Supay Punku

 

Supay Punku is a very isolated place, only reachable by walking through the river. In the middle of pure forest, you’ll find these “Gates of the Devil”, an impressive narrow canyon of which the walls lean in to each other, 100 meters above you.

 

In the same area you’ll find an otherworldly lagoon that awaits the visitor who is daring enough to climb a 3 meter cascade, the only way to reach the base of the 100 meter Paradise Fall.

 

The whole area is of the greenest possible cloud forest, where you can spot peculiar birds like the Cock of the Rock (the “Tunqui”, symbol of the High Amazon) and a bird the locals call Quetzal (the blue-crowned motmot).

 

The walk itself is pretty heavy, as you often have to walk through the river and the pieces of trail there are involve some difficult climbs. On the more relaxing side, the crystal-clear river forms the most beautiful natural pools. A small extra is that you might find fossils of seashells in the rocks on the riverbed.

 

Ways to visit

 

Step one is getting to Suapi, the village at the base. There are several ways: with a taxi (2h30, at least 350 Bs.), with public transport (Go to the Puente Mururata and wait for a vehicle there. On weekends there is transport from Coroico, see Services – Public Transport). On foot it’s a full day’s walk and with a bike it’ll take you 4 to 6 hours, with some heavy climbs and spectacular descents on the way.

In Supay Punku you need a guide, either from Coroico or Suapi. You can visit Supay Punku and the falls in one day, but then you have to leave Suapi before 7.30 am. Most people only visit Supay Punku itself, but there are two hotels on the village plaza (one cheap, one luxurious) for those who want to do both or go on to Kilo Kilo the next day (see the next chapter). Tío Chalo is a good hotel, but you have to call ahead (to 71555725).