Kuelap Tour from Lima
The Kuelap Tour from Lima is a 3 day trip to the fortress of the Chachapoya culture. Kuelap is located in the north of Peru and is a fortress that is thousands of years old, making it a travel highlight in the highlands.
The northern region of Peru is a truly rewarding destination for travelers, and Kuelap is a spectacular rock fortress of the Chachapoya culture. It is approximately 1,000 years old and is located on a picturesque mountain peak in the stunning northern highlands of Peru at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters.
Kuelap remains relatively unknown, which is why it is often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of the North“. Perhaps the relative isolation of the area surrounding Kuelap contributes to its low visitor numbers. Compared to Machu Picchu, the number of tourists is much smaller.
A brief explanation: The pre-Columbian culture is called “Chachapoya”, without an “s” at the end. However, the picturesque town near Kuelap is called “Chachapoyas”, with an “s” at the end. The locals often refer to the place simply as “Chacha”.
Tour Overview
Tour Operator: Tierras Vivas – TripAdvisor
Sustainable Tourism: At Tierras Vivas, we are passionate about promoting and practicing sustainable tourism, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and supporting local communities.
Service Level: Comfortable all-inclusive, private accommodations.
Staff: Tierras Vivas representative in Lima, Chachapoyas and a professional tour guide.
Age Requirements: +1, All travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Meals: 1x Breakfast, 1x Snack bag.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chachapoyas with a private bathroom.
Transportation: Flight, Van, Cable car.
Quick Itinerary:
Day 01: Transfer to the airport and flight from Lima to Chachapoyas, transfer your hotel.
Day 02: Guided tour of Kuelap fortress in group.
Day 03: Flight from Chachapoyas to Lima and transfer your hotel in Lima.
Itinerary
Day 01: Lima – Chachapoyas
Today, our driver will pick you up from your Lima hotel and take you to the international airport for your flight to Chachapoyas. The flight takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes. A Tierras Vivas representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign bearing your name. Please pay close attention to the sign. After meeting your representative, you will be taken to your hotel in Chachapoyas.
There are no scheduled activities in Chachapoyas today. You are free to explore the town at your own pace. If you wish to add an optional tour, you may contact our sales department. Chachapoyas is located at an altitude of 7,660 feet (2,335 meters) above sea level and has a pleasant, temperate climate with moderate rainfall and comfortable temperatures year-round.
Day 02: Guided tour of Kuelap fortress
Today, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Tingo community, where the cable car station is located. With the help of our guide, you will stand in line and collect your tickets for the cable car.
Then, we will walk for 10 minutes to the cable car boarding platform. The cable car ride takes about 25 minutes and offers spectacular views of lush green landscapes and the surrounding countryside.
Upon arrival at La Malca, we will stop to visit the Interpretation Center, where you can learn more about the region’s history and culture. Then, we will begin a 30-minute uphill walk to the Kuélap Archaeological Site.
Kuélap is renowned for its massive stone walls, some of which reach heights of up to 20 meters. This impressive, fortified complex contains more than 400 circular structures that showcase the remarkable architectural skills of the Chachapoyas civilization.
Once there, you will enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the Kuélap Fortress. You will explore important temples, houses, and ceremonial areas while your guide provides detailed explanations about the culture and history of the Chachapoyas people. Kuélap is located at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) above sea level and is also known as the “City in the Clouds.”
After the tour, we will return by cable car to the community of Tingo, where you will have time for lunch on your own. Afterwards, we will drive back to Chachapoyas and take you to your hotel. You will spend the night in Chachapoyas and have the opportunity to explore the city on your own. .
Day 03: Chachapoyas – Lima
Today, our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Chachapoyas Airport for your domestic return flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, our driver will be waiting for you at Lima’s international airport, holding a sign with your name, and will transfer you to your hotel.
Included
What is included in the Kuelap tour?
- A representative in Chachapoyas (Our representative will be waiting at the airport).
- All transfers in Lima and Chachapoyas.
- Domestic flight Lima – Chachapoyas – Lima.
- Accommodation: Hotel*** (02 night).
- Meals: 02x Breakfast.
- Entry ticket to Kuelap fortress (According the available in your book).
- Professional tour guide.
- Round-trip shuttle cable car ride in Kuelap.
- Tourist Transportation for the Kuelap Tour.
Not Included:
- Pre & Post Accomodation.
- Meals not details.
- Water during the trip.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips and suvenir.
Meal budget: Please allow USD 50-100 for meals not included.
Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the “Solo Traveler” option for this tour, you receive your own single room for all overnights.
Local flights: Local flights are included in the cost of your tour. It is very important that we have your passport details at the time of booking in order to process your tickets! National flight tickets are issued locally and will be provided prior to each flight departure.
Essential Information
Tierras Vivas representative & guides
At Tierras Vivas, our tour guides are university-trained professionals with strong language skills and in-depth knowledge of history, culture, religion, and social traditions. Their primary goal is to ensure your journey is smooth, informative, and truly memorable. All guides receive annual training in first aid, high-altitude emergencies, and trail leadership.
Throughout your trip, your guide will provide accurate and helpful information, including restaurant recommendations, places to visit, current exchange rates, and guidance on essential services such as banks and artisan markets. They have extensive expertise in the Kuelap.
The Tierras Vivas representative is responsible for your safety, logistics, and overall service during the trip. He or she is a university-trained tourism professional with excellent communication skills. The representative carefully oversees every detail of your itinerary, ensuring that all services are confirmed and operate on schedule. This includes hotel pickups, coordination with drivers, and confirming that your guide is ready to meet you at the designated location.
Our representatives are also trained in customer service and first aid. Upon meeting you, the representative will request your WhatsApp contact, which will serve as the primary communication channel throughout your trip. Should you have any questions, concerns, or emergencies, you may contact them at any time for immediate assistance.
Accommodation
The hotel you will use during your trip from Lima to Chachapoyas is as follows:
La Xalca Hotel
Address: Grau 940, Chachapoyas 01001
Phone: 989 497 950
Domestic Flight
The Kuélap tour from Lima includes domestic flights operated by ATSA Airlines. According to the itinerary, the flight departs from Lima to Chachapoyas in the morning and returns at the end of the program. Based on the available flight schedules, our sales department will coordinate your pickup times in Lima and your departure from Chachapoyas.
ATSA Airlines is currently the only local airline offering direct flights between Lima and Chachapoyas. It is very important to book in advance, as flight availability is limited.