Warriors of the Clouds - a Civilization conquered by the Incas

As last week we talked about the Inca culture and their messengers, I thought that today we could see another Peruvian civilization that is not that known, but just as interesting: the Sachapuyos.

The Sachapuyos, also called the Chachapayas were a pre-Columbian Andean civilization. Their name originates from the aymara and means Warriors of the Clouds.

They were known for their white skin and for being tall. They lived between San Martin and the cloud-forest of the Amazonas region.

Like many other civilizations, they had been conquered by the Incas. This happened in 1475 under the government of the Inca Tupac Yupanqui. Nonetheless the Incas had a hard time to incorporate them into their Empire due to their constant resistance.

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived Peru, the Sachapuyos choose to side with them. This was mainly because they suffered from a harsh treatment under the Inca domination. In 1536 they even refused to take part in the rebellion of Manco Capac II.

As many other civilizations conquered by the Incas, the Chachapoyas are hardly known. The problem is that not a lot of first-hand information is left. Most things we know about them has been transferred to us by the Incas and the Spanish conquistadors.

Nonetheless there are some leftovers, such as the Kuélap fortress or the mausoleum of Revash that you can visit during your Peru Holidays. Chaskiventura, your Peru tour operator can also help you to organize this Peru trip.

To see a few pictures click here.