Off-the-beaten track trip to north Peru exploring pre-Inca civilizations plus stunning scenery.
Before Machu Picchu there was Kuelap, Caral and Chan Chan. Peru’s fascinating indigenous heritage extends far beyond the hillside fortresses of the Inca period with which international travellers are usually most familiar. This three-week luxury tour focuses on the crumbling vestiges of northern Peru’s lost civilisations and the magnificent landscapes of these lesser-known destinations. With the knowledge of your expert local guides on hand at all times, you will explore breathtaking ruins left by the Chimu, Norte Chico, Chachapoyas, Moche and Chavín cultures, visiting striking natural attractions along the way, such as the cascading Gocta waterfalls and the snow-capped peaks of the dramatic Cordillera Blanca. Your archaeological tour of these forgotten regions will culminate in a relaxing stay on the pleasant beaches of Máncora on the north coast, where you can unwind in your indulgent luxury hotel before returning home after this unforgettable trip.
Trip Highlights
Enjoy a private gastronomic tour of Lima, tasting exotic fruits, learning to make ceviche and Pisco Sours and eating a traditional lunch.
Explore the Chavín ruins with a private guided tour, taking your time to fully appreciate the ancient architecture and fascinating history of this mountain site..
Trek through the Cordillera Blanca to Laguna 69, taking in views of Huascarán, Pisco, Chopicalqui and Huandoy.
Discover the Gocta Waterfalls and the Kuelap ruins, exploring Chachapoyas’ natural and cultural treasures.
Relax on the beaches of Máncora during several days of leisure at the north coast.
When to go
This itinerary is best done between May and September, during Peru’s dry season, when trekking, archaeological visits and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Outside these months, heavy rains in the Andes and northern regions may make some treks and rural travel more difficult.
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The hotels were just lovely, the food amazing and we were enchanted with Peru’s landscape, history and people.
– Humboldt Client
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive into Lima and transfer to your hotel in the trendy Miraflores district for the next two nights.
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Early this morning you will begin a scenic overland journey towards Huaraz in the Cordillera Blanca where you will spend the next three nights. En-route enjoy a tour of the ruins of Caral, the oldest settlement in the Americas, built by the Norte Chico civilisation.
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Today you will set off on a 7-hour trek (round-trip) to enjoy the scenic splendour of the Cordillera Blanca. Your route will afford you stunning views of the Llanganuco lagoon and Laguna 69 as well as sweeping vistas of the cordillera’s main peaks: Huascarán, Pisco, Chopicalqui and Huandoy.
Set off on a scenic overland journey from Huaraz to Trujillo where you will spend the next three nights of your trip. Lunch will be included en-route.
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Leaving Trujillo behind, you will set off for Chiclayo, visiting the El Brujo archaeological complex and Dama de Cao Museum en-route to learn about the Moche people who once inhabited the region. After your lunch at a local restaurant you will arrive in Chiclayo and visit the Huaca Rajada temple ruins.
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Early this morning you will set off on an overland journey to Chachapoyas. You will have lunch on the way as your route takes you through arid deserts, the slopes of the Andes mountains, the valley of the Marañón River and the dramatic Utcubamba Canyon.
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Today you will explore the stunning ruins of Kuelap, often described as an up-and-coming alternative to Machu Picchu. This unique pre-Inca mountainside fortress was built by the Chachapoyas culture with their distinctive circular buildings. You will have lunch included at a local restaurant and spend the night in the nearby town of Leymebamba.
This morning you will visit the Leymebamba Museum, famous for its collection of over 200 pre-Inca mummies discovered on the shores of the nearby Lake of the Condors. In the afternoon you will have a picnic lunch and visit Revash, a representative Chachapoya funerary complex.
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Enjoy a private tour of the cliffside sarcophagi of Karajía and the subterranean caverns at Quiocta before returning to Chachapoyas for one last night.
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Today, your guide will transfer you to the airport in Jaén for a flight back to Lima, where you will spend the night.
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Fly from Lima to Talara on the north coast of Peru and transfer to your hotel for three nights of seaside relaxation.
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Where to stay
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