Sarcophagi of Karajia

About

The Sarcophagi of Karajia date from sometime between the 11th and 15th centuries when the Chachapoyas ruled over the northern Peru territories. In the Chachapoyan culture, when the highest ranking members died, they were mummified and put in sarcophagi, which would be decorated according to rank and gender. The sarcophagi would then be place somewhere facing the rising sun, close to rivers and lakes, in small groups of 4 to 8. The approximately 80 minute hike is a test of the muddy elements, but make sure to take your binoculars, as the difficult to reach position has prevented grave robbers and tourists from disturbing the tombs.