KARAJIA
Karajia is one of the other top sites in the Chachapoyas area. It is an astounding collection of six sarcophagi that are 1000-1300 years old and perched high up a cliff eerily staring at the valley and river below. They include clearly visible skulls above two of them, thought to be warriors with their “prize” staying with them. They are about 8’ tall, and in pristine condition with the painted faces and garments still intact. Now, this is an area of constant landslides due to unstable rock and torrential rains, yet, that long ago the Chachapoyas’ figured out that placing them in a recession in the cliff face would protect them and it has done that for all of this time. And, their total inaccessibility has also protected them from vandals and or grave robbers. Outstanding site, and only a 35 minute walk through picturesque fields to reach the viewing area.
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| On the way up to Karajia |
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| Villagers spinning the wool before weaving. |
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| Well, there they are, after 35 minutes walk. Totally inaccessible which surely saved them from damage. |
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| A close up. Note the skulls above two of them. |
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| Yes, that is a skull and an arm or leg bone to the right. |
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| Thanks to having a guide, we walked further and turned around and here are more sarcophagi. 50” right above the main viewing area, but hidden unless you go further. |
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| A close up from directly below. |
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| OK, proof that I was there. This one was easy. 7,500′ elevation, but only about 350′ elevation change to get here. |
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| Maybe why the entrance fee was only about $1.25 as we shared the trail with the cows and such. My previous Indian experience taught me to not stand directly behind them in case they decide to relieve themselves. My German translator was not aware of this fact, so I was able to provide good education here. |
The skulls are 1000 years old? Amazing that is all in such good condition. Look forward to seeing your Amazon pictures.