The main ruins near Chachapoyas are the pre-Incan ruins of Kuelap which date back to about 800-1400 AD. Built right on top of a mountain, it was considered one of the most secure forts in South America. However, 20 metre walls, narrow entry gates, and terrible access were still no match for the Incas who successfully attacked in about 1400. When the Spaniards came through, they were seen as great heros and the Chacapoyans actually fought with them against the Incas. In the end though, the Spaniards went through the same routine as in other cities…convert and give us all of your gold, or die. If the history books are correct, many chose the “or die” option…
As much as Andrea has enjoyed seeing the different Incan, Mayan, and Aztec ruins over the years, she always leaves a little frustrated that there is so little evidence regarding their cultures and social structures, just a huge amount of speculation.
For example there is a unique building at Kuelap that looks like a giant water jug. Some archeologists claim it housed prisoners which were fed to cougars, others believe that it was a large water cistern, or an observatory, and yet another group contend that it was a room of great religious importance because the roof opening faced directly towards a sacred lake. Evidently they are all guessing. This is obviously why she leaned towards the more concrete sciences in school.
In the end, it was a great tour. With a little easier access we expect that Kuelap could become the next Machu Picchu. In the meantime, we had the place almost completely to ourselves. Even the guides were very different as compared to other ruins, they were very proud of the ruins and they openly thanked us for making the long journey to their lost city…
As much as Andrea has enjoyed seeing the different Incan, Mayan, and Aztec ruins over the years, she always leaves a little frustrated that there is so little evidence regarding their cultures and social structures, just a huge amount of speculation.
For example there is a unique building at Kuelap that looks like a giant water jug. Some archeologists claim it housed prisoners which were fed to cougars, others believe that it was a large water cistern, or an observatory, and yet another group contend that it was a room of great religious importance because the roof opening faced directly towards a sacred lake. Evidently they are all guessing. This is obviously why she leaned towards the more concrete sciences in school.
In the end, it was a great tour. With a little easier access we expect that Kuelap could become the next Machu Picchu. In the meantime, we had the place almost completely to ourselves. Even the guides were very different as compared to other ruins, they were very proud of the ruins and they openly thanked us for making the long journey to their lost city…
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