The Utcubamba Valley in northern Peru houses the remains of an empire older than the Incas. The empire was home to the Chachapoyas Culture, which left a legacy of their former power. We’re talking about the Kuelap Fortress.
This archeological wonder of the Amazon region was a walled city used for military purposes and an administrative complex built by the Chachapoyas culture more than 500 years ago. However, some people and scholars think that Kuelap was used as a solar observatory as well.
Climbing to the summit of Cerro Barreta, you’ll see why Kuelap is a remarkable symbol of the strength and cleverness of one of the first civilizations in Peru. Many consider this citadel one of the most important pre-Columbian structures in America. It is defended by a tall, limestone perimeter wall that reaches up to 20 meters in height.
Researchers believe over 3000 people occupied the 400 rocky and fascinating buildings with circular structures and narrow entrances. The buildings served for ceremonies, homes, administration, and defense.
Nuevo Tingo is a charming village with panoramic views of the beautiful Utcubamba River valley. This village is nestled between the Andes and the jungle. Nuevo Tingo is also home to the cable car. This village gained popularity as it houses the Kuelap fortress, “ the northern Machu Picchu”.
Nuevo Tingo is a tiny village, around 1500 people inhabit the area. It is perfect for travelers who want to feel even closer to nature while staying away from the Chachapoyas. At an altitude of 1900 meters, days are warm and evenings are cool.
The night sky is filled with stars, and in the mornings, clouds rise dramatically over the surrounding mountains. Despite its size, the village has hotels and restaurants. It also has services such as a school, shops, a market, a pharmacy, a health center, and even a repair shop.
Before the Inca Empire took control of the region around 1470 CE, the Chachapoyas inhabited the area. During their invasion, the Incas attempted to exterminate the Chachapoyas, but they were unable to do so. The Chachapoyas were a hard-to-beat people, as they expressed resistance several times to being defeated by the Incas.
Around 1570, during the Spanish conquest of South America and Peru, its existence was totally ignored. The site was uncovered in 1843 by a Chachapoyas judge, Juan Crisostomo. He was doing land measurement work to resolve a dispute among the inhabitants of Tingo. While doing this work, he found the ruins of Kuelap on January 31, 1843.
A local resident told him where to look, and then Nieto organized a small expedition. It led them to discover one of the largest stone constructions in ancient Peru. However, the site didn't gain popularity until the 1980s. The site is still being studied by archaeologists today.
Keep in mind that you spend up to 7 hours walking through Kuelap citadel, however depending on where you are, the route from Chachapoyas to Kuelap takes two hours (71 km) by car or bus. Buses leave from the Chachapoyas bus terminal every 30 minutes. These vehicles usually stop at the citadel's entrance. They also stop at the cable car in Nueva Tingo.
The cable car was installed 7 years ago, in 2017, and thanks to that, local and international tourists can reach Kuelap with no issue. You need to purchase a ticket at the boarding station to take the cable car to the archaeological site. The Tingo Plaza de Armas is close to the station. After that, you can reach Platform 1, which is more than 2500 meters above sea level, with an -8-minute bus journey.
After that, you get on the cable cars, which have seating for eight people. After that, the fifteen-minute drive to the archaeological zone is made by car.
It takes roughly 20 minutes to travel more than 4000 meters of elevation on the Kuelap cable car system. This new enhancement eliminates the need to travel 90 minutes more on a twisting dirt route. Remember that the cable car is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on Tuesdays through Sundays. If you want to try the cable car, be sure not to visit on Mondays.
- Riding the cable car up: Since its opening, taking the cable car has been as enjoyable as exploring the sturdy stone structure. The fifteen-minute ride goes by quickly, and the cabins offer distinctive spots for unmatched pictures of the most beautiful outdoor surroundings.
- Take photos: Everything in the archaeological complex is perfect for taking pictures. From its cultural and architectural heritage to the breathtaking natural settings provided by the endless green and rugged mountains.
- Learn about the stronghold as you explore it. The enormous edifice serves as a reminder to everyone at home, particularly the younger generations, that Peru is more than just the Incas; there were equally great civilizations that came before them.
- Go to the center for interpretation: Before or after getting off the cable car, this is a stop you should make if you want to learn more about the area's history. Stroll around Nueva Tingo and take in the aerial view: You can finish this before or after your journey to Kuelap. The viewpoint and the charming square in the small village of Nueva Tingo are not to be missed.
- To add to the thrill, guests can rent horses at the Kuelap cable car station and ride them to the citadel. Adults and children can ride together.
- Know the cable car schedule: Cable cars do not run on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
- Bring cash: This tourist attraction, like the cable car journey, is not free, so make sure you have cash in the local currency. Entry to the fortress costs S/20.00 Nuevos Soles, as does the use of the cable car.
- Sun protection: Although the citadel includes trees to provide shade, many routes and locations of interest are exposed to the sun, so remember to carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Respect the signs: The site is well-marked, allowing tourists to traverse without getting lost. However, some places are prohibited owing to current restoration efforts.
- Be prepared for rain: The rainy season lasts around six months, from December to mid-April. Throughout the year, the weather varies quickly, even on sunny days.
- Hire a tour guide: While you can explore the site on your own for around 3 hours, hiring a tour guide will help you understand the walls' hidden secrets. Otherwise, the visit could be limited to simply looking at stones placed on top of one another.
- Carry your cable car ticket with you: You'll need it every time you board the cable car. If you lose it during your stay, you'll need to purchase a replacement before you may descend.
- Bring water: There will be a lot of walking, so bring water or other hydrating liquids. Additionally, wear comfy shoes, preferably sneakers.
The Fortress of Kuélap, often known as the "city in the clouds," is easily accessible. The journey from Chachapoyas to Kuélap takes two hours (71 kilometers) by car or bus, with departures every 30 minutes from the Chachapoyas transportation center. These vehicles stop at both the citadel's entrance and the cable car station in the district of Nueva Tingo in Luya Province.
To ascend to the stronghold by cable car, purchase your ticket at the boarding station near Tingo's Plaza de Armas. From there, a 10-minute bus ride will take you to Platform 1, which is 2,272 meters above sea level. At that point, you board cable cars with a maximum capacity of 8 seated people, which will transport you to the archaeological zone in 15 minutes.
Its climate varies throughout the year, from rainy days to sunny days with warm summers. The annual average temperature of Chachapoyas is 23°C. On the other hand, the lowest temperature is 13 C. The average annual rainfall is 2854mm, with occasional heavy rains.
Kuelap is fascinating, isn’t it? Viagens Machu Picchu is proud to offer tours to Kuelap, the cloud forest of Chachapoyas, and more pre-inca and Incas sites. Look at our destinations to see what Chachapoyas and Peru offer!
