Gran Vilaya

Location:
Kuélap, Peru

Ruin

By Lorraine Caputo

In 1985 a great discovery hit the headlines: Gran Vilaya. Reported to the authorities by Silverio Visalot Chávez, and investigated by US explorer Gene Savoy, these ruin complexes extend west from the Río Utcubamba to the Río Marañón. The actual number of sites may be around 150, with 30 being important. They include Paxamarca, Pueblo Nuevo, Pueblo Alto, Pirquilla, Yumal and Machu Llacta. Connected by ancient stone roads and trails winding through pristine forests at the edge of the Andes, little excavation has been done.

Treks of four to five days of the Gran Vilaya can be arranged in Chachapoyas, Lámud or Cohechán. All expenses—horses, guide, lodging and food—are included in the price (up to $40 per day, per person). The journeys usually include visits to Karajía and Huaya Belén, then into Gran Vilaya itself, to Congón and ending at Kuélap. You can opt for an extension to include Revash and Centro Mallqui in Leymebamba. Treks can also be planned in Choctámal, near Kuélap.

If your Spanish is good and you have the gear, you could do it on your own. However, trails are often unmarked and the ruins difficult to find in the lush vegetation.

Price Description: On average, this costs $40US per day per person.

Relative price: Expensive

Travel Skills: intermediate/somewhat difficult.