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Explore Northern Peru
9 days, Lima to Lima
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Venture off the beaten path to discover ancient vestiges of north Peruvian cultures. Explore fortified cities that were once bustling hubs of early civilizations; peruse museums brimming with archaeological treasures; visit burial tombs used by pre-Inca cultures; and encounter the ruins of Chan Chan, abandoned by the Chimu people in 1470. See a side of Peru that few travellers experience, and gain a greater understanding for the country's ancient past.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 7
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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View our Entry Requirements tool9 days - Lima to Lima
Sold Out
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Trip Code: SPNNG
See how your trip uplifts communities
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
As in one of those old lithographs depicting the lush forests of the New World, the trail leads through lofty tunnels formed by overhanging boughs heavy with Spanish moss, orchids, and bromeliads.” ——Scott Wallace, “The High Road to Machu Picchu,” National Geographic Traveler, May/June, 2009
More from Explore Northern Peru
Itinerary
Day 1Lima
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Day 2Lima/Chachapoyas
Board an early flight to Jaen, then travel overland to Chachapoyas, gateway to the archaeological sites of northern Peru. "Chacha" as it's known locally, will be our base for exploring the natural, cultural, and archaeological highlights of the region.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Gocta Falls
Hike through the cloud forest to Gocta waterfall, one of the world's tallest cascades, 771 meters (2,156 feet) high. Ancient legends that discouraged local community members from talking about the falls, which did not begin receiving visitors until 2005 and are still relatively unknown. Take in Gocta’s mesmerizing spray; then opt for a longer hike to its base, or enjoy a free afternoon.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Kuelap Fortress
This morning, get immersed in the culture and history of the Chachapoyan people at Kuelap, a fortified city made up of more than 400 circular buildings and complexes. Ride a cable car up to the site, thought to have been an important cultural center for these pre-Inca "Cloud Warriors." Learn about coffee harvesting at a sustainable coffee farm before tasting coffee from the area. Later, try to spot some of the 130 bird species that live in the surrounding ecological reserve, including the spatula-tailed hummingbird.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Chachapoyas/Chiclayo
Today, drive to Chiclayo. This coastal town, founded in the 18th century, was once an important trade route between the coast and the jungle and is rich with archaeological sites and cultural history. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 6Chiclayo
Enjoy a visit to one of the most archaeologically rich museums in Peru: the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. In the afternoon, explore the tombs of Huaca Rajada and Lord Sipán, a series of burial chambers used by the pre-Inca Moche culture.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 7Chiclayo/Trujillo
Drive down the coast to colonial Trujillo, stopping along the way at the tomb of the Dama de Cao. Tour the site and hear about the mummy discovered here in 2006, thought to be the remains of the Lady of Cao, a high-ranking Moche ruler. In the afternoon, explore Trujillo to discover baroque churches and local markets.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Chan Chan/Lima
Visit the Temples of the Sun and the Moon. Later, enjoy a visit to Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest adobe city. The former capital of the Chimu people, Chan Chan covers 26 square kilometers (10 square miles) and was once home to about 50,000 people. Fly back to Lima this evening.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Lima
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Sustainable Coffee Farm Experience, Amazilia Ecological Reserve
- Arrival transfer
- Kuelap fortress visit (Chachapoyas)
- Gocta waterfall hike
- Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum (Lambayeque)
- Lord of Sipán Tomb visit
- Dama de Cao mummy visit
- Chan Chan adobe city visit
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (8 nts).
Meals
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Allow USD280-365 for meals not included.
Transportation
Private van, plane, walking.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Departures
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.