Carajía, Pre-Inca burial site in Utcubamba Valley, Peru
Carajía is an archaeological site featuring eight clay sarcophagi positioned on a cliff face above the Utcubamba River gorge. These structures stand several meters tall and are decorated with white, yellow, and red pigments depicting stylized feathered garments.
These graves were built by the Chachapoya in the 15th century and represent some of their oldest burial practices. Seven of the original structures have survived intact, while one was damaged by natural forces over the centuries.
The sarcophagi reflect Chachapoya burial customs, with ceramic offerings and animal skins that show how the community honored their deceased. Visitors can observe these ritual practices in the objects left inside, revealing the spiritual beliefs of these highland people.
Access requires a steep 20-minute walk from the nearest accessible point, so sturdy footwear and basic fitness are essential. The dry season offers the best conditions for visiting, with safer footing and clearer views.
The sarcophagi were built directly into the cliff face rather than placed in separate chambers, an unusual construction method for pre-Columbian Andean burials. This exposed placement allowed families to visit and maintain the graves with ease.
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