Sam admiring Yumbilla Falls.
Read the testimony of Sam Watkins, a UK national living in Malaga, Spain, who travelled solo to Northern Peru in July 2022.
He stayed in the little-visited village of Cuispes, from where he visited Yumbilla, Cristal, Medio Cerro and Gocta waterfall.
He did a day trip to El Tigre Sarcophagi; and finished by visiting the Chachapoya citadel of Yalape (in lieu of Kuelap that was closed owing to restoration work).
The last night was spent in Chachapoyas city prior to flying out of the local airport the next day; and much of the transport was by mototaxi, in order to keep costs down:
“I had a great time with PeruNorth, I feel happy having recommended it to my friend …but if I were to do it again I would give myself a few days to recover from my trek [Choquequirao] as I was exhausted.”
What was your favourite cultural destination in the itinerary?
Sarcophagi [El Tigre]. It surprised me as I thought I wouldn't enjoy it but the trip was really worth the effort.
The remarkable Chachapoya sarcophagi at El Tigre.
What was your favourite natural destination in the itinerary?
Who was your guide? How did they perform?
Sheila, she was great. She knew loads about each area we were going to, kept me informed, was proactive and a great person to be around. She was Fun, happy and really helpful during the trip, especially when I needed to organise a covid test last minute for my flight. I can't say enough good things about her, really excellent.
Which was your favourite accommodation and why?
Hotel casona monsante, before my trip with Peru north I had been camping for 5 days. I wanted the best hotel at that point to be honest.
Which was your favourite dish?
Big fan of chaufa [Peruvian-Chinese egg fried rice].
Did you lose or gain weight over the course of the holiday!?
Nope, I stayed the same weight.
What forms of transport did you use? Pros/cons?
Everything was fine, but I really do hate mototaxis now. :D
Sam at a lookout over Gocta Falls at start of hike.
Did your itinerary involve any hiking? How would you rate it in terms of difficulty?
For me all the hiking was easy.
What was the most pointless item in your luggage!?
don't know, think I used everything.
Conversely I can tell you that the most useful item in my luggage was the Grayl water filter bottle.
What was your favourite natural encounter?
Seeing a condor was pretty cool
Did you suffer any insect bites? Other physical discomforts?
yeah few mosquitos bites and sore feet as this trip was after 5 days of choquequirao hiking
Did you have much interaction with locals? Where and how did this occur?
Yes I did but I can speak fluent spanish so it makes it a lot easier. Anywhere I had a free moment or moment of rest with new people I tend to chat. the policemen, villagers, tourist office, owner of Yumbilla eco Lodge - Edith.
Did you feel your money was going to local businesses and people?
Yep
Did you notice any areas where environmental practices could be improved?
Not on the tour, I don't see how that could be more environmentally friendly. But obviously south america in itself has big environmental problems.
There is a large problem with single-use plastics in peru, lots of cultural sites are not that well protected from trespassers.
For some great drone photography of Sam’s trip, click here.