In the northeastern Peru, 72 km southwest of the town of Chachapoyas, the capital of the region Amazon is Kuelap, citadel fortified stone located strategically the top of a mountain overlooking the Utcubamba River Valley. It is one of the most important archaeological monuments of America.

Kuelap was discovered in 1843. Built into the ninth century of our era for culture preinca of Chachapoyas, in a rugged area of forest mist eyebrow in the jungle. The citadel covers approximately 6 hectares and comprises 420 buildings among which circulars highlight the tower and the castle. Very impressive their defensive walls, reach up to 25 m in height and have three access points in the form of funnel, where only one person can enter at a time. Kuelap have an approved zone for camping offered scenic beauty.

Among the attractions of the region is also Leymebamba, where it is a museum communal conserves valuable testimony of the Chachapoyas culture, and sets out on a fascinating way of trail (15 hours by mule) to the mysterious Lake of the Condors (Also called Laguna de las Momias), whose shore is a series of mausoleums preincas, of that culture. A 48 km (5 hours) northwest of Chachapoyas, is the town of Shipata (2760), where you can see the impressive vertical Carajía sarcophagi, located on a crag in front of the Valley Juscubamba. In Jalca Grande (2890) also retain vestiges of the old Chachapoyas and there is a rich folklore.

Altitude

Chachapoyas: 2236 m; Kuelap: 3000 m; Leymebamba: 2150 meters.

Getting there

Air: Flights from Lima with a stopover in Tarapoto (90 minutes).
Road: From Tarapoto, 359 km (8 hours in particular transport); from Cajamarca, 336
Km (14 hours); route from Lima to Chachapoyas Trujillo and Chiclayo, 1350 km (20 hours);
From Lima to Chachapoyas, 570 km (9 pm). The public transport network
Kuelap and the various villages is irregular, it is necessary to take part in an expedition
Organized.

Lodging

Until 3 stars hotels in the city of Chachapoyas, basic accommodation in other
Peoples, with areas ideal for camping.

Activities

Archaeology ecotourism, hiking, observing wildlife, recreational fishing.

Tourist Services

Services basic restaurant in the city of Chachapoyas. Ground transportation to Kuelap:
Hired tours, guided tours, complete service to visit other towns.

Minimum

1 day to visit Kuelap, 4 days to visit Lake of the Condors.

Recommendations

Acclimation necessary. Avoid efforts during the early hours; consume food easily digestion and drink coca tea to prevent altitude sickness.

Season / Weather

The best time of year is between June and October, in the absence of rain; a temperate climate
Cold.

Feasts

Tourist Week of Chachapoyas (1 to 7 June): highlights the Feast of my district and
Raymillacta of Chachapoyas.
Patronal Feast of the Virgin of Asunta (from 7 to 15 August): the image of the Virgin runs the
Streets of the town of Chachapoyas, upholstered with multicolored rugs.
Feast employer's Lord of Gualamita (10 to 15 September): the legend noting the origin of
The image of the Lord in Cusco, where it arrived in Lamud.
 
Restaurants

Purtumute: blanched beans with nick sancochado (picking corn and boiled with
Cilantro). Cuy (guinea pig) with potatoes: guinea pig cooked, seasoned and fried.
Juanes cassava: boiled yucca grated, mixed with rice and chicken and / or beef cecina.
Cecina: beef or pork dry and salty.
Enrollado: rolled beef and pork stuffed with raisins, carrots and eggs
Blanched.