Adventure time! After getting acclimated to the altitude in Chachapoyas (2,300 meters), we wanted to get to know more about the region and its history. Chachapoyas has its name from the people living here from about 500 AD to 1493: The Chachapoyas, also known as the “Cloud Warriors” or “Cloud People“.
They were a pre-Columbian civilisation living in the cloud forests of the Amazone region. Even until today very little is known about the culture of the Cloud People. Nevertheless you can find hundreds of ruins in the surrounding area of Chachapoyas.
One of the most impressive archeological sites is with no doubt Kuelap. Part fortress, part city it is one of the largest ancient stone structures in America. And Kuelap was built centuries before Machu Picchu!
Of course we wanted to visit such a remarkable place! We booked a tour in an local agency to bring us to the quite new teleférico (cable car) in Nuevo Tingo. The cable car brought us in 20 minutes to the upper platform. Up there we had to hike for about 20 – 30 minutes to the entrance of the fortress. As we were still feeling the altitude, 3,000 meters (!), we were glad that there was only this short hike. 😅
Reaching Kuelap, an impressive 20 meters high stone wall welcomed us. Thanks to its surrounding, most of the buildings inside these walls are in remarkably good conditions.
Other than the Inca, Chachapoyas built der “houses” in circles, round stones with small doors and one window. We were walking around the site speachless by its size.
Kuelap was built within 1,000 years! Some call Kuelap the “Machu Picchu of the North“, but we think that does not match its own spectacular history and existence. 😉
