This is one of the most important archeological sites left by the pre-Inca Chachapoyas culture, second only to Kuélap. In local mythology, Yalape was the younger brother of Kuélap, both sons of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Kuélap’s protective animal was the condor because of it’s surrounding cliffs and location high above the valley, while Yalape’s protector was the puma. The puma eye in the stone wall above is in the middle of the city and faces towards Kuélap.

This mountain top city was inhabited between the years 1100-1300 and has a view of Kuélap on one side and of the modern city of Chachapoyas on the other. It can be seen as a half-day trip from the city of Chachapoyas or from Tingo near Kuélap.

There are hundreds of round buildings, though with the lack of attention they’re just round depressions in the ground. If you have time for only one other archeological site after Kuélap, put this one at the top of the list. However, it doesn’t have interpretive signs or anybody working there. I recommend finding a local guide in Chachapoyas who has a lot of experience at Yalape.

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