Revash – Chachapoya Mausoleums in the Cliffs of Amazonas

Revash at a glance

The archaeological site of Revash is located near the annex of San Bartolo in the Santo Tomás district, Luya province. The mausoleums were built by the Chachapoya during the Late Intermediate Period, roughly between 1100 and 1470 AD.

The burial architecture is protected under rock overhangs. It is precisely this location that makes Revash so unusual: the structures seem to cling to the rock face, resembling miniature houses with their facades, gables, and small openings.

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Why it's worth a visit

Revash combines archaeology with an impressive mountain landscape. Unlike large ruined cities, the focus here is not on the scale of the site, but on the unique form of burial culture. The red and cream-colored facades and geometric symbols are clearly visible from a distance.

Those who have already visited Karajía will find a second, entirely different insight into how the Chachapoya treated their dead: while anthropomorphic sarcophagi dominate there, here you find multi-story communal mausoleums.

Archaeological highlights

MINCETUR describes Revash as a complex with two sectors. In the first area, there are five rectangular structures with one to three levels and heights of up to approximately 3.5 meters. The second area includes eight structures with one to two levels and heights up to approximately 2.5 meters.

Construction was carried out using small stones and mud mortar. The exterior surfaces were plastered and designed in cream and red tones. Notable features include niches and openings of various shapes, as well as the preserved gables. The roofs originally consisted of wooden elements held together with plant fibers.

Chachapoya burial culture

The location of the mausoleums high above the valley is no accident. Chachapoya graves were frequently established on hard-to-reach cliffs or in protected niches. Revash was evidently intended for communal burials.

Historical investigations have unearthed human remains and numerous grave goods. Among the items documented were textiles, cords, feather objects, combs, necklaces, wooden and bone tools, ceramics, and musical instruments. These finds offer clues to the social and ritual significance of the site.

Research and conservation status

Important grave finds were documented at Revash as early as 1948. The Peruvian archaeologist Federico Kauffmann Doig later studied the site in 1983 and 1986, among other times. Since April 2, 2003, Revash has been protected as part of the Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

The state of preservation is officially classified as fair. Weather, animals, and the exposed location impact the building structure. Visitors should therefore not leave the designated paths and should never touch the sensitive structures.

Opening hours and entrance

According to the current MINCETUR registry, Revash is open year-round daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Tickets are issued through the Asociación de Turismo Revash.

Fees are S/ 15 for adults, S/ 8 for seniors and university students, and S/ 3 for children. People with disabilities receive free admission with a CONADIS card. Since local rates can change, it is recommended to confirm them briefly before your visit.

Practical tips

• Sturdy shoes are recommended for the hiking trail.
• Sun and rain protection belong in your daypack.
• Bring water; tourist infrastructure directly at the site is limited.
• The path can become slippery during heavy rain.
• For photos, a lens with some zoom capability is helpful because parts of the site cannot be accessed directly.