• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: One day
• Max elevation: 3,000 metres
• Start/end point: Tingo

Kuélap is one of the most extensive archeological complexes in South America. There are hundreds of buildings to visit, many of which still contain murals and friezes. Though most guidebooks call it a fortress, it was in fact a citadel. Between 2,500 and 3,000 of the Chachapoyas elite lived here, surrounded by ceremonial centres built between 900-1100 AD. In the second half of the 15th century, the Inca Tupac Yupanqi conquered the area. Evidence of Inca control can be seen in the five rectangular buildings of classic Inca construction.

Unlike the Inca division of residential, ceremonial and agricultural areas of their cities, the Chachapoyas built homes mixed in with religious buildings and artisan workshops. Another unique feature of the culture is that families buried their ancestors under their homes, believing that the dead protected them. The elite burned the city, rather than allow it to be captured by the Spanish. It was forgotten for centuries and “re-discovered” in 1843 by the Italian Antonio Raimondi. There are few signs and plaques in the ruins, so a guide is highly recommended.

To get to Kuélap you can take the cable car from Nuevo Tingo or hike from Tingo Viejo. If you are going without a guiding service, make sure you go to the right place. If you hike up, the trail is nine km and takes about four hours. If you take the cable car, you’ll be at the top in 20 minutes.

The hike up to Kuélap is just that, uphill. The trail is wide and easy to follow but it’s advisable to take it slow for the altitude and steepness. Also, if the sun is out it will be strong so make sure you have a good hat and sunscreen.

Most people visit Kuélap from the town of Chachapoyas. Public transportation is available if you decide to not hire a guiding service, which always includes transportation. Every tour agency in Chachapoyas and Cajamarca offers tours of Kuélap. It is easy to book a one day tour with or without the cable car. If you prefer to go on your own to Kuélap, guides are available to hire upon arrival.

Expert insight, by Miles Buesst of PeruNorth, a specialist in Peru trekking tours: "The last time I hiked to Kuelap I realised it would have been better to drive or get the cable car up to the ruins, and then hike back down. This would have allowed us to enjoy the ruins when fresh. If hiking up, set off early to avoid the full heat of the day."