Kuélap

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About Kuélap

Kuélap is located on top of Cerro Barreta, at about 3,000 meters altitude, in the province of Luya, south of Chachapoyas. It was built by the Chachapoya culture from the 11th century and occupied until the mid-16th century. It is a large artificial platform of limestone, nearly 600 meters long, surrounded by walls that reach 19 meters high at some points.

Inside there were hundreds of circular houses, many decorated with stone friezes of diamonds and zigzags, as well as ceremonial spaces, such as the Tintero, a structure shaped like an inverted cone, and the Torreón, at the northern tip. The entrance was through narrow passages between the walls, which allowed control of who entered.

The site undergoes ongoing conservation work, and visits follow defined circuits with a guide. Tickets are sold on the official platform of the Ministry of Culture, in limited numbers, and the site usually closes on Mondays.

To get there, descend from Chachapoyas through the Utcubamba valley to Nuevo Tingo. From there, when operating, a cable car goes up near the citadel; there is also a road to the parking area and a long trail from El Tingo. Confirm access before you go.