Overview:

Fortaleza de Kuélap is an impressive ancient fortress located in the clouds of northern Peru. Located in the province of Luya, Amazonas, it was constructed by a pre-Inca civilization during the 9th century. With its man-made walls and defensive structures, it served as the home and private retreat of both rulers and their subjects. The walls of the fortress are some 3800 feet (1306 m) long and nearly 60 feet (18 m) high, effectively protecting its creators from any potential invaders. It was only discovered in the 19th century after centuries of being forgotten. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a National Historic Reserve. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

The most prominent feature of the Fortaleza de Kuélap in Amazonas, Peru is its size and its unique design. The fort is a pre-Inca stone, fortress surrounded by a defensive wall that stands over 20 meters tall and is 600 meters in circumference. It is built on top of a hill and overlooks the locality of Cuispes. The structure itself was likely built by the Chachapoyas, a pre-Incan civilization, between the 9th and 13th centuries. Since then, it has served as a testament to the ingenuity of the people of that time. The walls are built using a technique called "ashlar", which involves cutting the stones and setting them together without mortar. Inside the walls of the fort are circular structures which are thought to have been used for religious and social purposes. The fort is an example of the advancement in engineering and architecture of the Chachapoyas during the pre-Inca period. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The pre-Inca walled city of Fortaleza de Kuélap (Fortified Citadel of Kuélap) is situated in the Amazonas region of Peru and dates back to the 6th century AD. It was built by the Chachapoyas people (also referred to as the Warriors of the Clouds) who are believed to be descendants of the Tiwanaku Empire of Chadapoya culture and Pre-Inca civilization. The fortified citadel is made up of more than 400 stone and mud-brick structures, including high walls and several watchtowers that were used to defend against the invading Incas. The fortress' most impressive feature is its sheer size—some of the walls are as high as 30 meters (98 feet) and can reach up to 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) in length. Inside the fortress, visitors can explore the city's two courtyards as well as a network of underground tunnels. There are also several artifacts inside from the Chachapoyan civilization, including ancient ceramics and texts written in Quichua, the ancient language of the Inca empire. In 2017, Fortaleza de Kuélap became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its importance to the cultural heritage of South America. It remains a popular tourist destination today, and many travelers who visit the site are often amazed by its archaeological significance and stunning views of the surrounding Andean peaks. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The ruins of Kuélap are an ancient pre-Inca fortress located in the Chachapoyas region of Amazonas, in Northern Peru. 2. The fortress of Kuélap was built between 500 a.d. and 900 a.d. by the Chachapoyas culture. 3. The fortress was home to about three thousand inhabitants at its peak and was probably used as a defensive outpost. 4. Kuélap is circular in shape, and is composed of more than 400 stone structures, including fortification walls, terraces and a tower. 5. In the center of Kuélap is an immense building, known as the “Citadel”, which is thought to have served as the residence of the Chachapoyas leader. 6. Kuélap was discovered in 1843 by the German explorer and amateur archaeologist, Johann Jakob von Tschudi. 7. In 2017, Kuélap became the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru dedicated to the pre-Hispanic culture of the Chachapoyas. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era