Macro

Location:
Near Tingo
Kuélap, Peru

Ruin

By Lorraine Caputo

An enigma among the hundreds of Chachapoya ruins in the region, Macro is one of only two known sites built on the side of a hill, rather than atop. The walls, extending at least one kilometer, are made of finely finished yellow stone. Some are of circular buildings. Others appear to hug the contours of the land, thus lending its name to the site: Macro means undulating. According to ethnohistorian Peter Lerche, this site probably had ceremonial purposes.

Getting There
From Tingo, a 10-minutes walk along the road towards Chachapoyas takes you to the oroya, or cable car across the river. Ask directions to Macro, it's quite easy to find. An pre-Inca road connects Macro with Yálape, near Levanto (a 3-hour walk).

Traveler Reviews of Macro

ruins with a view

Rating: 100%

It's the closest ruins to the main road. First you need to cross the river on a special local equipment and then to climb up the mountain for about 15 minutes. It gets very steep and dangerous at some spots. And I was very concerned about safety of my 5 year old daughter. But where else can you enjoy this amazing view and touch the ancient inca civilization with your own hands! By the way, it's absolutely free.
And when you go there, please don't leave any trace of modern civilzation in the form of soda cans or cigarettes.

By V!VA User from Miami, USA, Aug 23, 2007