KUÉLAP, LAND OF THE CHACHAPOYA

Chachapoyas, capital of the department of Amazonas is the starting point to the Kuelap archaeological complex, discovered in 1843. Kuelap was the last outpost of a supposedly lost white race, called the Shachapuyans, who retreated from the Inca invasion. Remains of high buildings made of stone, passages, massive high walls (18 metres / 60 feet) and towers impress the traveller. The other attraction is the standing mud coffins perched on the cliff overlooking Lamud. There are two ways to arrive to Chachapoyas, either by air (no regular flights) or by bus from Chiclayo (It takes approximately 7 hours one way)

Altitude: 2,334 metres/7,700 feet above sea level
Population: 16,000 approx.
Climate: Warm during the day, cold at night, rainy season from December to April (80º-35ºF / 20º-10ºC).