From Chachapoyas: Full-Day Tour to Kuelap Fortress

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, the ancient Kuelap Fortress invites visitors to unravel the captivating history of the Chachapoya civilization. This full-day tour from Chachapoyas offers a chance to experience the awe-inspiring stone structures and intricate friezes that have stood the test of time. With a scenic cable car ride and guided exploration, travelers can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable site, leaving them eager to discover more about the intriguing Chachapoya people.

Good To Know

• This full-day tour from Chachapoyas to Kuelap Fortress is priced at $68.00 per person and lasts approximately 8.5 hours.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, cable car ride, and guided tours at the archaeological site.
• Kuelap Fortress, located over 3,000 meters above sea level, is a significant Chachapoya site with stone walls and circular structures.
• The tour provides insights into Chachapoya culture and features breathtaking views from the cable car ride.
• No tours are available on Mondays due to maintenance at the Kuelap complex.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day tour to Kuelap Fortress from Chachapoyas is priced from $68.00 per person.

The tour lasts 8.5 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can also choose the reserve now & pay later option.

The tour includes pickup from Chachapoyas hotels, transportation by car to Nuevo Tingo, a 25-minute cable car ride to Kuelap, a 40-minute walking tour, and a 75-minute guided tour of the fortress.

Lunch, drinks, and a bilingual guide are provided.

No tours depart on Mondays due to maintenance at the complex.

Itinerary and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from guests’ hotels in Chachapoyas, departing 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

After a 1.5-hour car transfer, guests will arrive at Nuevo Tingo and board the cable car for a thrilling 25-minute ride up to the Kuelap Fortress.

Upon reaching the ancient site, a 40-minute walking tour precedes a 75-minute guided exploration of Kuelap’s impressive stone walls and circular houses.

Finally, guests will return to Chachapoyas by car, concluding this comprehensive day tour of one of Peru’s most significant archaeological wonders.

Kuelap Fortress Details

Kuelap Fortress stands over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level, making it a significant archaeological site for the Chachapoya people.

This ancient fortified city was built since the 6th century AD and discovered in 1843. Its stone walls, up to 20 meters high, protected over 500 circular houses with decorative friezes.

Kuelap’s impressive architecture and historical importance have made it a highlight of the full-day tour from Chachapoyas.

Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the Chachapoya culture during the guided tour, which provides insights into this remarkable Andean heritage site.

Tour Highlights

Exploring the ancient fortified city of Kuelap is a highlight of this full-day tour.

Perched atop a mountain ridge at over 9,800 feet, Kuelap offers a thrilling cable car ride and breathtaking vistas.

The guided tour reveals Kuelap’s secrets, including:

1. Massive stone walls up to 20 meters high, protecting over 500 circular houses.

2. Intricate decorative friezes adorning the ancient structures.

3. Stunning natural landscapes surrounding the archaeological site.

This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and uncover the rich history of the Chachapoya people.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

This full-day tour includes transportation, a bilingual tour guide, cable car ticket, admission ticket, lunch (local menu), and drinks. However, any personal expenditures are excluded from the package price.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

|————|————|

| Transportation | Personal Expenditures |

| Bilingual Tour Guide | |

| Cable Car Ticket | |

| Admission Ticket | |

| Lunch (Local Menu) | |

| Drinks | |

It’s important to note that there are no departures on Mondays due to maintenance of the Kuelap complex.

Convenience of Hotel Pickup

The tour’s convenient hotel pickup saves travelers the hassle of finding their own way to the starting point. Guests are collected from their hotels in Chachapoyas, 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

This eliminates the need to navigate unfamiliar streets or worry about transportation logistics. The pickup service ensures a seamless start to the day’s adventure.

Key benefits of the hotel pickup include:

1. Stress-free beginning to the tour

2. No need to arrange separate transportation

3. Punctual departure from a familiar location

With the hotel pickup taken care of, travelers can focus on the exciting exploration of the ancient Kuelap Fortress.

Scenic Cable Car Ride

Travelers embark on a thrilling cable car ride to reach the elevated grounds of Kuelap Fortress. Soaring high above the lush, verdant landscape, the cable car offers breathtaking panoramic views.

As it ascends, passengers catch glimpses of the imposing stone walls and structures that crown the mountaintop. The 25-minute journey is an exhilarating experience, with the cable car gliding smoothly over the rugged terrain below.

This scenic mode of transportation provides an exciting prelude to the guided exploration of the ancient Chachapoya citadel, setting the stage for an immersive cultural adventure high in the Andes.

Unraveling the Chachapoya Heritage

Kuelap Fortress stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Chachapoya people, a pre-Inca civilization that flourished in the Andes of northern Peru.

These ancient builders constructed a formidable defensive structure, featuring:

1. Stone walls up to 20 meters high.

2. Over 500 circular houses with decorative friezes.

3. A strategic location atop a mountain, over 3,000 meters above sea level.

The site, discovered in 1843, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated culture and engineering prowess of the Chachapoya.

Exploring Kuelap’s ruins reveals the enduring legacy of this remarkable civilization, etched into the rugged landscape of the Andes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?

The tour is not available on all days of the week. According to the information provided, the tour does not operate on Mondays due to maintenance of the Kuelap complex.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?

In case of inclement weather, the tour operator may reschedule or cancel the tour. Guests are encouraged to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions. Refunds may be provided for cancellations due to severe weather.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can’t be customized to individual preferences as it’s a pre-set itinerary. However, travelers can request modifications or add-ons, which may incur additional costs. The tour operator give you a standardized experience for all participants.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs During the Tour?

The tour package includes transportation, guide, cable car, admission, lunch, and drinks. There are no additional fees or costs during the tour, apart from personal expenditures. The tour price is fixed at $68 per person.

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour has no minimum group size requirement. Travelers can book the tour individually or as part of a group, as it accommodates both solo and group bookings.

The Sum Up

The Kuelap Fortress tour from Chachapoyas offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich history and stunning natural landscapes of the Chachapoya culture. With convenient hotel pickup, a scenic cable car ride, and a guided exploration of the ancient stone walls and structures, this full-day adventure provides an immersive and awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or nature lover, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: