Kuélap Fortress
Our Kuélap fortress tour rides a cable car over the cloud forests to Kuélap, the monumental walled city of the Chachapoyas, built on a mountaintop with walls up to 20 meters high.
The citadel of the cloud warriors
Summary
Kuélap is one of the most impressive pre-Hispanic constructions in the Americas. Built by the Chachapoyas culture on a mountaintop, it is surrounded by enormous stone walls that reach up to 20 meters high in some sections.
On the Kuélap fortress tour, you take the Kuélap cable car, which crosses the Utcubamba valley in about 20 minutes, while you enjoy spectacular views of the cloud forests and mountains. Then you walk to the entrance of the archaeological site.
Inside, there are remains of hundreds of circular buildings decorated with diamond and zigzag friezes, evidence of a civilization that ruled these mountains before the Incas. If you have more days in Chachapoyas, the Gocta Waterfall and the Karajía sarcophagi complete the region’s highlights.
Highlights
Itinerary
08:00 - 08:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Chachapoyas before the drive.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the drive to the cable car station by tourist transportation.
08:30 - 10:00
Transfer to Nuevo Tingo
Drive through the Utcubamba River valley while your guide introduces the region.
We drive through the Utcubamba River valley until we reach the cable car station in Nuevo Tingo.
10:00 - 10:30
Kuélap cable car
Flying over the valley, especially impressive above the cloud forests.
Then you board the cable car, which crosses the valley high above with panoramic views of the mountains and forests, until you reach the station near the fortress.
10:30 - 11:00
Walk to the fortress
Trail to the entrance of Kuélap.
Later, we walk along a trail to the main entrance of the fortress, where the guided tour begins.
11:00 - 13:00
Guided tour of Kuélap
Walls, circular structures and friezes.
We explore the open sectors of the fortress, with its monumental walls, circular buildings and decorative friezes, while your guide explains the history of the Chachapoyas.
13:00 - 14:30
Cable car back and lunch
Descent and lunch in the valley.
Then we return by cable car to Nuevo Tingo and have lunch at a local restaurant in the valley.
14:30 - 16:30
Return to Chachapoyas
Return by tourist transportation when the tour ends.
Finally, we return to Chachapoyas and drop you off at your hotel.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Chachapoyas
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Round-trip cable car ticket
- Entrance to the Kuélap Fortress
- Lunch
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Drinks and snacks
- Horse for the trail (optional)
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Comfortable layered clothing
Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
Hiking shoes with good grip
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Water and snacks
Cash for personal expenses
Passport or identification document
Weather
The Amazonas region has a mild, humid climate, with temperatures between 12 and 23 °C. The cloud forests can be covered in mist; also, rain is possible at any time, especially from November to April.
Best season
The tours operate all year. From May to October the roads are drier and views clearer; however, in the rainy season the trails can be muddy.
Recommendations
The areas open to visitors inside the fortress depend on the circuits enabled by the Ministry of Culture for its conservation. Also, the cable car may temporarily suspend service for maintenance or weather conditions.
Gallery
FAQ
Who built Kuélap?
The Chachapoyas culture, also known as the cloud warriors, who lived in the cloud forests of northeastern Peru before the arrival of the Incas.
How long is the cable car ride?
On the Kuélap fortress tour, the cable car ride takes about 20 minutes each way, including spectacular views of the Utcubamba valley.
How demanding is the tour?
The Kuélap fortress tour is moderate, because the walk between the cable car and the fortress has slopes and takes place at around 3,000 meters.
Can the whole fortress be explored?
The visit follows the circuits enabled by the Ministry of Culture, which may vary depending on conservation work.
How do I get to Chachapoyas?
You can fly to Jaén and continue by road or, when available, take a direct flight to Chachapoyas. Also, we can arrange your transfers.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.
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