Sarcophagi of Karajía
Sarcófagos de Karajía
A row of human-shaped clay-and-stone sarcophagi, about 2.5 m tall, standing in a cliff niche with real human skulls placed on top. They are a hallmark of Chachapoya culture.
The Karajía sarcophagi sit on a cliff in Luya province. Six or seven human-shaped stone sarcophagi, locally called purunmachus, stand in niches on the cliff face. The tallest is about 2.5 m, modeled from mud, stone and wooden sticks, with faces turned toward the valley. Some have real human skulls placed on top. They date from around the 15th century and are well preserved thanks to their precipitous location. From the parking area at Cruzpata village, it takes about 30 minutes downhill to reach the viewpoint, and the return climb is tiring. The sarcophagi are usually combined with the Quiocta caves as a day trip. Admission is low.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Quiocta Cave
- Huaylla Belén Valley
- Pueblo de los Muertos
- Sonche Canyon
- Chachapoyas Cathedral
- Plaza de Armas Chachapoyas
- Yalape
- Gocta Waterfall