Begin your day exploring the community of Cuemal, a place where daily life is deeply rooted in agriculture and ancestral knowledge. You will be welcomed by a cultural host who will introduce you to the dance known as “Chuquiaj, the water bird.”
You’ll learn about traditional practices such as planting according to lunar cycles, the role of native plants in food and medicine, and ways of understanding the connection between land, water, and community. Music, flowers, and movement are part of this experience, reflecting how knowledge is expressed beyond words.
Continue to the the Quiocta Caves, one of the most remarkable underground landscapes in the Chachapoyas region. As you walk through this limestone cave system, you’ll encounter striking formations of stalactites and stalagmites shaped over thousands of years. These caves were once used by the Chachapoya people and still hold archaeological remains, offering a glimpse into how past communities related to these hidden spaces.
Around midday, enjoy a countryside lunch prepared with local ingredients, offering a chance to slow down and take in the surrounding landscape.
This full-day experience brings together underground exploration and community life, creating a deeper understanding of Chachapoyas through both its natural formations and the people who continue to care for the land.
Price Includes
What to Bring
This tour supports sustainable travel by driving economic growth in a lesser-visited region of Peru. Social responsibility is central to the operation, ensuring local guides, cultural hosts, and workers receive fair wages and dignified working conditions. This conscious journey directly empowers locals by valuing their ancestral knowledge, such as lunar agricultural cycles and native plant medicine. This experience protects ancient natural wonders while providing a meaningful, sustainable livelihood for the community.
We carefully select our organic coffee tasting provider, which works directly with coffee-growing communities, empowering both men and women.
Marilyn was born and raised in Leymebamba, a small Andean town in the Chachapoyas region of northern Peru. Growing up, she often walked through the mountains with her grandmother Mercedes, a traditional midwife who traveled from village to village helping families welcome new life. During those journeys she shared stories, traditions, and the wisdom of their ancestors—experiences that deeply shaped who Marilyn is.
Later, she studied Tourism and began dedicating her work to creating meaningful travel experiences that connect visitors with local communities and the landscapes of northern Peru. Since 2007, she has worked with community-based tourism initiatives and designed authentic journeys across the region.
For Marilyn, travel is about slowing down, connecting with people and nature, and experiencing cultures with respect and curiosity. She’s always happy to share the places and traditions that have shaped her life.
– If you are in Lima: there are direct flights from Lima to Chachapoyas.
– If you are in Tarapoto: take an 8-hour bus to Chachapoyas.
From April to October, rainfall is scarce, which makes trekking and visiting the mausoleums much easier. November marks the transition to the rainy season, increasing the chance of rain.
You can expect sunny days with clear skies in the morning; however, since this is a jungle edge area, unexpected showers are always possible. We recommend dressing in layers and carrying rain gear, just in case.
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If you don’t speak or understand any Spanish, we recommend hiring an English speaking guide to ensure a richer, more connected experience.
From the community of Cuemal to the Quiocta Caves, the walk takes approximately 40 minutes, depending on the pace of the passengers. It is an easy walk.
Inside the cave, the tour takes approximately 2 hours.
The community’s traditional meal is called “Los 7 Potajes”, which literally means “the 7 dishes.” It consists of seven different dishes served buffet-style, allowing passengers to help themselves to whatever they would like.
The meal includes soup, a main course, and a drink.
Payments are processed through WeTravel Operating System, which is based in the United States and the Netherlands.
Fees depend on how and where you make your payment:
When you pay through your local banking system (such as ACH or SEPA), the transaction usually stays within the same region, which helps avoid extra costs like currency conversion or card network fees.
Please note that any bank or card fees are not included in your invoice. You can check the exact fee amount during the booking process when selecting your payment method (see example below).
For questions about booking a tour, prices, preparation for your trip, health and safety or other themes, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you can’t find your question & answer, email us and we’ll add it!
