The ancient Amazonian Machupicchu – Kuelap

Today we will enter one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse regions of Peru and I am talking about the Peruvian jungle, we will meet an ancient people, older than the Incas and I am talking about the Chachapoyas, these were great warriors of the jungle that at some point in history came to confront the Incas. _kuelap
And so we begin our adventure “Kuelap, the ancient Amazonian Machupicchu“.

Location

This fortress is located in the region of Amazonas, province of Luya in the north of Peru; an obligatory stop for those traveler friends who love nature, are interested in outdoor sports and are enthusiastic to know the history of this area of the country.

The impressive construction is located at 3000 m.a.s.l. Surprising, isn’t it? The people responsible for the construction of this enigmatic city, which has administrative, religious, ceremonial and even residential spaces.

Strategically located city, guarded by walls, surrounded by dense nature and beautiful landscapes, perfect for photographs, one could say.

Kuelap

Kuelap, which is a walled citadel that sits high in the mountains and dates back to the 6th century AD. Today it is considered one of the masterpieces built by the Chachapoyas culture in the entire region.

Kuelap settlement housed about 3,000 people, peaking between 9th and 12th centuries, constructing most structures during this time.

Before the 16th-century prosperity, the Incas conquered the city, followed by the arrival of the Spanish. Three centuries later, someone rediscovered the site by accident after it had been abandoned.

All routes lead to Kuelap

Viejeros there are 3 ways to get to Kuelap, today I present them to you

Trekking

If you are a lover of hiking this option is ideal for you traveler, you should know that this hike takes about 4 hours, so you should anticipate the altitude sickness because this fortress is located at 3000 meters above sea level.

There are 9 kilometers where you will enjoy the green and lush vegetation characteristic of the area as well as interesting species.

Telefericos

In 2017, the cable car line was inaugurated, departing from Nuevo Tingo. The journey in these cabins takes approximately 20 minutes until reaching the destination.

The cost of this service is S/.20,40 these must be paid in cash and in Peruvian currency.

The Kuelap cable cars operate from 8 am to 4 pm.

By Bus

How to get to Kuélap by car. From Chachapoyas you can also go to Kuélap by a dirt road. It takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes to go all the way.

5 Top places to visit

Gocta Waterfall

For lovers of waterfalls I leave a vip datazo, considered the highest waterfall in Peru and the third highest in the world an incomparable beauty and a must-see destination on the way to Kuelap.

Gocta has 2 waterfalls: the first of 231 m. high and the second, 540 meters, discovered by Stefan Ziemendorff, who on his way to visit some sarcophagi in the area noticed its existence.

Sarcophagi of Karajía

They are sarcophagi or tombs of the Chachapoyas culture or also called as the famous “Purunmachus” which in Quechua means “Ancient Man” that are located in the district of Luya in the Department of Amazonas.

Artisans crafted these human figures, two and a half meters high, using clay, dry straw, reeds, sticks, vegetable ropes, and stones, placing them along the cliffs.

Each one of these sarcophagi contains a ceremonial skull and the decorations with geometric motifs stand out.

Quiocta Caves

One of the most impressive natural attractions, which is only a 35 minute drive from Lamud, , are limestone needles of different shapes and sizes, known as stalactites and stalagmites.

In these caverns of Quiocta are a cluster of calcium carbonate, where stalactites with calcareous concretions emerge from the ceilings of the caves in the form of inverted cone as they relate to the stalagmites are those that emerge from the ground to form over thousands of years. by precipitation of minerals from groundwater.

Leymebamba Museum

For those who like to delve into historical and cultural details, the Leymebamba Museum is an excellent option to visit while in Chachapoyas. It is located about 84 kilometers from the city, in the middle of the spectacular Amazonian semi-forest, and can be easily reached by local or private transportation.

Here, you’ll find many archaeological elements that experts rescued from their original site, where they were at risk of theft or damage by careless visitors or natural deterioration.

Therefore, you will see more than 200 mummies and the various offerings made to them by the local people in pre-Inca times.

Revash Mausoleums

The mausoleums of Revash is a necropolis belonging to the Chachapoyas Culture. They are located in the district of Santo Tomás, province of Luya, department of Amazonas.

They are collective sepulchers that occupy natural caves or excavated in the rocky wall of an imposing ravine, painted of a red and cream characteristic of this culture, according to the Peruvian archaeologist Federico Kauffman Doig, that the mausoleums are replicas of the houses where the people of the area lived.

These mausoleums have two levels and have T-shaped, cross-shaped or square windows in some cases. Located at 2800 meters above sea level, it takes about 20 minutes by car from Hierba Buena to reach the beginning of the trail, which takes about an hour and a half to climb.

Sonche Canyon

In this canyon, we encounter a microbiological biodiversity, including xerophytic flora and small bushes. Its fauna includes marsupials, birds, crocodiles, partridges, hawks, and partridges.

In addition to this we can enjoy the incredible miardor that offers us and what to say about the view is no longer a traveler.