Named
San Juan de la Frontera de los Chachapoyas, the city was first
established near La Jalca, and then near Levanto. The city's original locations
were abandoned due to climate, disease and a lack of defenses against rebelling
local groups. The location of the city changed several times, until it was
settled in the place that it now occupies at 2334 m. At first the date of
settlement had not been specified. It is believed that the Spanish colonials
moved the city to its present location in 1545.
The city still preserves its wide colonial casonas of big courts and
lounges, with roofs made of tiles. Its
