From Chachapoyas: Full-Day Tour of Kuelap Fortress

Perched high in the Andes Mountains, the impressive Kuelap Fortress stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Peru. This full-day tour from Chachapoyas offers visitors a chance to explore this remarkable archaeological site, known for its impressive geometric friezes and breathtaking vistas. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, travelers can explore the fortress’s history and marvel at its architectural wonders, making for an unforgettable experience. While the interior of Kuelap may be currently closed, the exterior views and cable car ride promise to leave a lasting impression on all who venture to this captivating destination.

Key Points

• The full-day tour from Chachapoyas to Kuelap Fortress lasts approximately 8 hours and is priced from $65.00 per person.
• The tour includes hotel pickup (if selected), roundtrip transportation, local guide, lunch, and entrance fees, with an additional cost for optional horse rental.
• Highlights of the tour include visiting the Kuelap Fortress, one of the largest ruins in the Americas, and experiencing the scenic views from the Teleferico cable car.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as only exterior views of the Kuelap Fortress are available.
• Customers have provided mixed reviews, with some expressing disappointment about the Kuelap Fortress interior being closed, but overall praising the breathtaking views and smooth tour operations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day tour of Kuelap Fortress from Chachapoyas is priced from $65.00 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours for a full refund, as well as the reserve now & pay later option.

The tour includes hotel pickup (if selected), roundtrip transportation, a local guide, lunch, and entrance fees.

Additional costs include horse rental in Kuelap at $11 per person, payable on-site.

The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and the Kuelap Fortress is currently only open for exterior views.

Experience and Highlights

Explore Kuelap, one of the largest ruins in the Americas, located at 3,000 meters above sea level.

Admire the geometric friezes, mural iconography, and high relief carvings that showcase the architectural prowess of the Chachapoyas, an enigmatic pre-Inca culture.

Experience the breathtaking views from the Teleferico cable car as you ascend to the fortress.

Along the way, visit the archaeological site of Macro.

Throughout the tour, a local guide will provide insight into the history and significance of this impressive highland citadel.

Itinerary and Activities

At 8:00 AM, the tour starts with a meet-up in central Chachapoyas or an option for hotel pickup.

From there, visitors embark on a comfortable, air-conditioned van ride to the Kuelap site. After a 30-minute hike following a cable car ride, the group explores the impressive Kuelap fortress complex with a local guide.

The tour then returns to Nuevo Tingo for lunch before arriving back in Chachapoyas around 4:00 PM.

This full-day excursion provides an opportunity to marvel at the geometric friezes, mural iconography, and high relief carvings of the ancient Chachapoyas culture’s remarkable architectural ruins.

Inclusions and Requirements

This tour includes hotel pickup (if selected), roundtrip transportation, a local guide, lunch, and entrance fees. Additional costs include horse rental in Kuelap, which is $11 per person payable on-site. However, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Inclusions	Additional Costs	Exclusions
Hotel pickup (if selected)	Horse rental in Kuelap ($11 per person)	Mobility impairments
Roundtrip transportation		Wheelchair users
Local guide, lunch, entrance fees

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, ensuring visitors can fully enjoy the exploration of the Kuelap Fortress without additional hassles.

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Important Information and Recommendations

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and rain gear.

It’s recommended to spend one night in Chachapoyas before the tour. Visitors can travel from Lima, taking a 1h 40min flight to Jaén and then a 4-hour bus to Chachapoyas.

Cash is needed as some stores don’t accept cards.

Kuelap Fortress is currently closed for inside visits, allowing only exterior views. The cable car’s availability is subject to maintenance, and walking to Kuelap may be necessary.

Travelers with mobility impairments or wheelchair users should note this tour may not be suitable for them.

Customer Reviews

The tour received an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 3 customer reviews.

Feedback included issues with language translation and lack of information regarding Kuelap’s closure during the tour.

However, there were also positive comments on the tour’s scenery and organization.

Some customers noted problems with the language translation, making it difficult to fully understand the guide’s explanations.

Others were disappointed to find that Kuelap’s interior was closed for visits, which wasn’t made clear upfront.

Nonetheless, most reviewers praised the breathtaking views and the tour’s overall smooth operations.

Getting to Chachapoyas

Getting to Chachapoyas, the gateway to exploring the Kuelap Fortress, involves a combination of flights and bus rides. Travelers can:

1. Fly from Lima to Jaén, which takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

2. Then, take a 4-hour bus ride from Jaén to Chachapoyas.

3. Alternatively, some tours may offer hotel pickup in Chachapoyas, eliminating the need for separate transportation arrangements.

It’s recommended to spend at least one night in Chachapoyas before embarking on the full-day tour of the Kuelap Fortress, as the journey can be long and tiring.

Cash is often preferred, as some stores in the area may not accept credit cards.

Tour Availability and Closure

Although the Kuelap Fortress is a major attraction in the Chachapoyas region, visitors should be aware that the interior of the site has been temporarily closed for preservation efforts.

Currently, only the exterior of the fortress can be viewed during tours. Plus, the availability of the Teleférico cable car is subject to maintenance, meaning visitors may need to hike up to the fortress complex.

It’s recommended to inquire about the current status before booking a tour. Despite these limitations, the tour still provides stunning views and the opportunity to learn about the enigmatic Chachapoyas culture.

Travelers should plan accordingly and be prepared for potential changes to the itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks for the Tour?

The tour operator allows guests to bring their own food and drinks for the day-long excursion. However, a provided lunch is included in the tour price, so bringing additional provisions is optional.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available at Kuelap?

There are limited restroom facilities available at the Kuelap archaeological site. Visitors should plan accordingly and utilize the restrooms in Nuevo Tingo before and after the visit to Kuelap.

Can I Take a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, private tours of Kuelap Fortress from Chachapoyas are available. Private tours provide a more personalized experience and allow you to explore at your own pace. Prices for private tours may be higher than group tours.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Hiking Gear?

You don’t need to bring your own hiking gear for the Kuelap Fortress tour. The tour includes roundtrip transportation and a local guide, so you can just wear comfortable shoes and bring any additional items like sunscreen or rain gear.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Other Attractions?

Travelers can extend the tour to visit other attractions, but it would require additional time and cost. The tour operator may be able to customize the itinerary, though it’s recommended to check availability and pricing beforehand.

Recap

The Kuelap Fortress tour from Chachapoyas offers visitors a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of this remarkable site. With a scenic cable car ride, a short hike, and a guided exploration of the exterior, guests can enjoy the impressive geometric friezes and stunning mountain views, despite the fortress being currently closed for interior visits. The tour’s $65.00 per person price includes hotel pickup, transportation, lunch, and a knowledgeable local guide to enhance the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: