SACHAPUYO — Hotel in Valera

Wow we had the best time ever! We had interned to stay at the Gocta Andes Lodge but could not get a reservation for the first night of our stay and decided to stay at the ||Albergue Sachapuyo for our first night only. Upon arrival we were so charmed by the algergue and its owner, Rafael, that we immediately canceled our reservation at the lodge for the next night. The algergue had the same view as the fancy hotel but had more way more heart and soul. We fell in love with Rafael who was a most kind, caring and attentive host and a very interesting and artistic person....really an exceptional human being. His place has an elegant simplicity and was decorated with artifacts handcrafted by local artisans. The showers were hot and the towels fluffy. The twin beds were comfortable and of high quality. A hearty and delicious breakfast was beautifully served on a huge outdoor table with a distractingly breathtaking view of the falls. His kitchen is filled with a bounty of complementary organic fruits (including dragon fruit!!!), vegetables and local coffee (no es nescafe!). If you are really lucky perhaps Rafael will make you a delicious bowl of caldo de trucha. If you are in the Chachapoyas area our advice is not to get herded to the falls on a day tour but to spend the night and to hike up to the falls before in advance of the tour groups. If you do come for the night forgo the lodge (its right next door and you can go there for a gourmet dinner) and allow yourself the luxury of being hosted and pampered by Rafael. I promise you a treasured experience in a not to missed missed magical setting that is truly on the the top 10 wonders of the...

Rafael is the most hospitable, considerate, helpful host you will ever meet.||||He helped us with everything. From getting from Jaen Airport to his place, to getting up to Cuispes for our hike, to advice on where to go, to offering us drinks, to the breakfasts prepared every morning ... etc .etc.||||We started our Amazonas trip at his place. What a perfect place and experience to start our trip!||||The location is amazing. What a view! You just have to sit and enjoy it. ||||In some ways, Cocachimba is a better location than Chachapoyas. It is fairly close to the main road in the Utcubamba River valley. Chachapoyas is very high up and takes at least 30-45 minutes to descend into the valley. If you are not a tour/tour bus person, you can easily get to Luya/Lamud area from here and save some time. ||||We spent 3 nights here and visited Gocta and Yumbilla Falls during the 2 full days. Both were well worth...

During the pandemic Rafael has added an extra floor to the albergue. When we arrived at the entrance the place didn't look so great because they haven't been able to maintain the garden during the pandemic. But the other side of the hotel is simply amazing : it has the best view of the waterfalls. All the rooms have a terrace that looks out onto the falls. There is also an extremely nice and comfy terrace/breakfast room where you can also stay in the evenings (and play on Rafael's guitar). Tastily furnished with local artesania. Comfort of the rooms is 100% (maybe add an extra reading bedside light ?). Great breakfast. Great advice for tours and walks. Internet not extremely strong but still OK. Unfortunately during the pandemic they do not serve food in...