La Chocta
La Chocta, also known in the area as Las Chulpas, is situated close to Oxamarca (73 km from Celendín, two and a half hours, but it depends a lot on the condition of the road and your vehicle, of course).
With private transportation it's posible to visit from Celendín in one day. Using public transportation you will have to stay a night in Oxamarca.
La Chocta is a beautiful place, almost on top of a mountain, 3000 m, with a wide view. You can see deep down the Marañon-river, and the tops of the cordillera all around.
By car you can drive a bit up towards the Chulpas from Oxamarca, but in contradiction with what a lot of people on the way tell you, it's still a long walk. Taking your time, it's possible in 3 hours from where the car can't continue anymore (august 2006). From Oxamarca it should be maybe an hour more. But if you're in good shape, of course you can do it in less time!
To return to Oxamarca it's almost all the way down, so two hours, two and a half should be enough. (Times are just mentioned to get an idea, please don't take them too strict!) In conclusion, if you have your own transportation, try to leave early enough from Celendín (6 am would be a good idea) to have enough time for the walk and visiting the Chulpas. In Oxamarca you can buy water and food, but on the way there's nothing to be found anymore.
The Chulpas are various small houses/towers with roofs. Some have two floors. You can find at least twelve of them spread over the area. They are pre-Inca and probably a sanctuary.
At the Chulpas you need an hour or two, if not only for the chulpas, also for the nice view.
Last changes: 15-3-09© Q'espe design © Fotos Susan van der Wielen