Chachapoyas
Located in northeastern Peru, in the Amazons region, 72 km (44 Miles) from the city of Chachapoyas, the regional capital, KUELAP is an ancient stone fortress built strategically on a ridge looking out over the Utcubamba Valley. It is one of the most important archaeological monuments of the Americas.
Kuelap was discovered in 1843. It was built around the 9th century by the pre-Inca culture of Chachapoyas, in a difficult terrain of the cloud forest. The citadel covers an area around 6 hectares with some 420 circular buildings that included a watchtower and a castle. The defense walls are very impressive, reaching 25 meters *82 ft) in height, with three points of access shaped like funnels, that only one person can enter at a time. Kuelap includes an area for camping that provide spectacular views.
Kuelap is one of the new jewels that Peru has to offer to the world. Amazing waterfalls and huge green mountains combined with pre-Hispanic sites like the fortress of Kuelap; make it an unmissed opportunity that only privileged tourists can reach.
Discover Kuelap
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 2, Kuelap: Breakfast We will head off to Kuelap, a major archeological site built by the Chachapoyas. It is a massive stone structure located at the top of a 3000-meter-tall mountain. It is located on the left bank of the Uctubamba River in the Province of Luya. Experts place its construction at around 1000 A.D., which coincides with the golden age of the Chachapoyas culture. In their native language, Kuelap means “cold place”, and while this site is in the rainforest, it enjoys a temperate climate, dry during the day with extreme drops in temperature at night. Though some scholars believe Kuelap was a fortress, Peruvian archeologist Federico Kauffmann Doig claims it was a hub for managing food production and for religion. Some think it was merely a fortified city. Overnight in Chachapoyas.
Day 1, Chachapoyas: Upon our arrival in Chachapoyas, we will meet the local staff that will assist with luggage and will drive us to the hotel for check-in procedures.
Overnight in Chachapoyas.
Day 4, Chachapoyas: Breakfast, on due time, we will be driven the bus station or airport for the next destination.
Day 3, Chachapoyas: Breakfast, day at Leisure; check the optional tours. Overnight in Chachapoyas.
Optional Tours
