
1 / 10Revash Mausoleums and Museum of Leymebamba Full-Day Tour from Chachapoyas
About this activity
Explore two of Peru's most significant pre-Columbian sites in a single day: the striking multi-storey Revash Mausoleums with their distinctive red-and-cream painted facade, and the Leymebamba Museum housing 240 remarkably preserved mummies from the Chachapoyas culture. This full-day immersion combines archaeological wonder with regional history and cloud forest landscapes.
We drive to the town of San Bartolo, where our adventure begins with a walk to the Mausoleums of Revash. These remarkable constructions of funeral homes are nestled at the foothills of massive rocks and are painted in striking red and cream colors, resembling small houses. Some mausoleums reach up to three stories high and feature gable roofs with T-shaped, cross-shaped, and square windows. From a vantage point about 100 meters away, we will have a strategic view to fully appreciate this intricate funerary complex.
After exploring the mausoleums, we will enjoy a delightful lunch. Our journey continues to the Centro Mallqui, also known as the Leymebamba Museum. The museum’s design replicates local architectural traditions, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. The rich and varied flora embellishes the surrounding gardens, showcasing over 100 varieties of local orchids.
Inside the museum, we will encounter a valuable collection of 240 mummies discovered in the Lagoon of the Condors. This collection provides an extraordinary glimpse into the past and the ancient customs of the Chachapoyas culture. Join us for a day filled with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, offering an unforgettable experience that immerses you in the rich heritage of the region.
Highlights
- ✓Walk among three-storey painted mausoleums with T-shaped and cross-shaped windows carved into cliff faces
- ✓View 240 pre-Columbian mummies in the Centro Mallqui museum, one of Peru's richest mortuary collections
- ✓Explore over 100 varieties of native orchids in the museum's botanical gardens
- ✓Learn about ancient Chachapoyas funerary practices and daily life through artefacts and displays
- ✓Enjoy lunch and guided commentary from local experts familiar with regional archaeology
Insider tips
- ★The 100-meter vantage point offers the best photography angle for the mausoleums—bring a zoom lens or arrive early to avoid shadow
- ★The Leymebamba Museum's orchid collection peaks during rainy season (May–September); visit gardens before entering to catch blooms
- ★Ask your guide about the Lagoon of the Condors backstory—the mummies' discovery there adds context to what you'll see inside
Good to know
- •Total duration is 10 hours including transport from Chachapoyas; wear comfortable hiking boots for uneven terrain around the mausoleums
- •Lunch is included; inform the operator of dietary requirements in advance
- •The museum is at moderate altitude; acclimatisation recommended if arriving recently from lower elevations
- •Roads can be muddy during rainy season; dry season (June–August) offers clearer trails and better views
Who it's for
Best time to visit
Dry season (June–August) provides the clearest skies, safest hiking conditions, and best visibility of the mausoleums from the vantage point. Early morning departures maximise daylight and photo opportunities.











