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Ready to experience the wonders of Peru? Get in touch, and we’ll help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!
Ready to experience the wonders of Peru? Get in touch, and we’ll help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!
Kuélap - The Cloud City
Karajia
Laguna de los Condores/ Laguna de las Momias
Museum Leymebamba
How to get there
Embark on a journey through the mystical lands of the Chachapoya, where the ancient "People of the Clouds" carved out their civilization on the Amazonian plateau from the 9th to the 15th century AD.
Imagine tracing back the footsteps of this enigmatic culture, predating the Inca Empire by a staggering 600 years. Nestled in the untamed, forest-clad mountains between the Utcubamba and Marañón rivers, the Chachapoya's realm spanned an impressive 30,000 square kilometers.
As you explore, discover the remnants of their ingenuity – breathtaking stone settlements, mausoleums, and sarcophagi that stand as testament to their once vibrant existence. The Chachapoya's narrative takes a dramatic turn around 1470 when the Inca forces entered their domain, prompting these resilient people to forsake their homelands in a bid for independence.
Join us on an expedition to uncover the secrets of Chachapoya, where every stone whispers a story, and the clouds above echo the tales of an ancient civilization that dared to defy the march of time.
Perched at an altitude of approximately 9,842 feet (3000 meters) above sea level, Kuélap is a fortress settlement crafted by the Chachapoya people. Strategically located in the mountains at the source of the Utcubamba River, the city's location was a masterstroke in defense, accessible only through a narrow path accommodating just one person and surrounded by towering 65.6-foot (20-meter) walls.
Carbon dating reveals that Kuélap was inhabited from the 6th to the 16th century AD. Comprising over 400 structures encircled by a robust 65.6-foot (20-meter) high wall, the houses were constructed with stone, elevated on platforms, and featured circular layouts. Topping them were striking conical roofs made of leaves.
In a region witnessing up to 157.5 inches (4000 mm) of rainfall annually, such architectural ingenuity proved essential. The Chachapoya showcased remarkable engineering prowess, evident in their superb drainage system that prevented interior flooding.
Explore this historical gem between May and September, optimizing your visit during the drier months in this region known for its lush landscapes and captivating mysteries. Kuélap awaits, promising a journey through time and architectural marvels amid the stunning backdrop of the Andean highlands.
Sarcophagi resembling human mummies were discovered here, crafted from clay, stone, and grass, resembling gypsum figures with specially crafted "faces" and red-and-white-painted "bodies." Figures were arranged in groups of 4 and 8 in niches on rock surfaces.
Laguna de los Condores/Laguna de las Momias
An archaeological complex of six mausoleums adorned with rock drawings of the Chachapoya culture is located around a lagoon with clear turquoise water. Over 200 mummies, burial garments, jewelry, ceramics, wooden artifacts, and numerous quipus (knot records of indigenous cultures) were found here.
Each mausoleum was approximately 9.8 feet (3 meters) high and divided into two levels by a small wooden floor. They also had windows overlooking the lagoon. The largest quipu archive known to date, consisting of 32 specimens, is currently in the museum of the city of Leymebamba.
This museum showcases mummies, burial garments, jewelry, ceramics, wooden artifacts, quipus, and other findings from Laguna de las Momias. The museum is located in the outskirts of Leymebamba, a 10-minute drive or half-hour walk from the city.
To reach the Chachapoyas region, one can fly from Lima to the city of Jaen or Chachapoyas. The region's attractions are accessible from these cities, with Jaen being approximately 5 hours away from the nearest settlements and Chachapoyas being closer but with irregular and often canceled flights.
Reach us out today to craft a tailor-made itinerary to Kuelap and turn your travel dreams into reality. Let us plan your perfect getaway!
Get in touch, and we’ll help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!
