Chachapoyas is home to the mighty Kuelap fortress, a captivating 6th-century citadel that’s long captured the imagination of visitors. Now, you can explore this ancient wonder in style with a Kuelap tour that includes a scenic cable car ride. Get set for an unforgettable cultural adventure that’ll immerse you in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of this remarkable region. But the journey is just the beginning – wait until you see what awaits at the top of the mountain.
Good To Know
- The Kuelap tour package includes a 6-hour excursion with cable car ride, guided exploration of the fortress, and lunch, priced from $80 per person.
- The tour itinerary covers hotel pickup, a 20-25 minute cable car ride to Kuelap, 45-minute fortress exploration, and lunch in Nuevo Tingo.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 3, those with altitude sickness, or individuals over 95 years old.
- Advance ticket purchase is essential due to the daily visitor cap of 200 at Kuelap.
- The tour is conducted in Spanish with limited language support available.
Tour Overview
This tour package offers visitors the chance to explore the ancient fortress of Kuelap and ride the Teleferico cable car in the Chachapoyas region.
Priced from $80 per person, the 6-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, expert guide, all necessary tickets, and lunch.
Travelers will ride the 20-25 minute cable car to access the Kuelap archaeological site, then spend 45 minutes discovering the inner fortress.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours and the option to reserve now and pay later, this comprehensive tour provides a hassle-free way to experience the highlights of Chachapoyas.
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Itinerary
The tour begins with a departure to Nuevo Tingo at 9:30 a.m. for lunch and cable car tickets. Visitors then take a 10-minute ride to the cable car platform, followed by a 20-25 minute cable car ascent to the Parador Turístico de la Malca. From there, it’s a 40-minute walk to the Kuelap fortress. After 45 minutes exploring the inner fortress, the group returns to Nuevo Tingo for lunch at 2:30 p.m. before arriving back in Chachapoyas by 4:00 p.m.
| Time | Activity |
|——|———-|
| 9:30 a.m. | Depart to Nuevo Tingo |
| 10:50 a.m. | Cable car ride |
| 12:30 p.m. | Visit Kuelap |
Inclusion
The tour includes a group tourism experience, with an official Spanish-speaking guide providing professional attention throughout the day.
Hotel pickup in Chachapoyas’ historic center is included, as well as tickets to Kuelap and the cable car.
Lunch per person is provided at Nuevo Tingo.
Visitors will appreciate the convenient package, which takes care of all the logistics so they can focus on exploring the ancient fortress.
With group transportation and pre-purchased tickets, the tour streamlines the sightseeing experience, making it an efficient and enjoyable way to discover Kuelap.
Important Information
Although not suitable for children under 3, individuals with altitude sickness, or those over 95 years, the tour has several mandatory items visitors must bring, including a valid passport (with a photo required for ticket purchase), comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, cash, and an ID card copy. Plus, the tour prohibits drones, alcohol, drugs, and party groups. Visitors should also be aware that tours are conducted in Spanish, with limited language support available, and that Kuelap has a daily visitor cap of 200, requiring advance ticket purchase.
| Mandatory Items | Prohibited Items |
| — | — |
| Valid passport | Drones |
| Comfortable shoes | Alcohol |
| Sunglasses | Drugs |
| Hat | Party groups |
| Camera | |
| Long-sleeved shirt | |
| Long pants | |
| Cash | |
| ID card copy | |
More Great Tours NearbyAdditional Notes
Tours are conducted in Spanish, with limited language support available for non-Spanish speakers.
Only 200 visitors are allowed at Kuelap daily, so advance ticket purchase is essential. Departure times may vary based on the entry schedule set by the Ministry of Culture.
Mandatory items include a valid passport, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and cash. Prohibited items are drones, alcohol, drugs, and party groups.
Keep in mind that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 3, those with altitude sickness, or individuals over 95 years old.
Plan accordingly to make the most of your Kuelap adventure.
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Exploring Kuelap
Visitors to the ancient fortress of Kuelap are in for a captivating journey through time.
Perched atop a mountain ridge, this 6th-century stone citadel offers a glimpse into the remarkable Chachapoyas civilization. Guests can explore the intricate stone carvings, winding pathways, and remnants of homes and religious structures within the inner fortress.
The 45-minute guided tour provides insight into the site’s history and architectural significance. Though the hike from the cable car station requires some physical effort, the panoramic vistas and the thrill of discovery make the experience truly unforgettable.
Kuelap’s timeless allure continues to captivate all who venture there.
Riding the Teleferico
How does the cable car, or Teleferico, transport visitors to the Kuelap fortress?
The Teleferico takes guests on a 20-25 minute ride high above the lush green mountains. Soaring over the landscape, the aerial cable car provides unobstructed panoramic views of the ancient ruins and surrounding countryside.
Upon reaching the Parador Turístico de la Malca, it’s a short 40-minute walk to the main entrance of the Kuelap fortress.
The Teleferico saves time and energy, allowing visitors to focus on exploring the archaeological site rather than hiking up the steep mountainside. It’s an efficient and scenic way to access this historic Chachapoyas attraction.
What to Expect
What can visitors expect from this Kuelap and Teleferico tour experience?
They’ll start the day with a scenic drive to Nuevo Tingo, where they’ll hop on the cable car for a 20-25 minute ride up to Kuelap’s hilltop fortress.
Upon arrival, they’ll have 45 minutes to explore the impressive stone ruins, taking in the breathtaking mountain views.
Afterward, it’s back down the cable car and on to lunch in Nuevo Tingo.
The tour includes:
-
Group transportation and guiding
-
Kuelap and cable car admission tickets
-
A tasty lunch
-
Pickup from Chachapoyas hotels
Frequently Asked Questions
How Accessible Is the Site for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tour doesn’t seem very accessible for individuals with disabilities. It mentions the site’s not suitable for those over 95 years old, and there are mandatory items like walking for 40 minutes that could be challenging for some with mobility issues.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Site?
Unfortunately, you can’t bring your own food and drinks to the site. The itinerary includes lunch at Nuevo Tingo, so you’ll need to rely on the meals provided as part of the tour package.
Are Any Tour Packages Available for Solo Travelers?
Yes, the tour offers packages for solo travelers. Prices start at $80 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours and the option to reserve without upfront payment. Group sizes and tour inclusions remain the same for solo participants.
Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance or Can I Purchase On-Site?
It’s recommended to book the Kuelap tour in advance, as there’s a daily limit of 200 visitors. While on-site purchases may be possible, they’re not guaranteed due to availability. Purchasing beforehand ensures you secure your spot on the tour.
What Are the Best Times of the Year to Visit Kuelap and Avoid Crowds?
The best times to visit Kuelap and avoid crowds are during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November. Visitor numbers are lower then, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience exploring the ancient fortress.
The Sum Up
The Kuelap Tours and Teleferico in Chachapoyas offer an unforgettable adventure. You’ll explore the ancient Kuelap fortress, marvel at its impressive architecture, and enjoy breathtaking views from the cable car ride. It’s a cultural experience not to be missed, priced at just $80 per person. Book now and get ready for an enriching journey through Peru’s history and natural beauty.
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