Lagoon of the Condors | Amazon Tourism

Nature and history come together to integrate unforgettable landscapes. As this lagoon is located in the middle of the jungle, travelers must be in good physical condition to visit it. Only then will they be able to withstand the walk, the obstacles, the weather and the ten hours it takes to get there. A challenge worth living for its beauty. The Lake of the Condors is one kilometer long. It is also called "Laguna de las Momias" because of the mausoleums it has: funerary bundles with offerings and mummies from the Chachapoyas culture. Its name is due to the stories of its first inhabitants, who assured that these great birds of the Andes could be seen on its waters. Incredible lagoon in the middle of the Amazonian Andes, which presents 18 funerary sites among its cliffs. It was rescued from abandonment after 500 years.

Condors Lake

The Laguna de los Cóndores will leave travelers looking for a unique experience very satisfied. The beautiful landscapes and the history that surrounds the place are unforgettable. The Lagoon of the Condors or Lagoon of the Mummies SECRET LAJOYA OF THE AMAZON. It is a lagoon of about 1 km² in length that is located in the department of San Martín in the Andes of northern Peru. It is located at an altitude of 2600 m s. no. m., 93 km from the province of Chachapoyas, department of Amazonas and a day's walk on foot or 45 km from the town of Leimebamba, in the district of the same name. It is also called "Laguna de las mummias" because of the different mausoleums around it, which had funerary bundles with offerings and mummies from the Chachapoya culture. Around this lagoon there is an archaeological site, discovered in 1997. It includes some mausoleums that housed funerary bundles with various offerings (gold objects and crafts). The more than 200 recovered mummies have been identified as belonging to the Chachapoyas culture. The 200 mummies are currently on display at the Leymebamba Site Museum.

What to see and do in Laake of the Condors?

Know the mausoleums. These sacred tombs of more than 1200 years are part of the archaeological and tourist interest of the lagoon. Two-story cubes on rocky walls more than 6 meters high, where the Chachapoyas kept and preserved their mummies. In the mausoleums human skulls are seen, some with their teeth and part of their hair; cave paintings and interesting symbolic decorations.
See the mummies in the museum. The more than 200 mummies that were in the mausoleums near the lagoon are in the Leymebamba Museum, an exhibition inaugurated in June 2000.
Go boating. The serenity of the body of water is perfect for boating and trout fishing, another of the recreational activities to do in the lagoon.
To meditate. Although getting to the lagoon is quite an adventure, its silence, only disturbed by the typical affable sounds of nature, provides the perfect context to be at peace and meditate.
Learn about the legends. The lagoon has two interesting legends. The first relates a curse of the mummies found in the archaeological complex; the second, the existence of a wealth lost for 500 years in its 70-meter depth, gold destined for the liberation of Atahualpa, the Inca leader captured by the Spanish.
Hiking. One kilometer from the lagoon and an hour's walk, you can see the archaeological remains, a route long enough to go hiking.
Photographing the landscape. The entire lagoon and what surrounds it is beautiful, mystical and captivating. A place full of cloud forests, vegetation and waterfalls, perfect for taking pictures that remain as a memory of the visit.

How to get to Lake of the Condors?

The lagoon is in Leymebamba, a district two hours by bus from Chachapoyas (83 kilometers), capital of the department of Amazonas, from where it will be better to leave in the morning from its land terminal. Once in this town, you must hire a local guide or a travel agency that will lead you to the archaeological complex. There the long walk of nine hours will begin.

Recommendations

Prepare for weather changes. This means bringing a waterproof jacket or poncho; rubber boots, comfortable and very warm clothing, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Go with a guide. More than a recommendation, hiring a guide who knows the area is an essential decision.
Visit in less humid season. Although manageable, the rains are an unavoidable problem during the tour because the terrain becomes swampy, slippery and it is very cold. It is best to visit the lagoon from May to October, months with drier weather.
Go well prepared. It will be nine or more exhausting hours on the way, so you should go well fed, bring water, some snacks and, if possible, trekking poles. Physical conditions are also important, as you will climb up to 3800 meters high.
Bring a sleeping bag. Possibly you prefer to rest for a few hours in a rustic lodge almost reaching the lagoon and for this it will be ideal to take a warm sleeping bag.

Best Trekking and Tours in Peru

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Peru, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.