Chachapoyas recommendations

Hi! I’m planning a trip to Chachapoyas in September and I’d really appreciate some local advice.

I’ll be staying in Chachapoyas for several days and I’m trying to decide which excursions are worth booking with a local tour operator and which ones are easy enough to do independently using public transport, colectivos or local taxis.

The places I’m considering are:

Kuélap

Gocta Waterfall

Karajía

Yalape

Sonche

Revash and the Leymebamba Museum

Yumbilla Waterfall

birdwatching / hummingbird sites, especially the Marvelous Spatuletail

I’m particularly interested in archaeology, nature, wildlife and birds, rather than simply ticking off as many tourist attractions as possible.

I’m also travelling with my partner, who may have some difficulty with long or demanding hikes, so I’d like to know which walks are particularly

strenuous.

Could anyone recommend reliable local tour operators in Chachapoyas, and perhaps suggest which of these excursions you would book as a tour and which ones you would do independently?

I’d also be very grateful for advice about getting to places such as Gocta, Yumbilla, Kuélap or Leymebamba by public transport and arranging local taxis when necessary.

I’m trying to avoid spending money on tours where they aren’t really necessary, but I’m happy to pay for a good guide or organised transport when it genuinely makes the experience better or the logistics are difficult.

Any recommendations from people who know the area well would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!