Kuelap Fortress: Explore Peru's architectural gem

This year, 2025, marks the 182nd anniversary of Judge Juan Crisostomo Nieto’s discovery of Kuelap Fortress on January 31, 1843, in Amazonas.

Located in Peru’s Amazonas region, the Kuelap Monumental Archaeological Complex is one of South America's most impressive ancient structures. Its massive architecture, rich history, and breathtaking location—perched atop a mountain over 3,000 meters above sea level—make it a must-visit destination. Let’s explore what makes Kuelap so fascinating.

Source: PROMPERU

Tourism in Kuelap

Kuelap has become one of Peru’s top tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Easily accessible from the city of Chachapoyas, a visit to this ancient fortress also offers the chance to experience the region’s incredible biodiversity.

To reach Kuelap, you can fly from Lima to Chachapoyas in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus, though the journey takes between 22 and 24 hours.

Once in Chachapoyas, you will need to travel to the town of Nuevo Tingo, about an hour away by bus from the terminal. From there, you have two options to reach Kuelap:

Cable car: From Nuevo Tingo, you can take a scenic 20-minute cable car ride to the fortress, enjoying breathtaking views along the way. If you have a good camera, this is the perfect opportunity to capture stunning shots of the landscape.

Hiking Trails: If you prefer a more adventurous route, you can hike along well-marked trails that lead to the citadel, offering a unique experience surrounded by nature.

If you opt for the first option, this simple guide will still be useful for your journey.

What you should know

Since 2024, the number of visitors to Kuelap Fortress has increased to 432 per day, organized into groups of 12 across 36 shifts. The first shift begins at 9:00 a.m., with the last shift starting at 2:50 p.m.

As if that were not enough, the circuit inside the llaqta has been extended, allowing visitors to enjoy a new tour lasting one hour and 20 minutes. This route covers 850 meters, offering a closer look at the grandeur of this Chachapoya legacy.

It is important to note that visits are available from Tuesday to Sunday, as Mondays are reserved for exclusive maintenance, preservation, and protection of the monument.

History and origin

The Chachapoya people are believed to have started constructing Kuelap during the "Late Intermediate" period, and it remained in use until the "Late Horizon," when they were under Inka rule. During this time, the fortress served as a crucial political, military, and religious center for the Chachapoyas, who were known as "the warriors of the clouds" due to their high-altitude location.

Source: Shutterstock

Monumental architecture

This architectural jewel houses five archaeological monuments that are connected by ancient roads, the main monument being the Llaqta or Kuelap Fortress, built around 600 A.D. and abandoned in the sixteenth century.

Inside the structures of Kuelap, the Major Temple stands out as one of the most significant ceremonial centers. It has been the site of numerous rituals, with evidence of offerings found, including human bones placed inside an interior container, transforming it into a large ossuary.

Within its impenetrable walls, Kuelap houses 505 dwellings. Outside the fortress, at least 198 additional homes were built, bringing the total number of structures to over 700. In addition to these dwellings, the complex is renowned for its distinctive structures, including "El Tintero",  "El Torreón",  and "El Castillo".

"El Tintero" is a finely sculpted stone structure standing over 5 meters high, with an underground chamber that is 6 meters deep. On the other hand, "El Torreon" is the tallest structure at 7 meters, offering an unbeatable panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Source: Shutterstock

The fame of this fortress extends beyond borders, with renowned international media such as Lonely Planet recommending a visit to Kuelap for its impressive architecture. It has become a true tourist gem, often compared to none other than Machupicchu.

Source: Shutterstock

Kuélap: Heritage and future

Kuelap is not only a testament to the architectural genius and cultural richness of the Chachapoyas but also a reminder of the historical legacy that Peru offers to the world. Its designation as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1999 highlights its global significance.

With tourism on the rise in Peru, Kuelap is destined to remain a source of wonder and inspiration for future generations. Visiting this site is like stepping into history and connecting with the legacy of a civilization that left an indelible mark on the world.