Cavernas de Quiocta

Useful Information

Location:	+51041, Lámud, Peru. 40km northwest of Chachapoyas. (-6.1391283, -77.9905305)
Open:	All year Mo, Wed-Sun 8:30-15:30. [2025]
Fee:	Adults PEN 25, Children PEN 10, Children (0-4) free, Disabled free, Peruvian PEN 15. [2025]
Classification:	Karst Cave
Light:	LED
Dimension:	L=545 m, VR=26 m, A=2,790 m asl.
Guided tours:	guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Cavernas de Quiocta, +51041, Lámud, Tel: +51-973-812-141.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

02-APR-2003	cave declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation by Directorial National Resolution N°196/INC.
~2023	cave developed with electric light and elevated trails, closed for tours.
13-MAY-2024	show cave inaugurated.

Description

Cavernas de Quiocta (Quiocta Caves) is the first illuminated cave of Peru, equipped with a new light system and metal walkways. The cave was declared a Cultural Heritage of Peru because of the archaeological discoveries in the entrance section. The Chachapoyas culture used the cave before the Incas. There are cave paintings and excavations revealed human remains, it was the cemetery of the Chachapoyas nobility. The human bones, ceramics, and artifacts are now preserved at the Lámud Museum. The cave was well known to the Chachapoyas but was later forgotten. It was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century by peasants who collected orchids.

Only a few years ago the visit of the cave required gum boots, helmet and light which were provided. The cave was gated to protect the archaeological remains and a guide was mandatory, which is quite fortunate for the conservation of the site. But the cave was quite dirty, and even if there were no difficulties it was obviously not for everyone. However, the entrance section was well developed with stone stairs and a massive wall closing the cave portal long ago. It seems the cave was developed as a real show cave in or around 2023, when a modern light system and elevated trails were installed. So it became the first real show cave of Peru.

The best time to visit the cave is obviously in the dry season which is between May and October. Inside the cave there is no difference, but it’s much easier to reach the cave. The last 20 km of road to the cave are in a very bad state. Typically, the cave is visited on day trips to the sacred sarcophagi of Karajía, which are just 10 kilometers away. On such trips anything is organized, they are offered by most agencies in Chachapoyas.