Revash Mausoleums

Revash is a necropolis built by the Chachapoyas Culture, located within the jurisdiction of the province of Luya, in the city of Chachapoyas and the Department of Amazonas. Today, the Revash Mausoleums are recognized as one of the main attractions of this region, alongside the Kuelap Archaeological Site, the Gocta Waterfall, and the mummies at the Leymebamba Museum.

This archaeological site was created by the Chachapoya culture and consists of collective sepulchres built to give rest to powerful and prestigious individuals. These tombs are located in natural caves or carved into the rock face of an imposing ravine, at 2,800 meters above sea level.

Although the mausoleums are in excellent condition, the mummies that were once kept in these niches have unfortunately been removed and stolen. It should also be noted that criminal acts committed by some irresponsible visitors have led to the prohibition of direct access to the site. Currently, visitors are only permitted to observe the mausoleums from below.

Architecture

According to the renowned Peruvian anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian Federico Kaufman Doig, the Revash Mausoleum is a replica of a house used by the ancient Chachapoyas. This theory is reinforced when examining the architecture, which resembles a miniature city. Among the architectural features of this burial site, notable elements include buildings with gabled roofs and rectangular T-shaped and cross-shaped windows. These structures have no front entrances — their openings are on the sides.

Another remarkable detail are the notable rock paintings that appear on the walls of the Revash mausoleums. These paintings depict llamas, circles, and ceremonial symbols that are difficult to decipher, predominantly featuring the color red. Although there are several theories as to why the tombs were built into the rock face, the most prominent is that the dead were buried there as an offering to the Apus — the mountain deities that must be worshipped and respected.

You can spot these mausoleums all along the mountainside, so it’s a good idea to bring binoculars. Today they remain nearly intact thanks to the cave that shelters and protects them, and their inaccessible location — though the mummies once found inside were looted. According to guides, entering the tombs is strictly prohibited, but photographs can be taken from a distance of about 50 meters. Perhaps the Chachapoyas wished to rest at the summit of the mountain that was their Apus, from where they could watch over the entire valley and their descendants. These are the most prestigious of the dead, laid to rest in these collective homes.

How to Get There

Chachapoyas - San Bartolo

Bus: approx. 2 hours 10 minutes

San Bartolo - Revash

Hike: approx. 25 minutes

Hours

• Monday - Sunday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Approximate schedule

Admission Price

• Adults S/15.00 soles
• Preferential S/8.00 soles
• Students S/3.00 soles
• Approximate prices

Tourist Activities

Enjoy a wonderful view from the lookout point.

Trekking to the village of San Bartolo.

Take photographs of the mausoleums and surrounding area of Revash.