Peru

Kuélap

Chachapoyas walled citadel, 6th century AD

Location

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Historical Context

About

Kuélap or Cuélap is a walled settlement located in the mountains near the towns of María and Tingo, in the southern part of the region of Amazonas, Peru. It was built by the Chachapoyas culture in the 6th century AD on a ridge overlooking the Utcubamba Valley.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Initial occupation

5th century AD

Construction begins

6th century AD

Major building phase

900–1100 AD

Abandonment

1570

Rediscovery

1843

Raimondi survey

1870

Wiener visit

1881

Middendorf study

1887

Langlois study

1939

Bandelier study

1940

Reichlen study

1948

Ruíz study

1972

Modern excavations begin

since the 1980s

Perimeter wall collapse and emergency measures

April 2022

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Defensive WallsFortressesTowers
category

Military Installations

Armories
category

Water Management Features

Irrigation Canals
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

GravesTombs
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Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesAltars
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Artistic and Decorative Features

Reliefs
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

TownsHousesCities
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Astronomical and Timekeeping Structures

Observatories
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

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Plan Your Visit

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Reference

Details

Country

Peru

Coordinates

-6.43° N, -77.93° E