dishes prepared by the chefs. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your appetite while discovering the unique flavors and cultural traditions of the region.
Please note that this activity requires a minimum of three people and must be booked at least seven days in advance.
Price (2023, in soles)
- 3 pax: S/. 350 per person.
- 4 pax: S/. 299 per person.
Book now for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that connects you with some local chefs and promotes sustainable tourism.
Option 5: Discover the Fascinating History of Leymebamba on a Full-day Tour to La Congona
Ready to go out of Leymebamba? This is our fifth recommended activity for the day.
Join us for a full-day excursion to the archaeological site of La Congona, where the original inhabitants of Leymebamba lived before the arrival of the Spanish. This remarkable site is characterized by circular stone buildings with symmetrical layouts, external walls decorated with diamond-shaped figures, and small square niches inside (which served as windows). It’s a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of these ancient peoples.
After your visit to La Congona, continue on to the current location of Leymebamba. Learn about the town’s evolution and how it was founded after a devastating population loss due to disease.
This full-day tour is an unforgettable way to discover the rich cultural heritage and history of Leymebamba.
Please note that this tour requires a minimum of two days advance notice.
Price (2023, in soles)
- 2 pax: S/. 422 per person.
- 3 pax: S/. 316 per person.
- 4 pax: S/. 271 per person.
Option 6: The Ultimate Adventure to Atuén: Culture, History, and Nature in One Day!
Looking to explore the natural and archaeological wonders of Atuén? Join our full-day tour that combines both!
Located at 3500 meters above sea level, Atuén boasts a stunning puna landscape with a cold and humid climate. On this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit several tourist attractions, including Cabildo Pata, Baños del Inca, Peña del Sol, Laguna La Sierpe, and Laguna Mishacocha.
At Cabildo Pata, you’ll see the remains of houses, tombs, terraces, roads, walls, and grandstands built on a limestone base. From this site, you’ll have a privileged view of the beauty of Atuén, guarded by Laguna Sierpecocha. At Baños del Inca, you’ll find two stone baths located 200 meters from Laguna La Sierpe, in good condition. The water used in the baths comes from the lagoon through an underground channel system.
Peña del Sol is a dominant rock formation in the eastern part of Atuén, where you can observe ruins, terraces, and platforms built using the techniques of the Chachapoya culture. You can also see cave paintings in the shape of arches with dots on either side, in red with a white background, which locals call Peña del Sol.
Laguna La Sierpe gets its name due to its resemblance to a snake when seen from Cabildo Pata’s high point. At this lagoon, you can observe wild ducks and some large herons. A two-hour hike takes you to Laguna Mishacocha, also known as the “Laguna de Colores.” Here you can appreciate native plants, flowers, hummingbirds, Andean ducks (Huachuas), and medicinal plants still used today.
Don’t miss the chance to experience these unique attractions and connect with the local community on this sustainable tourism tour.
Please note that this tour requires a minimum of two days advance notice.
Price (2023, in soles)
- 2 pax: S/. 356 per person.
- 3 pax: S/. 267 per person.
- 4 pax: S/. 217 per person.
Please note: For both the Congona (Option 5) and Atuén (Option 6) tours, if you would like to visit the Museo Leymebamba on your return trip, you can pay the entrance fee of 30 soles directly at the museum. All other services are included in the tour cost, including guided tours, transportation, and horse rentals. Just be sure to notify us with plenty of notice so we can inform our service providers, such as guides, drivers, and horse owners.
Conclusion on 6 Ways to Spend a Free Day in Leymebamba, Northern Peru
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article with our recommendations: 6 Ways to Spend a Free Day in Leymebamba, Northern Peru. At RESPONSible Travel Peru, we strive to provide sustainable tourism that is not only respectful of local communities but also offers opportunities for travelers to connect with them. You can book one of these options as part of a custom itinerary to Northern Peru for an immersive and unforgettable adventure in Leymebamba! Enquire your custom itinerary now!
