Levanto and Yálape - Ruin Chachapoyas - Peru

Yálape, built 1100-1350 A.D., was a major Chachapoya city. During Inca rule it served as the region’s administrative center. With the Spanish conquest, Levanto was founded close-by as the capital of Amazonas; about nine years later, it was moved to its present site, Chachapoyas.

Today Levanto is a quiet town with a rose garden plaza and an ancient church. Recent excavations have revealed the stunning friezes of Yálape ruins from beneath heavy vegetation. The four-hectare site is a half-hour walk uphill from Levanto (ask directions). Along the pre-Incan road that leads to back to Chachapoyas is Colla Cruz, a restored tambo.

Location:
Chachapoyas, Peru

Ruin

Getting There
To Levanto: Collective taxis leave mornings from the Chachapoyas market and from the 100-block of Jr. Sosiego. The 16-kilometer pre-Inca road enters the Chachapoyas highway at La Molina, 5 kilometers south of the city.

Travel Tips: The entire outing will take about 8 hours, if you go by colectivo to Levanto. Be sure to give yourself enough time for the return, if walking.

Price Description: The site is free. The colectivo costs 6 soles/$2US. A guide can be hired in Chachapoyas for 20-25 soles/$6.60-8.30US.

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:Dawn

Open Hours to:Dusk

Travel Skills: intermediate/somewhat difficult.

You Need to Bring: Take a picnic lunch to eat up on the ridge top. The views are incredible.

The Inca Road continues on to Macro and other sites.

About this Page

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began...

Updated: 13 Jul 2007