Peru is one of the most strongly Catholic countries in the world, and efforts of the conquistadors in converting native populations seem to have been successful. However, this does not mean that indigenous beliefs have been completely abandoned. In many highland towns shaman are common, and people will travel from miles around to get their advice. Witchcraft is also common in many areas, and many people believe in the power of such witches. Near Chachapoyas there are several towns where witches are still believed to live. There are stories of a woman who flies out of her window every night to meet with the devil. And there is a man who reputedly sold his son?s life to the devil in exchange for a life span of 150 years. Throughout the country, and especially in the north, there are many markets where strange items are for sale used for making potions. One of the most interesting of these is the Mercado Modelo in Chiclayo, where all sorts of animal parts are for sale. Wandering round these sections of the markets is a very interesting experience.
The vast majority of attractions in the area lie outside of Chachapoyas, although the city is pretty and an interesting place to wander around. There is a pleasant Plaza de Armas, with the town hall and cathedral on one side. The Señor de Burgos y Santa Ana church (*) has a fine colonial interior, and was the first church in this style to be built by the Spaniards. The INC Museum (*) has a small collection of ceramics and a head of one of the tombs from Karajía. The small village of Huancas, close to Chachapoyas, has some pretty views of the surrounding area.
Near the city is the Pampas de Higos Urco, where the battle of the same name was fought before San Martín declared independence. A small square commemorates the battle. Also on the outskirts of town, near the airport, are the Grutas de Santa Lucía, where there are some beautiful orchid nurseries.
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