Chachapoyas, Peru
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Chachapoyas is a historic town located in the cloud forest of Peru’s Amazonas region, often referred to as La Ceja de la Selva—“the eyebrow of the jungle.” Situated in the selva alta, or high jungle, Chachapoyas lies above the Amazon Basin and is shaped by a unique microclimate that supports tropical cloud forests, which account for only 2.5% of the world’s tropical forests.
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The town takes its name from the Chachapoyas, a pre-Incan Indigenous civilization. In Quechua, the name is commonly translated as “the Cloud Warriors,” reflecting their reputation for strength and fierce resistance to the Incan Empire, which they successfully evaded for many years.
Despite their historical significance, relatively little is known about the Chachapoyan people. Their original language, self-identification, and many aspects of their culture remain unknown. However, archaeological evidence suggests that the Chachapoyas civilization was highly advanced, with sophisticated architecture, burial practices, and social organization that distinguish them from other pre-Incan societies.
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Today, the archaeological sites associated with the Chachapoyas culture have become major tourism destinations, rivaling Machu Picchu in both scale and significance. This documentary photo essay explores the relationship between the modern town of Chachapoyas and its surrounding archaeological landscapes, highlighting the cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of growing tourism in the region. This photo essay would not have been possible without the guidance and support of Peter Lerche.
