In 1996, on a sheer cliffside above a dark glacial lagoon in Leymebamba, researchers uncovered more than 200 intact mummies belonging to the Chachapoya and Inca nobility. Today, that very sanctuary—the Lake of the Condors (or Lake of the Mummies)—remains the most demanding, mystical, and rewarding multi-day wilderness expedition in northern Peru.
The Traverse: 3 Days of Deep Solitude in Nature
The route commences in the mountain town of Leymebamba (2,200 m a.s.l.), climbs historic pack trails up to the windswept Andean highland pass of La Fila at almost 3,800 m, and plunges steeply down into primary cloud forest where thick mud, roots, and hanging moss demand full focus with every stride.
Day 1: The Ascent & Descent
Departure from Leymebamba, cross high-altitude paramo, and descend through cloud forest to the lakeside expedition cabin (8 to 10 hours of active trekking).
Day 2: The Sacred Mausoleums
Cross the black lagoon in a rustic wooden boat and ascend with safety harnesses to the funerary niches perched high up in the limestone overhangs.
Fitness Requirements & Necessary Preparation
This expedition is not a casual stroll. It requires solid cardiovascular stamina and, above all, the mental grit to handle wet trail conditions, daily rain, and deep mud. At Exploor, we organize this journey exclusively with:
- Certified wilderness guides with WFA (Wilderness First Aid) accreditation.
- Native horsemen and pack horses for carrying expedition equipment, tents, and provisions.
- Mountain trauma kits and satellite communication devices.
- High-energy, nutritious field meals cooked fresh daily on location.
"Rowing across the mirror lake at dawn with the mist lifting from the black waters and looking up at the intact mausoleums where Chachapoya ancestors slept undisturbed is a life-changing encounter." — Yelsin García, Exploor Founder
Yelsin García
Licensed Tour Guide · Exploor Founder"Living in Chachapoyas since 2017 and leading over 150 expeditions across the region. My goal in writing these articles is for you to know the real conditions on the ground before arriving, without exaggerated promises and with full technical transparency."
