Yalape was a key site for the Chachapoyas along with Kuelap in Amazonas. These places date back around 900 years. Like most Chachapoya structures, it is in a hard-to-reach area. It is notable on Puma Urco mountain, near a deep abyss in the cloud forest.
Most Chachapoya buildings were circular, however, Yalape had a fortified archeological complex plan. It could have been an urban center as you’ll find at least 250 circular structures. Some historians think they are for heavenly worship, but this is still controversial. A little piece is rectangular, composed entirely of stone joined with mud mortar.
These structures included "Ornamental Friezes." They often had rhombuses and zigzags, these shapes were part of the Chachapoya worldview.
Their gods were diverse, and the motifs reflected their beliefs. For example, rhombuses were for the Puma's eye, and zigzags were for the snake.
It is in the Amazonas area. It is in Chachapoyas province. It is in the Levanto district. It sits at an elevation of about 2238 meters.
To reach Yalape, leave Chachapoyas early in the morning returning about noon after a 21-kilometer trip. Let’s see 2 ways to reach this site:
By Public Transportation: The minivans that connect Chachapoyas and Levanto leave from the terminal on Cuarto Centenario Street, seven blocks west of Plaza de Armas. It is a good idea to ask the driver for an estimated departure time and arrive a bit early. If you are unable to get transportation, any farmer will gladly give you a ride back to Chachapoyas by hitchhiking.
A private tour option offered by Chachapoyas tourism firms is a good idea. They may charge between 60 and 80 soles per person and may include lunch in Levanto. They provide the advantage of round-trip transportation in comfortable automobiles.
Remember that Viagens Machu Picchu offers tours to Amazonas and its surroundings, such as Yalape. See more info about our destinations to Amazonas and Peru here.
Yalape's climate is temperate and warm, with significant humidity. The best time to visit is between May and October for drier weather, however it can rain all year.
