Chachapoyas history

Foundation and First Mentions

The city of Chachapoyas, the full historical name of which is San Juan de la Frontera de los Chachapoyas, was founded by the Spanish captain Alonso de Alvarado on 5 September 1538. This makes it one of the oldest cities in Peru founded by Europeans.

Initially, the settlement was established at a site called La Jalca; however, due to the harsh climate and disease, a decision was soon made to move the city to its current location, which offered more favourable conditions for living and defence.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Chachapoyas as a major regional centre was driven by a combination of geographical and strategic reasons:

• Strategic Geography: The city is situated on the eastern slopes of the Andes, in the transition zone towards the Amazon basin. This allowed for control over the routes between the highlands and the jungle.
• Base for Expeditions: During the colonial era, Chachapoyas served as a starting point for numerous expeditions heading deep into the tropical rainforests in search of the legendary El Dorado.
• Administrative Centre: The city quickly became the capital of a vast region, ensuring a Spanish presence in territories previously inhabited by the powerful Chachapoyas culture.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period was based on agriculture, utilising the region's fertile soils to grow crops atypical for the high Andes. The city became an important trading hub where goods from the jungle (coca, medicinal plants, exotic fruits) were exchanged for goods from the viceroyalty's capital.

The cultural appearance of the city was formed under the strong influence of Spanish architecture. Chachapoyas has preserved the classical colonial layout with a central square (Plaza de Armas) and characteristic houses with white walls, red tiled roofs, and carved wooden balconies, which remain the city's calling card to this day.

Chronology of Events

• Around 800 AD — The Chachapoyas culture ("Warriors of the Clouds") begins to flourish in the region; their monumental structures still surround the city today.
• Around 1475 — The territory was conquered by the Inca Empire led by Tupac Inca Yupanqui, who incorporated the region into the Tahuantinsuyo state.
• 5 September 1538 — Spanish captain Alonso de Alvarado founded the city of San Juan de la Frontera de los Chachapoyas at the site of La Jalca.
• 1544 — The settlement was moved to its current location due to the harsh climate and epidemics at the original founding site.
• 17th–18th Centuries — The city develops as an important colonial centre and a base for missionary and research expeditions deep into the Amazon.
• 6 June 1821 — In the Battle of Higos Urco, local patriots commanded by Colonel Juan Valdivieso defeated the Spanish royalists, securing the region's independence.
• 21 November 1832 — The Department of Amazonas was officially created, and Chachapoyas received the status of its administrative capital.
• 31 January 1843 — Judge Juan Crisóstomo Nieto rediscovered the monumental fortress of Kuélap, located near the city, for the general public.
• 14 May 1928 — A strong earthquake caused significant destruction in the city, damaging many colonial buildings and the cathedral.
• 12 November 1988 — The historic centre of Chachapoyas was officially declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation (Patrimonio Cultural de la Nación) to protect its architectural appearance.
• March 2017 — The launch of Peru's first cable car to the Kuélap fortress transformed Chachapoyas into a key tourism hub for the northern macro-region.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

The history of Chachapoyas is a journey from a colonial outpost to a modern tourism centre in northern Peru. Below are the key milestones that defined the city's current economic and architectural character:

• Formation of the Colonial Centre (16th–17th Centuries)
  After the city was moved to its current location, a classical Spanish "chessboard" layout (damero) was established.
  Significance: The architectural code of the city was set—white walls, tiled roofs, and internal courtyards with orchids—which persists to this day and attracts travellers.
• Becoming the Administrative Capital (1832)
  Following the creation of the Amazonas Department, Chachapoyas received the status of its capital.
  Significance: This cemented the city's role as the main bureaucratic, educational, and commercial hub of the region, drawing resources and population from surrounding provinces.
• Recovery after the Earthquake (1928)
  A devastating earthquake damaged a significant part of the historical buildings. The city underwent a large-scale reconstruction process.
  Significance: Residents decided to restore buildings in the traditional style, rejecting radical modernisation, which allowed the city's unique atmosphere to be preserved for future generations.
• Awarding of Cultural Heritage Status (1988)
  The historic centre was officially recognised as a cultural asset of the nation.
  Significance: The introduction of strict urban planning regulations prohibiting high-rise construction and facade alterations saved the historical appearance from chaotic urbanisation.
• Discovery of Gocta Waterfall (2005–2006)
  Although locals had always known of the waterfall, its measurement and popularisation by German explorer Stefan Ziemendorff attracted global attention.
  Significance: Chachapoyas ceased to be associated solely with archaeology; active development of eco-tourism began, along with the construction of lodges and improvement of road infrastructure around the city.
• Launch of the Cable Car to Kuélap (2017)
  The commissioning of Peru's first telecabin system (Telecabinas Kuélap).
  Significance: Reducing travel time to the main attraction from several hours to 20 minutes caused a sharp increase in tourist flow, stimulating the opening of new hotels and restaurants within Chachapoyas itself.
• Airport Modernisation (2010s – Present)
  Resumption of commercial flights and improvement of the runway.
  Significance: Overcoming the geographical isolation of the city, previously accessible mainly via long bus journeys, making the region accessible to mass tourism.

Urban Development and Layout

The architectural appearance of Chachapoyas is a clear example of classical Spanish urban planning adapted to the conditions of the high-altitude jungle. Since the city was moved to its current location in 1544, construction has followed a strict "chessboard" plan (damero), characteristic of all colonial cities in Latin America.

The centre of city life remains the Plaza de Armas, from which narrow cobbled streets radiate at right angles. Thanks to strict preservation measures, the city centre has retained an amazing visual integrity: white lime walls, massive wooden doors, and overhanging tiled roofs create a unified ensemble rarely found in modern Peruvian cities.

Architectural Eras and Styles

Unlike Lima or Cusco, where opulent styles are presented, the architecture of Chachapoyas is characterised by restraint and functionality. The dominant style here is the so-called "vernacular colonial style".

• Colonial Era (16th–18th Centuries) — Andean Baroque and Traditional Style:
  The foundation of the historic centre. Buildings of this period were constructed from adobe (unbaked brick) and quincha (a frame of cane plastered with clay). The main features are high whitewashed walls, a lack of external decoration, and spacious internal courtyards (patios), often adorned with gardens. The balconies here are more modest than in Lima but are executed with great woodcarving skill.
• Republican Period (19th – early 20th Century) — Neoclassicism and Continuity:
  After gaining independence, the city's architecture did not undergo radical changes. New public buildings acquired features of restrained neoclassicism (symmetry, strict columns), yet residential construction continued to follow colonial canons, maintaining a unity of style.

Iconic Buildings and Architectural Landmarks

The appearance of Chachapoyas is shaped by several key structures that serve as landmarks for tourists:

• Chachapoyas Cathedral (Catedral de Chachapoyas): Located on the main square. Although the original building suffered repeatedly from earthquakes and was rebuilt (the last major reconstruction was completed in the 20th century), it retains the spirit of colonial simplicity with two bell towers and a strict white facade.
• Casona Monsante: The brightest example of 19th-century civil architecture. This mansion, recognised as a historical monument, is known for its immense internal courtyard where hundreds of species of orchids and begonias are grown. The building demonstrates how architecture organically intertwines with the region's nature.
• Bishop's Palace: The building where the prosecutor Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza, a hero of the struggle for independence, was born. It stands out for its traditional wooden balconies and massive gates, typical of noble houses from the colonial period.

Distinguished Historical Figures

The history of Chachapoyas is rich with the names of people who played a key role not only in the development of the region but also in the destiny of all Peru. Below are the most significant figures associated with the city, from the era of the conquest to modern times.

• Alonso de Alvarado (1500–1556)
  Spanish Conquistador and City Founder
  A key figure in the colonial history of the region. It was he who led the expedition into the lands of the "Warriors of the Clouds" and founded the city of San Juan de la Frontera de los Chachapoyas on 5 September 1538. Alvarado chose this site as a strategic point for further advancement into the Amazon jungle in search of El Dorado.
• Blas Valera (1545–1597)
  Chronicler, Historian, and Jesuit
  Born in the vicinity of Chachapoyas (likely in Levanto) to a Spanish father and an indigenous mother. He was one of the first mestizo chroniclers and an outstanding linguist who compiled a grammar of the Quechua language. His works describing the history and culture of the Incas played an important role in preserving knowledge of the pre-Columbian era, although many of his manuscripts were lost or subjected to censorship.
• Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza (1750–1825)
  Priest, Educator, and Ideologue of Peruvian Independence
  The most famous native of the city. As rector of the Royal Convictory of San Carlos in Lima, he educated a generation of patriots who became leaders in the struggle for independence from Spain. He is called the "Teacher of Heroes". His signature is one of the first on the Act of Independence of Peru.
• Matiasa Rimachi (19th Century)
  Folk Heroine of the Independence Struggle
  An indigenous resident of Chachapoyas who became a symbol of female bravery. During the decisive Battle of Higos Urco (6 June 1821), she organised and led a group of local women who assisted the patriots by carrying ammunition and participating in the battle against the royalists using stones and slings.
• Juan Valdivieso (19th Century)
  Colonel, Military Leader of the Patriots
  Commander of the patriotic forces in the Battle of Higos Urco. Thanks to his tactical leadership, the local militia was able to defeat professional Spanish troops, which secured the independence of the Amazonas region even before the official proclamation of Peru's independence in Lima.
• Gilberto Tenorio Ruiz (1906–1995)
  Priest, Educator, and Amateur Archaeologist
  A man who dedicated his life to preserving the cultural heritage of the region. Monsignor Tenorio actively collected archaeological artefacts of the Chachapoyas culture, including mummies and ceramics, saving them from looting. His collection formed the basis of the exhibition at the city's historical museum, which today bears his name.