This immense 600-meter long ancient pre-Incan city-fortress is the an absolute archaeological wonder. It is the largest of the ancient walled cities in in the area, and the main draw for travelers visiting Peru's northern highlands. The ancient city rests up against a mountain ridge some 3100m above sea level overlooking a bank of the Rio Utcubamba far down below. the city's shape is roughly that of an oval and it is surrounded by a massive stone wall ranging from 6-12 meters tall. The stonework here is not quite as polished as those left by the Inca, but they have been embellished with decorative patterns and designs. Within the walls are about 400 or so buildings, including a lookout tower and an underground chamber (called El Tintiero) that the locals believe to have been use to keep pumas and feed them human sacrifices. Despite it's grandeur, this site receives only a small handful of travelers every day making it a very pleasant and relaxing place to explore.

There is a small hostel at the ruins run by the guardians of the site. It is 2 USD per night per travelers. Basic food is also available, prepared by the families of the guardians. A present or small tip for the guardians is appreciated (canned food, vitamins, flashlight-batteries, etc).

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These ruins are accessible by hiking from the small towns surrounding the site, where travelers can hire mules to help carry their packs. The best place from which to reach the site used to be the small Village of Tingo, but new roads have now made it possible to reach the ruins from Choctemal and Maria. Visitors can get to these town from Chachapoyas via taxi (15 USD to Tingo and 25 USD to Maria). There are minibuses that run twice a day between Choctemal and Maria. From Tingo it's a strenuous 5-6 hour climb (from 1900m to 3100m) to the ruins. From Choctemal it is a 3 hour hike, and from Maria it is only 2 hours. Be sure to bring lots of water, as there is no water on the trails and very little available at the ruins. The trails get very muddy during the rainy season, making hiking to the site very difficult. Travelers arriving from Tingo will want to stay overnight at the ruins, where there are limited accommodations. It is also possible to camp there in a tent.

Last edited on Jul 31, 10 9:55 PM.
Contributors: Eric M. , Karen S. Show History

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