Quiocta Caverns

Quiocta Caverns, located in the Amazonas region near Chachapoyas in northern Peru, are an impressive network of underground limestone caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and archaeological remains. These natural formations stretch for hundreds of meters beneath the earth and offer a thrilling exploration opportunity for travelers who enjoy caves, nature, and history. The caverns also hold cultural significance due to the discovery of human bones and pre-Inca burial sites inside. Visiting Quiocta Caverns is a unique way to combine adventure and heritage in a single trip.

How to Reach Quiocta Caverns, Chachapoyas

Quiocta Caverns are located in the community of Lamud, approximately 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) from the city of Chachapoyas. Getting there requires a combination of road travel and a short walk.

By Car or Taxi: From Chachapoyas, you can take a private taxi or drive to the village of Lamud, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. From Lamud, it’s about a 15-minute drive or a 30-minute walk to the cave entrance.

By Public Transport: Colectivos (shared vans) run from Chachapoyas to Lamud regularly during the day. Once in Lamud, you may hire a moto-taxi or walk to the entrance trail.

By Guided Tour: The most popular option is a half-day tour from Chachapoyas, often paired with a visit to the nearby Karajía Sarcophagi. This option includes transport, entrance, and a local guide.

Weather at Quiocta Caverns, Chachapoyas

Quiocta Caverns are located in a high-altitude cloud forest region. The climate in this area is cool and humid year-round.

Dry Season (May to September): This is the best time to visit. Rain is less frequent, and hiking conditions are better. Daytime temperatures range between 12°C and 22°C (53°F to 71°F).

Wet Season (October to April): Rain is more common, and trails can become muddy. However, cave formations remain equally stunning, and the underground environment stays relatively constant.

Inside the caverns, it’s always cool and damp regardless of the season. Bring a rain jacket and wear proper footwear.

Timings

Quiocta Caverns are open to visitors daily, but entry is allowed only during daylight hours for safety reasons.

Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Recommended Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon to ensure enough daylight for the hike back and better weather conditions.

Why Famous for Quiocta Caverns, Chachapoyas?

Quiocta Caverns are famous for their spectacular limestone formations and their archaeological importance. Unlike typical tourist caves, these caverns contain human remains and were used as burial sites by the Chachapoya civilization. This adds a deep historical and cultural layer to the natural wonder of the caverns.

They are also known for their size and layout—spanning several hundred meters in depth and housing multiple chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams. The mix of adventure, mystery, and cultural heritage makes Quiocta a standout attraction in the Chachapoyas region.

Entry and Visit Details about Quiocta Caverns, Chachapoyas

Entrance Fee: 10 soles per person (approx. $2.50 USD). Additional fees may apply for guided tours or equipment rentals.

Guide Services: Local guides are available and recommended. They provide headlamps and rubber boots, as parts of the cave can be muddy and dark.

Facilities: Basic services are available at the entrance, including toilets and a small shop. There are no facilities inside the cave.

What to Bring: Flashlight or headlamp (if not renting), rubber boots or sturdy waterproof shoes, rain jacket, bottled water, and gloves if you want to touch the cave walls.

Accessibility: The site is not wheelchair accessible and involves walking on uneven, muddy surfaces.

History and Archaeology

Quiocta Caverns are not only a geological marvel but also an archaeological treasure. The Chachapoya civilization used the caverns as ceremonial and burial sites between the 9th and 15th centuries. Skeletal remains, ceramics, and bone fragments have been found in several chambers, confirming the ritual importance of the caves.

Archaeologists believe the caverns were chosen for their spiritual energy, with natural formations resembling altars and sacred animals. Though the caves were later explored by scientists, much of the interior remains untouched, maintaining a sense of mystery and reverence.

Things to Do at Quiocta Caverns

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at and around the Quiocta Caverns:

• Cave Exploration: Walk through chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Some formations resemble animals and human figures.
• Learn Local History: With a guide, you can learn about the burial practices of the Chachapoya and the archaeological significance of the caves.
• Photography: Capture unique images of the limestone formations and dramatic lighting inside the cave.
• Combine with Karajía: Many tours include both Quiocta and the nearby Karajía Sarcophagi in one itinerary.
• Birdwatching and Nature Walks: The area around Lamud is rich in flora and fauna, offering scenic hikes and natural beauty.

Facts about Quiocta Caverns, Chachapoyas

• Located at an altitude of around 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) above sea level.
• The cave system stretches for over 500 meters, though only certain parts are open to tourists.
• Used by the Chachapoya people as a sacred burial site.
• Local guides rent rubber boots due to the cave’s muddy interior and shallow streams.
• The caves are formed from sedimentary limestone shaped over millions of years by underground water flow.

Tips for Visiting Quiocta Caverns, Chachapoyas

• Wear waterproof boots: The caves are muddy and wet, especially during the rainy season.
• Bring your own headlamp: Although guides offer flashlights, having your own headlamp frees your hands and helps with visibility.
• Hire a guide: They not only help navigate but also explain the history and geology of the site.
• Dress in layers: The cave interior is cold, but the hike to the entrance can be warm.
• Be cautious inside: Walk carefully on slippery ground and avoid touching fragile formations.
• Respect the sacred space: Do not disturb any bones or artifacts you may see inside.

Visiting Quiocta Caverns offers a rare blend of nature and culture. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, mysterious landscapes, and insights into the lives of ancient Peruvian civilizations.