Chachapoyas: Revash Mausoleums and Leymebamba Museum

Discovering Chachapoyas: Revash Mausoleums and Leymebamba Museum

Imagine a day spent wandering through the history of Peru’s Chachapoyas region, visiting imposing funerary sites and exploring a museum filled with mummies, artifacts, and quipus. For just $75 per person, this tour delivers a neatly packed experience that balances archaeology, local culture, and breathtaking scenery. Starting early from the city’s Plaza de Armas, you’ll be guided by a knowledgeable local (whose Spanish expertise makes the explanations lively), making this a practical choice for those eager to understand the ancient peoples of the Andes.

What we love about this tour is how it combines outdoor exploration with museum visits, meaning you get to see the actual mausoleums where Chachapoyas elites were laid to rest, and then see the artifacts recovered from these sites—all in one day. The walk to Revash’s mausoleums provides a chance to enjoy the landscape, while the Leymebamba Museum offers a close-up look at the preservation efforts. Another highlight is the chance to see over 200 mummies in the Mallqui Center, making the history tangible.

A possible consideration? The full-day schedule and walking involved might be a challenge if you have mobility issues or prefer a more relaxed pace. Also, the bilingual guide is available for an extra fee, so if language is a concern, be sure to inquire beforehand.

This tour suits travelers with an interest in archaeology, anthropology, or history who want an authentic, well-rounded look at the Chachapoyas culture. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate a mix of outdoor walking, museum visits, and cultural storytelling.

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Key Points

• Includes transportation, guide, lunch, and entrance fees, offering good value for a full-day experience.
• Visits to Revash mausoleums provide a close look at funerary architecture built among stunning natural scenery.
• Leymebamba Museum houses over 200 mummies and artifacts, giving insight into ancient burial practices.
• The tour is guided in Spanish, with optional bilingual guides available for an extra fee.
• Timing is approximately from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, making it a long but immersive day.
• Not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or travelers with certain health issues due to walking and outdoor parts.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day: From Chachapoyas to San Bartolo

We begin early, with pickup from a hotel near Chachapoyas’ Plaza de Armas, ensuring a prompt start at 7:00 am. The coach ride to San Bartolo is a comfortable way to begin, with the scenery gradually changing as we leave the city behind. The journey is part of what makes this tour appealing; it’s a window into the landscape that shaped the ancient inhabitants, often dotted with lush hills and rugged terrain.

The Walk to Revash Mausoleums

The highlight for many is the walk to Revash, a site perched on cliffs high above the valley. The mausoleums are rectangular structures, some resembling small houses, built to house the dead of the Chachapoyas elite. We loved the way the guide explains how these funerary houses were constructed to reflect the social status of their occupants, blending architecture and spirituality.

The ascent involves some walking, which is manageable for most but could be tiring for those with mobility issues. The path offers panoramic views of the landscape, giving you an authentic sense of how the Chachapoyas people lived in harmony with their environment. The site itself is striking, with the mausoleums contrasting sharply against the green cliffs, and some structures showing signs of preservation after centuries of exposure.

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Lunch in Leymebamba

Next, we move to Leymebamba for a well-earned lunch that’s included in the tour. Expect typical Peruvian fare—something hearty to fuel your afternoon of exploration. After eating, you’ll head to the Leymebamba Museum, which is a treasure trove of archaeological finds.

The Leymebamba Museum and Mallqui Center

The museum’s star attraction is its collection of over 200 mummies, preserved thanks to the climate and careful conservation efforts. We appreciated how the museum displays the mummies alongside artifacts like textiles, ceramics, and quipus—the ancient Incan and pre-Incan counting devices. As the guide explains, the quipu was used for record-keeping and is an intriguing glimpse into pre-literate societies.

One visitor remarked, “Seeing the mummies up close made the history feel real—like I was walking through a living story.” The museum’s layout helps connect the dots between the funerary objects and the cultural practices of the Chachapoyas.

Return to Chachapoyas

By 6:00 pm, we’re back in the city, tired but enriched. The day’s journey offers a well-rounded perspective on both the archaeological sites and the museum collections.

Practicalities and Tips

The tour costs $75, which covers transport, guide, entrance fees, and lunch—a fair deal for this depth of experience. However, you’ll want to bring cash for any additional expenses, and sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen are recommended for outdoor walking. The tour is in Spanish, though bilingual guides may be available for an extra fee, so inquire beforehand if language is a concern.

Given the itinerary, this tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or travelers with significant health issues, due to the walking and uneven terrain involved. It’s best suited for those who are comfortable with outdoor activities and want an immersive day exploring Chachapoyas culture.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced glimpse into Chachapoyas’ funerary architecture and archaeological collections, making it an excellent choice for history buffs and curious travelers alike. The combination of outdoor exploration and museum visits helps you connect with the past in a way that few other experiences can match.

While it is a full, physically active day, the effort is rewarded with stunning views, fascinating ruins, and a chance to see some of the best-preserved ancient mummies in the region. If you’re keen on learning about the unique cultural practices of the Chachapoyas and enjoy adventure with some historical context, this tour offers good value and authentic experiences.

Travelers seeking a comprehensive, well-organized day trip will find this a rewarding addition to their Peru itinerary, especially those eager to look beyond Machu Picchu and explore the lesser-known but equally compelling northeastern highlands.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation is part of the package, making it easy to relax and focus on the sights without worrying about logistics.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, giving you a full day of exploration.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers transportation, a professional guide, entrance to all sites, lunch, and continuous assistance during the day.

Can I book a bilingual guide?
Yes, but it’s an extra charge. Available guides are Spanish-speaking, with bilingual options possibly available—be sure to ask when booking.

Is walking involved?
Yes, expect some walking, especially to reach the Revash mausoleums. The terrain is uneven and involves outdoor paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with respiratory or other health issues due to walking and outdoor elements.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and cash for souvenirs or extra snacks. No alcohol or drugs allowed during the tour.

This experience offers a fantastic look into the ancient Chachapoyas culture, blending archaeological wonder with scenic beauty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just eager to see Peru’s less-trodden paths, this tour provides a thoughtful, engaging day that will leave you with a greater appreciation for this unique part of the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby