Chachapoyas: Llaqta of Kuelap : Cable Car

The Chachapoyas region in Peru offers an exhilarating cable car experience that transports visitors to the remarkable fortified citadel of Kuelap. This 20-minute ride provides breathtaking panoramic views of the lush forests and rugged terrain, ascending 800 meters to reveal the ancient site that dates back to the 6th century. With a capacity of eight passengers per cabin, the cable car enhances accessibility to Kuelap, immersing travelers in the stunning landscape of the Andes. What secrets and wonders await those who make the journey?

Good To Know

• The first cable car in Peru offers a 20-minute ride from Nuevo Tingo to the ancient Chachapoya citadel of Kuelap, providing panoramic views of the lush forests and rugged terrain.
• Kuelap, dating back to the 6th century, features massive stone walls up to 60 feet high and an intricate layout of ceremonial enclosures and circular structures.
• The interpretation center at Malca Pampa showcases the history and significance of the Chachapoya site, with well-preserved ceremonial enclosures and stunning panoramic views.
• The tour includes opportunities to savor regional specialties like papa a la huancaína, cuy (roasted guinea pig), and tropical fruits, providing insight into the local culinary heritage.
• The tour is priced at $65.00 per person, with no upfront payment required and flexible starting times based on availability, and discounted rates may be available for groups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Cable Car Experience

What better way to experience the stunning landscapes of Chachapoyas than a thrilling ride on Peru’s first cable car?

This 20-minute journey transports visitors from Nuevo Tingo to the archaeological site of Kuelap, offering panoramic vistas along the way. Gliding high above the lush forests and rugged terrain, cable car riders are treated to breathtaking views that set the stage for the ancient Chachapoyas culture.

Reaching the Malca Pampa platform, guests disembark and prepare to explore the formidable fortified citadel of Kuelap, uncovering the mysteries of this remarkable pre-Inca civilization.

Exploring the Fortified Citadel of Kuelap

After disembarking the cable car, visitors find themselves at the Malca Pampa platform, standing before the imposing fortified citadel of Kuelap.

This remarkable archaeological site, dating back to the 6th century, sits atop a mountain ridge and boasts massive stone walls reaching up to 60 feet high.

Explorers can wander through the ruins, discovering the intricate layout of ceremonial enclosures, circular stone structures, and panoramic views of the Andes.

Wandering the ruins, explorers discover ceremonial enclosures, circular stone structures, and panoramic Andean vistas.

Kuelap’s architectural sophistication and strategic location showcase the engineering prowess of the Chachapoyas culture.

A true highlight of the cable car experience, Kuelap offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and heritage.

Panoramic Views From the Cable Car

The cable car’s ascent offers travelers a captivating panorama, unveiling a breathtaking landscape that stretches across the Andes. As the car glides upward, passengers are treated to stunning vistas of verdant valleys, towering peaks, and the ancient ruins of Kuelap. The journey provides a unique perspective, allowing visitors to appreciate the scale and grandeur of this remarkable archaeological site.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Duration | 20 minutes |

| Elevation Gain | 800 meters (2,600 feet) |

| Capacity | 8 passengers per cabin |

| Operating Hours | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |

| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible |

The cable car’s panoramic views and effortless transport to the Kuelap site make this an integral part of the overall Chachapoyas experience, offering a true taste of the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Interpretation Room and External Areas of Kuelap

Exiting the cable car, visitors arrive at Malca Pampa, the interpretation center for the Kuelap fortress. Here, they can explore the exhibits and learn about the history and significance of this remarkable Chachapoya site.

Beyond the interpretation room, visitors can wander the external areas of Kuelap, marveling at the well-preserved ceremonial enclosures and circular stone structures that once housed the Chachapoya people.

Perched atop a mountain ridge, the fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, providing a glimpse into the strategic and defensive capabilities of this ancient civilization.

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Local Flavors and Culinary Experiences

Visitors can look forward to savoring local flavors and seeing the culinary traditions of the Chachapoyas region.

The tour includes:

1. Breakfast at a local restaurant, where guests can enjoy regional specialties like papa a la huancaína or tamales.

2. Lunch featuring Chachapoyas-style dishes, such as cuy (roasted guinea pig) or the hearty sopa de lentejas (lentil soup).

3. Opportunities to sample tropical fruits like granadilla, lucuma, and cherimoya, which are staples in the area’s cuisine.

4. Encounters with wild chinchillas, a unique local animal that has influenced the region’s culinary heritage.

Encounter With Wild Chinchillas

Amidst the lush greenery of the Chachapoyas region, visitors are often delighted to encounter wild chinchillas, a unique local animal that has played a significant role in the area’s culinary heritage. These elusive rodents, known for their soft, dense fur, can be spotted scurrying across the ancient ruins of Kuelap or foraging in the surrounding vegetation. Though shy by nature, the chinchillas often capture the attention of travelers, who marvel at their agility and the opportunity to witness these captivating creatures in their natural habitat.

| Chinchilla Facts | | |

| — | — | — |

| Native to the Andes Mountains | Highly Endangered Species | Nocturnal and Crepuscular |

Reservation and Pricing Details

The price for the Chachapoyas: Llaqta of Kuelap tour starts from $65.00 per person.

The Chachapoyas: Llaqta of Kuelap tour starts from $65.00 per person.

Reservations can be made without any upfront payment, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Here’s what the pricing and reservation details include:

1. No upfront payment required to reserve your spot.

2. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.

3. Flexible starting times; check availability to find the best option.

4. Discounted rates may be available for groups.

Itinerary and Inclusions

The tour kicks off with pick-up from hotels near Chachapoyas’ main square at 9:30 a.m. Next, the group departs for the Macro Observation archaeological site for an explanation of the hillside rooms. Traveling to Nuevo Tingo, they board the cable car for a 20-minute ride to Malca Pampa, enjoying panoramic views. At Kuelap, they explore the interpretation room and the external areas, including ceremonial enclosures and circular rooms. The tour includes:

| Inclusions | | |

| — | — | — |

| Entrance ticket to Kuelap | Round trip transportation | Bilingual guide (English, Spanish) |

| Lunch included | | |

Finally, the tour returns to Chachapoyas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Age Limit for the Cable Car Ride?

There’s no age limit for the cable car ride, though children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The experience is suitable for all ages, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning panoramic views.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests can bring their own food and drinks for the day trip. However, a lunch is already included in the tour package, so bringing additional items is optional. The tour operator encourages guests to enjoy the included meal.

Are There Restroom Facilities Along the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. Participants can use the restrooms at the cable car stations and the Kuelap archaeological site. The guide will point out the locations of these facilities throughout the excursion.

Can I Take Photographs During the Cable Car Ride?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the cable car ride. The panoramic views from the cable car make it a prime opportunity to capture stunning photos of the surrounding landscapes.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a fixed 1-day itinerary that includes the cable car ride, visit to Kuelap, and transportation. Visitors can’t customize the tour length on this particular experience.

The Sum Up

The Chachapoyas region’s cable car experience provides an exhilarating journey to the ancient Kuelap citadel, immersing visitors in the stunning Andean landscape. The 20-minute ride offers breathtaking panoramic views, accessibility to the historic site, and opportunities to explore the cultural heritage and natural wonders of this captivating destination. Whether seeking adventure, cultural exploration, or simply breathtaking scenery, the Kuelap cable car delivers an unforgettable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: