Illapu are a Chilean folk and Andean musical ensemble that was formed in 1971 in Antofagasta, in northern Chile, by the brothers José Miguel, Jaime, Andrés and Roberto Márquez Bugueño.

At this stage they began to be considered a new element in the Nueva Canción Chilena ("New Chilean Song") movement.

The resources allocated to the arts and culture under the Popular Unity government of Salvador Allende also allowed Illapu to fully develop their artistic potential.

In 1981, because of the repression under the Pinochet regime, they were forced into exile – going first to France and later Mexico City[citation needed].

Their 1993 album En Estos Días, which contained the hit single "Lejos del Amor", won 7 platinum records.