Exploring the pre-Incan mysteries of Kuelap Fortress is a captivating experience. This tour offers a chance to marvel at the impressive stone walls and ancient architecture of this remarkable site. Visitors can embark on a scenic cable car ride and enjoy a guided exploration, all while taking in stunning views of the Andes. With a delicious lunch included, this immersive journey into Peru’s fascinating past is an opportunity not to be missed.
Good To Know
- A guided tour from Chachapoyas to the magnificent Kuelap Fortress, including a scenic cable car ride and 6 hours of exploration.
- The tour is priced at $68 per person and lasts 9 hours, with live guides available in English and Spanish.
- The itinerary includes pickup from your hotel in Chachapoyas, a 1-hour bus ride to Nuevo Tingo, and a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
- Visitors can admire the impressive 20-meter-high stone walls and explore the pre-Incan archaeological site of Kuelap, the largest stone monument in Peru.
- The tour offers opportunities for stunning photographs and an immersive experience in the rich history and natural beauty of the Andes.
Tour Overview
This guided tour from Chachapoyas to the Kuelap Fortress offers an immersive experience, starting at $68.00 per person.
The 9-hour tour includes a cable car ride and exploration of the ancient pre-Incan site. With a live guide available in English and Spanish, the small group size is limited to 10 participants.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. The itinerary covers transportation, admission, and lunch.
Highlights include stunning Andean views, insightful history, and photo opportunities. Moderate fitness is required, and the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or a fear of heights.
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Itinerary
The tour begins with pickup from the hotel in Chachapoyas.
The tour begins with pickup from the hotel in Chachapoyas.
Travelers then travel by bus/coach for 1 hour to Nuevo Tingo. From there, they’ll take a cable car ride up to the Kuelap Fortress.
Over the next 6 hours, they’ll explore the ancient city, visiting key sites like the Torreón, Tintero, and Castillo. They’ll also admire the impressive 20-meter-high stone wall.
After the exploration, the group will have lunch at a local restaurant in Nuevo Tingo.
Finally, the tour returns to Chachapoyas, with drop-off at the hotel.
Highlights
A highlight of the tour is the stunning cable car ride that offers breathtaking views of the Andes mountain range.
Explorers will also have the opportunity to:
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Immerse themselves in the history and architecture of the pre-Incan archaeological site of Kuelap, the largest stone monument in Peru
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Admire the impressive 20-meter-high stone walls that once surrounded the ancient city
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Capture stunning photographs of the scenic vistas and historical structures during the 6-hour exploration of the Kuelap Fortress.
Inclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, a delicious lunch, and the necessary entrance fee to access the Kuelap Fortress. This ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience for visitors.
The bilingual guide provides valuable insights into the history and significance of the ancient Kuelap site, while the inclusion of lunch allows travelers to refuel during the exploration.
With the entrance fee covered, guests can focus on seeing the remarkable pre-Incan architecture and stunning vistas.
These carefully curated inclusions create a comprehensive and enriching tour package.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Tour starts at 8:20 AM and ends around 5:30 PM, allowing ample time to explore the ancient Kuelap Fortress.
The tour involves moderate walking, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or those afraid of heights.
To make the most of your experience, it’s recommended to bring:
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a camera, and sun protection to make the most of your Kuelap Fortress experience.
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Comfortable shoes
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Warm clothing
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Camera
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Sunscreen, water, and snacks
Be sure to provide your hotel details when booking to ensure a smooth pickup and drop-off.
This unforgettable tour offers a glimpse into Peru’s rich pre-Incan history and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Andes.
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Pre-Incan Mysteries of Kuelap
Although overshadowed by the renowned Inca Empire, the pre-Incan civilization of Kuelap holds profound mysteries that continue to captivate historians and archaeologists alike.
This fortress-city, dating back to the 6th century AD, was once the stronghold of the Chachapoyas culture – a people known for their distinctive architecture and advanced engineering.
Visitors can explore the intriguing ruins, including the imposing 20-meter-high stone walls, and gain insights into the daily lives and rituals of this enigmatic civilization.
The Kuelap tour provides a rare opportunity to uncover the lost secrets of a pre-Incan world, frozen in time.
Breathtaking Cable Car Ride
Reaching the Kuelap Fortress by cable car is an awe-inspiring experience. The 15-minute ride offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Andes mountains.
As the cable car glides effortlessly through the air, passengers are treated to:
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Stunning vistas of verdant valleys and rugged peaks
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A unique perspective of the imposing Kuelap walls below
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A sense of anticipation for the ancient archaeological site awaiting exploration
This scenic journey sets the stage for an immersive discovery of the pre-Incan legacy of Kuelap, one of Peru’s most remarkable cultural treasures.
Exploring the Ruins
Once visitors step off the cable car, they find themselves facing the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Kuelap Fortress. This pre-Incan site, the largest ancient monument in Peru, sprawls across the landscape, its massive stone walls reaching up to 20 meters high. Guided by their knowledgeable tour leader, guests explore the ruins, marveling at the architectural feats of the Chachapoyas culture. Key highlights include:
| Site | Description |
|——|————-|
| Torreón | Imposing circular stone tower |
| Tintero | Unique spiral-shaped structure |
| Castillo | Fortified palace with intricate carvings |
| 20-meter Wall | Remarkable engineering accomplishment |
Visitors enjoy the history and mystery of this remarkable archaeological wonder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or those afraid of heights due to the moderate walking and cable car ride involved.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a lunch at a local restaurant in Nuevo Tingo is included in the tour price. Bringing extra snacks and water is recommended.
Is the Cable Car Wheelchair Accessible?
The cable car to Kuelap Fortress is not wheelchair accessible. The tour involves moderate walking and isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments. Visitors in wheelchairs or with mobility issues may have difficulty accessing the pre-Incan archaeological site.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring the Ruins?
The tour allocates 6 hours for exploring the ancient Kuelap Fortress. Visitors can visit key sites like the Torreón, Tintero, and Castillo during this extensive exploration of the pre-Incan archaeological site.
Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the Site?
Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the Kuelap Fortress site. The tour includes free time to browse local shops and stalls, offering a variety of handicrafts, textiles, and other traditional Peruvian items.
The Sum Up
This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Peru’s captivating pre-Incan history. The cable car ride provides breathtaking views of the Andes, and the guided exploration of Kuelap Fortress promises an immersive experience. With a delicious lunch included, this 9-hour adventure is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover the mysteries of Peru’s fascinating past.
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