Kuelap a Amazing Fortress 5D/4N

The fortress of Kuelap (or Cuélap), associated with theChachapoyas culture, consists of massive exterior stone walls containing more than four hundred buildings. The structure, situated on a ridge overlooking the Utcubamba Valley in northern Peru, is roughly 600 meters in length and 110 meters in width. It could have been built to defend against the Huari or other hostile peoples however evidence of these hostile groups at the site is minimal. Radiocarbon dating samples show that the structures construction started in the 6th century AD and occupied until the Early Colonial period (1532-1570), however through the pre-Columbian, conquest and colonial periods we have only the four brief references toKuelap. In lieu of newly discovered documents, there exists no other testimony concerning the site until 1843.

In Chachapoyas we offer all inclusive programs including Kuelapfortress. In the next lines you will find information about this incredible area. The Pre-Columbian Chachapoyas culture, conquered in the 15th century by the Incas, has left a landscape scattered with villages and burial sites which until recently has been largely overlooked by archaeologists.

Situated in the cloud forests around the town of Chahapoyas in Peru’s northern Amazonas Department, these sites are dominated by the mighty fortress of Kuelap, perched majestically atop mountain-top cliffs overlooking the verdant Andean landscape.

Experts agree that the monumental aspects of Kuelap can only compare in size and grandeur to Machu Picchu in Peru, and the greater archaeological sites in the Americas. Kuelap's construction is presumed to have taken at least 200 years to complete and millions of cubic feet of stone. This colossal construction was not known by the spanish conquistadores;Kuelap's strategic location between the Marañon and Utcubamba Rivers, both long tributaries of the Amazon River, protected it from being devastated.The area is surrounded by profuse vegetation with huge trees, covered with bromeliads and orchids that add to its spectacular nature.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: LIMA - CHICLAYO (SIPAN)

Transfer Inn Airport to Hotel in Chiclayo , Private tour Sipan Lambayeque.
Our trip to the Huaca necropolis is an impressive funeral site from the Mochica culture, which was recently uncovered. It has several impressive tombs, such as the Lord of Sipan (3rd and 5th Centuries). These archeological ruins are well-known for their elaborate gold pieces, which include semi-precious stones. This site was discovered by a Peruvian archeological team directed by Dr. Walter Alva in the 1980s. During our trip to Chiclayo you will also get acquainted with the medicinal herbs used by local Shamans. We will spend the night at Grand Hotel Chiclayo ****. (B+L)

Day 02: CHICLAYO - CHACHAPOYAS

In the morning you will depart from Chiclayo by Private van or minibus. You will cross 4 different Peruvian regions: Lambayeque, south Piura, the North of Cajamarca and end in Amazonas, starting in the coast and arriving in the late afternoon in the cloud forest of Chachapoyas. The trip is spectacular going through different ecological landscapes . Overnight Chillo lodge at Tingo. (B+L+D)

Day 03: KUELAP FORTRESS - CHACHAPOYAS

After breakfast you will visit Kuelap, a spectacular pre-Inca walled city hidden atop a precipitous mountain. Although Kuelap was discovered 60 years before Machu Picchu, it is not as well-known to the outside world. Nevertheless recent amazing discoveries in nearby areas that relate to Kuelap and to its history have captured the attention of archaeologists, international magazines and film companies. Following your visit to Kuelap we drive back to spend a night at Chillo Lodge. (B+L+D)

Day 04: CHACHAPOYAS – GOCTA

Morning trip to Cocachimba a sleepy town at the end of the road ,where we start a 2.5 hour hike to the Gocta Waterfall . Gocta is the third highest waterfall in the world and is surrounded by high tropical cloud forest, there are good chances to run into monkeys and the Peruvian bird cock of the rock.

Now strangely it is Gocta which has caught the imagination of travellers and we are seeing an increase in tourism due to Gocta and not Kuelap - which is unique in every possible way. When you walk close to the tallest drop it is an awesome experience - the spray blasts you as so much air is pummelled down in bottom of the amphitheater, which encloses the fall. Add to that there is a great section of forest along the way with chances of seeing the endemic yellow-tailed woolly monkey, which only exists in northern-eastern Peru and you have a great day out. Drive to Chachapoyas, overnight at the Hotel Casa Vieja. (B+L)

Day 05: CHACHAPOYAS - CHICLAYO - LIMA

Private transportation from Chachapoyas to Chiclayo , about a 7 hour drive ,then an evening flight from Chiclayo to Lima , transfer to your hotel o to a connecting flight back home. (B+L)