en
- Adventure
- 16-day trip
- From €5,895 per person
Peru trip | Round trip unknown northern Peru
Discover the hidden gems and secrets of Northern Peru. A truly ‘off the beaten track’ journey where you’ll be amazed by all the beauty this region has to offer. Northern Peru offers a rich mix of culture, nature and adventure. Discover ancient ruins and mummies, hike through spectacular landscapes and be enchanted by a different side of Peru that remains unknown to many. You’ll go on two wonderful treks in the hiking paradise of Huaraz, including a trek to the Pastoruri Glacier. You’ll then discover the magnificent colonial splendour of the cities of Trujillo and Cajamarca. Along the way, you’ll visit, amongst other things, the ancient ruins of Chan Chan and witness a traditional Caballitos de Totora demonstration. Via Leymebamba, where you’ll visit the museum and the Revash tombs, you’ll travel on to the ruins of Kuelap – undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary hidden gems! These ruins, where remains of the Chachapoya culture have been found, are rightly called the Machu Picchu of the north. You’ll round off the trip with a walk to the beautiful Gocta waterfall, known as the third highest waterfall in the world. A fantastic adventure that will leave you returning home with a wealth of unforgettable memories.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 – 2 Flight to Peru
- Days 3–5 Trekking in the Andes near Huaraz
- Day 6 – 7 Excursion to Chan Chan and Huaca de la Luna
- Day 8 El Brujo and Dama de Cao
- Day 9 Cumbemayo and city tour
- Day 10 – 11 Leymebamba Museum and Revash Tombs
- Day 12–14 Kuelap and Gocta Waterfall
- Day 15 Journey to Lima
- Day 16 Departure from Lima
- Day 17 Arrival
Air travel to Peru
Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. You will stay in a lovely boutique hotel in the Barranco district. Barranco is the artists’ quarter, offering a vast array of nightlife options and the finest restaurants serving exquisite Peruvian cuisine. It is a colonial neighbourhood where one of the most famous landmarks is ‘the Bridge of Sighs’.
The following day, a half-day private city tour is on the programme to explore the colonial city in depth, led by an English-speaking guide. Lima, the capital of Peru, offers a blend of history and modernity. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the Plaza Mayor and the cathedral. The trendy Miraflores district boasts dramatic cliffs and stunning views of the ocean.
Included:
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• Private city tour of Lima (4 hours) including an English-speaking guide
• Accommodation including breakfast
Exclusive:
• Intercontinental flight
Trekking in the Andes near Huaraz
You’ll travel from Lima to Huaraz by private transfer. The journey takes a full day (around 7.5 hours) and there’ll be a stop along the way where you can have lunch at your leisure.
The town of Huaraz lies deep in the Andes, between the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra mountain ranges. This is where you’ll find some of Peru’s most beautiful treks. Huaraz is surrounded by impressive mountain ranges with adventurous walking trails.
Over the next few days, you’ll be trekking through these stunning mountain ranges. On day 4, the trek to Churup Lake is on the programme; a challenging day trip where you’ll climb along rocky paths to the clear blue mountain lake. Churup Lake is surrounded by impressive Andean peaks; perfect for acclimatisation and breathtaking views!
The following day, you’ll trek to the Pastoruri Glacier; a shorter, accessible trek through the high Andes. You’ll walk past colourful flora and picturesque landscapes to a spectacular, slowly melting glacier. A unique high-altitude experience!
Included:
• Private transfer to Huaraz with a stop for lunch en route
• Private Churup Lake trekking excursion, including an English-speaking guide and packed lunch on day 4
• Private excursion to the Pastoruri Glacier, including an English-speaking guide and a packed lunch on day 5
• Accommodation including breakfast
Excursion to Chan Chan and Huaca de la Luna
A private transfer will take you to Trujillo in around 7 hours. Situated on the coast, Trujillo is Peru’s second-largest city and boasts a very beautiful central square.
The following day, you will visit the impressive archaeological site of Las Huacas del Sol y la Luna (Temples of the Sun and the Moon), important remains of the Moche culture (100–700 AD). You’ll start at the Huaca del Sol, the larger of the two pyramids, and then admire the Huaca de la Luna with its decorated walls and stunning views. You can view the gold and ceramic artefacts found here in the museum. You will then travel to Chan Chan, the largest adobe city ever built, founded around 900 AD by the Chimú culture. You’ll explore the impressive Palacio Nik-An, which is decorated with motifs of nature, birds and fish.
Finally, you’ll visit the fishing village of Huanchaco, where traditional ‘Caballitos de Totora’ boats are made from reeds. You’ll see a demonstration of this ancient technique, which has been passed down for over a thousand years and is still used by local fishermen. Lunch is included here.
Included:
• Private transfer to Trujillo
• Private excursion to Chan Chan and Huaca de la Luna, including an English-speaking guide
• Private excursion to Huanchaco, including an English-speaking guide and lunch
• Overnight stays including breakfast
El Brujo and Dama de Cao
Today, you’ll travel to Cajamarca in around 6.5 hours, stopping en route to visit the impressive El Brujo Archaeological Complex. This remarkable site was a sacred place for various ancient civilisations, including the Moche, Wari and Inca, and remained significant throughout the colonial period. The Moche’s adobe pyramid/temple was presumably used for ritual sacrifices and displays impressive architecture and iconography that provide insight into the spiritual and cultural practices of this ancient civilisation.
In the excellently organised museum, you will see a wealth of artefacts, including the famous remains of the Dama de Cao, a prominent Moche woman. Her well-preserved mummy, discovered in 2006, and the accompanying grave goods have revealed much about the Moche’s burial rituals and social structures. After this fascinating visit, you will travel on to Cajamarca.
Included:
• Private transfer to Cajamarca
• Visit to El Brujo and Dama de Cao en route, including an English-speaking guide
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Cumbemayo and city tour
You will visit the fascinating Cumbemayo Archaeological Site, just outside Cajamarca. Here you can admire impressive megalithic structures from the Cajamarca-Marañón culture, including the 9-kilometre-long aqueduct. This masterpiece of ancient hydraulic engineering, together with centuries-old petroglyphs, stone niches and engravings, is over 3,500 years old. At the entrance, you’ll find the remarkable rock formation known as Los Frailones, sculptures shaped by wind and time.
Back in Cajamarca, known as the city where the defeat of the Incas by the Spanish began, you will visit the Plaza de Armas. Here you will see the impressive cathedral with its façade carved from volcanic rock, the Church of San Francisco, the monumental Church of Bethlehem, the colonial hospital and the historic Hall of Salvation, where the Inca ruler Atahualpa gathered gold and silver in an attempt to buy his freedom.
Next, you’ll visit the Baños del Inca, natural hot springs once used by Atahualpa. Finally, you’ll explore the Ventanillas de Otuzco, a pre-Inca necropolis with burial niches carved into the rock. These ‘little windows’ were used as tombs and contain artefacts dating back to 1400 BC, offering a glimpse into the region’s early civilisations.
Included:
• Private excursion to Cumbemayo, city tour and Baños del Inca, including an English-speaking guide
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Leymebamba Museum and Revash Tombs
By private transfer, you’ll travel for around 7.5 hours through the mountainous landscape to the charming village of Leymebamba. Leymebamba is the ideal starting point for excursions to Revash, as well as for walks or horse rides to local ruins.
During your stay, you will visit the fascinating Leymebamba Museum, which offers a wealth of information about the various cultures of the Chachapoyas region. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 1,000 objects, including 219 mummies, some of which come from the Laguna de los Cóndores. You will also see ancient pottery, sculptures and weapons that shed light on the area’s rich history.
After visiting the museum, you’ll drive to San Bartolo, followed by a short walk of about half an hour to the Revash Mausoleums. These remarkable tombs, carved into a steep rock face, consist of house-like structures with gabled roofs. The colourful walls protect the remains of prominent figures from the Chachapoyas culture. You will then return to Leymebamba, where you can relax in the evening and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this charming village.
Included:
• Private transfer to Leymebamba
• Visit to the Leymebamba Museum and the Revash tombs, including an English-speaking guide
• Overnight stays including breakfast and dinner
Kuelap and Gocta Waterfall
A journey of around 2.5 hours along a picturesque road takes you to the magnificent archaeological site of Kuelap. This was once the capital of the Chachapoyas culture and lies at an altitude of 3,000 metres, surrounded by lush cloud forest and protected by massive stone walls, which in some places are as high as 20 metres. To reach the section with the highest walls, you’ll take a walk of about 45 minutes along a sandy path, which offers a more immersive experience of this ancient city.
Whilst exploring the site, you will not only admire the impressive architecture but will also be surrounded by the natural beauty of the highlands. The more than 500 stone structures, many overgrown with vibrant vegetation such as bromeliads and orchids (especially in May), form a striking contrast to the historical remains. Some of the buildings have been restored by archaeologists, allowing you to better imagine what this ancient city once looked like.
You will then travel for approximately 3 hours to your unique lodge, the Gocta Andes Lodge, situated in the picturesque village of Cocachimba, where you will be staying for the next few nights.
The following day, you’ll go on an excursion to the Gocta Waterfall. Your guide will collect you from the Gocta Andes Lodge. From here, the walk to the stunning Gocta Waterfall begins. On 11 March 2006, this hidden waterfall was measured for the first time by a team of specialists, who discovered that it is no less than 771 metres high, making it the third-highest waterfall in the world. To reach the waterfall, you’ll follow a scenic 5 km sandy path (approximately 2 hours) through lush cloud forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter a wide variety of plants and flowers, and you’ll have the chance to spot toucans, hummingbirds, the cock-of-the-rock and possibly even monkeys.
Day 14 is at your leisure to let all the impressions of Northern Peru sink in and to enjoy the spectacular surroundings of the Gocta Andes Lodge.
Includes:
• Private transfer to Cocachimba
• Private excursion to Kuelap en route, including an English-speaking guide on day 12
• Trek to the Gocta Waterfall, including an English-speaking guide on day 13
• Accommodation including breakfast
Travel to Lima
Your special journey through northern Peru is almost at an end. You will be taken to Jaen Airport, from where you will take a domestic flight back to Lima. On arrival, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, where you will spend the final night of your trip. This time, you will be staying in the Miraflores district.
Miraflores is a chic and vibrant district in Lima, known for its modern atmosphere, parks and beaches. It offers a wide range of shops, restaurants and cafés, as well as cultural attractions such as the Larcomar shopping centre and Kennedy Square. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Includes:
• Private transfer to the airport
• Domestic flight Jaen – Lima
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Accommodations
Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels
Villa Barranco is a character house built in the 1920s and renovated with great attention. You will be welcomed with personalised service. The hotel is located in the Barranco district, a cultural and artistic area with traditional architecture with a bohemian atmosphere. It is close to the sea and from here...
Villa Barranco is a character house built in the 1920s and renovated with great attention. You will be welcomed with personalised service. The hotel is located in the Barranco district, a cultural and artistic area with traditional architecture with a bohemian atmosphere. It is close to the sea and from here you can easily explore the city.
Your stay: 2 nights
Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel
Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel boasts a stunning view of the surrounding mountain range. From here, you can explore the mountains and lakes of the Cordillera Blanca. This is the largest tropical mountain range in the world. At the boutique hotel, you can unwind and enjoy the fine dining prepared by the professional chef or…
Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountain range. From here, you can explore the mountains and lakes of the Cordillera Blanca. This is the world’s largest tropical mountain range. At the boutique hotel, you can unwind and enjoy the cuisine prepared by the professional chef or relax by the indoor swimming pool with views of the mountains.
Your stay: 3 nights
Costa del Sol Trujillo Centre
Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro is situated on Trujillo’s main square, just a short walk from Trujillo Cathedral and the historic Huaca del Sol temple. The hotel features comfortable rooms; the superior rooms have a balcony or terrace, whilst the suites offer a spacious…
Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro is situated on Trujillo’s main square, just a short walk from Trujillo Cathedral and the historic Huaca del Sol temple. The hotel features comfortable rooms; the superior rooms have a balcony or terrace, the suites have a spacious living room, and the luxury suites boast a whirlpool bath. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bright communal areas, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna and a fitness centre.
Your stay: 2 nights
La Ensenada Hotel, Cajamarca
La Ensenada Hotel Cajamarca is a charming boutique hotel situated near Cajamarca in Peru. The hotel features comfortable rooms. The restaurant offers a complimentary buffet breakfast and a variety of national and international dishes, whilst the bar offers an extensive selection of drinks. The hotel is…
La Ensenada Hotel Cajamarca is a charming boutique hotel situated near Cajamarca in Peru. The hotel features comfortable rooms. The restaurant offers a complimentary buffet breakfast and a variety of national and international dishes, whilst the bar offers an extensive selection of drinks. The hotel is situated in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature, perfect for unwinding after exploring the region.
Your stay: 2 nights
Kentitambo
Hotel Kentitambo is a small lodge overlooking the Museo Leymebamba. The hotel offers comfortable, spacious rooms set in the leafy garden. You’ll find plenty of hummingbirds in the garden. Various vegetables are also grown there. The Kentikafe serves delicious coffee, tea and a variety of sandwiches and…
Hotel Kentitambo is a small lodge overlooking the Museo Leymebamba. The hotel offers comfortable, spacious rooms set in the leafy garden. You’ll find plenty of hummingbirds in the garden. Various vegetables are also grown there. The Kentikafe serves delicious coffee, tea and a variety of sandwiches and homemade cakes.
Your stay: 2 nights
Gocta Andes Lodge
From your accommodation, you can see the Gocta Waterfalls in the distance and fully enjoy the peace and quiet and the beautiful natural surroundings.
In addition to the most spectacular views this hotel has to offer and the delightful climate, the lodge’s strategic location makes it an ideal base from which to explore the…
From your accommodation, you can see the Gocta Waterfalls in the distance and fully enjoy the peace and quiet and the beautiful natural surroundings.
In addition to the most spectacular views this hotel has to offer and the delightful climate, the lodge’s strategic location makes it an ideal base from which to explore the region around Chacapoyas. From the Gocta Lodge, you can easily visit Kuelap, Leymebamba and Karajia. The lodge itself is situated in the small village of Cocachimba, which is also the starting point for various walks to Gocta.
Every room features a balcony or terrace overlooking the waterfalls, as well as the gardens, the swimming pool and the surrounding terraces. The hotel’s eight rooms and two suites are spacious and comfortable, and surrounded by tranquillity. All of this combined ensures that you will have a pleasant stay.
Your stay: 3 nights
Atemporal Hotel
Atemporal is perfectly situated for exploring Lima. The hotel is housed in a refurbished 1940s townhouse in the upmarket Miraflores district. The nine rooms were designed by the same award-winning team behind Hotel B – Ignacio Masías, Sandra Masías and Jordi Puig – in the neighbouring district of Barranco, and…
Atemporal has the perfect location to explore Lima. The hotel is housed in a renovated 1940s mansion in the upscale Miraflores district. The nine rooms come from the same award-winning design team behind Hotel B - Ignacio Masías, Sandra Masías and Jordi Puig - in the neighbouring district of Barranco, and Titilaka, the boutique lodge on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The hotel has an informal and relaxed atmosphere and has friendly and knowledgeable staff, making this luxury mansion a perfect cosy accommodation in Peru's bustling capital.
Your stay: 1 night
Experiences
Destinations
Cocachimba
Cocachimba is a remote village in the Utcubamba Valley offering authentic ‘back-to-basics’ nature tourism. It is surrounded by spectacular views of steep mountain slopes and vast canyons and is blessed with a rich biodiversity. One of the village’s highlights is the recently discovered Catarata Gocta, one of the highest waterfalls in the world.
Leymebamba
Leymebamba – often spelled Leimebamba – is situated in northern Peru. With quiet cobbled streets, astonishing archaeological sites and world-class hiking opportunities in the region, Leymebamba is a highly recommended addition to any itinerary in the area. Don’t miss the museum in Leymebamba, which hosts a number of fascinating exhibitions, including a collection of over 200 mummies from the Chachapoya civilisation. Be sure to buy handcrafted souvenirs at the Asociación de Mujeres Artesanas de Leymebamba (located near the town’s central church), and then put on your walking boots to explore the Peruvian jungle. The ancient ruins of Molinete, Cataneo and Congona are all accessible via day walks from Leymebamba, whilst those with more time should try the epic three-day trek to the bird-rich Laguna de los Condores.
Lima
Lima was the capital of the Spanish Vice-Kingdom of Peru in colonial times. Around the 'Plaza de Armas' and the 'Plaza de San Martin', the buildings bear witness to the wealth of yesteryear. You can take beautiful city walks past various monuments such as the cathedral, the Peruvian parliament building and the monastery of San Francisco. Lima's colonial centre is also on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Striking in Lima are the cliffs that rise from the sea almost immediately behind the narrow beach and highway. As a result, the entire coastline has spectacular views. A fine example of the vistas over the Pacific Ocean can be found in Miraflores district, also known as Lima's business district and also a district of luxury shops, embassies and hotels. Larcomar, a mall carved into the rocks, is particularly special. A little further south from Miraflores is the artists' district of Barranco. Along the Bridge of Sighs you will find the best restaurants here.
Central Andes Peru
The world's longest mountain range, the Andes, stretches along the western coastline of South America, from Venezuela to Argentina. However, the northern Andes includes only Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. The area boasts some of the richest tropical mountain forests on earth and is home to a large number of species including most of the world's spectacular bears. Seven different ecoregions can be found along the way, as well as numerous charming colonial towns, Inca ruins and, of course, Bogota - the capital of Colombia and the third-highest city in South America, at 2,640 metres above sea level.
Peru
Peru is best known for the sacred archaeological site Machu Picchu, visited every year by intrepid hikers who brave the arduous slopes of the Inca Trail to explore the ancient ruins. But the country has much more to offer besides the mystical allure of this legendary site. Among other palm-fringed beaches, quaint Andean villages and archaeological treasures dating back hundreds of years before Machu Picchu, everything is infused with a rich melange of the country's indigenous and colonial cultures. Equally enticing are the exotic corners of Peru's Amazon rainforest, extraordinary dining options in Lima, stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife, the shimmering mountain-lined waters of Lake Titicaca and the bustling city of Cusco, referred to by the Incas as 'the centre of the world'.
Chachapoyas
Tucked away in the remote cloud forests of Peru’s northern highlands lies the small, modern town of Chachapoyas. Chachapoyas is the capital of Peru’s Amazonas region and the gateway to some of Peru’s most fascinating and least-visited pre-Inca ruins. This lively little town is home to a predominantly indigenous population of around fifteen thousand inhabitants, who are renowned as some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in Peru. The town itself boasts a well-preserved colonial centre and the impressive Leymebamba Museum. The surrounding area boasts a number of remarkable ancient ruins left behind by the early inhabitants of Chachapoyas. Must-see attractions include the enormous pre-Inca ruins of Kuelap and the recently discovered Gocta Falls, considered the third-highest waterfall in the world.
Trujillo
Trujillo is a still relatively unknown gem in northern Peru. The city is best known for its proximity to archaeological sites such as Moche and Chimu, which were once home to ancient civilisations; Chan Chan, the world’s largest ancient adobe city and a designated World Heritage Site; and the imposing adobe Temples of the Sun and the Moon. Trujillo itself is an elegant city of estates and mansions, known as Peru’s ‘cultural capital’ for its local traditions and festivals. Anyone looking for sun, sea and delicious seafood should definitely visit the beautiful Huanchaco beach, just 12 kilometres outside the city.
Huaraz
Huaraz is a small town where the locals still wear traditional dress. The town is surrounded by mountain ranges, making it a great spot for hiking. You’ll find various hiking trails here, and you can pick up all the essentials for your walks in the high street. Every Sunday, a food festival is organised where you can sample local dishes. This festival takes place on Jr. Jose Olaya, the only street that was not destroyed by the 1970 earthquake.
Cajamarca
The picturesque colonial town of Cajamarca is one of the most popular tourist destinations in northern Peru and an ideal base for travellers wishing to explore the stunning landscape and rich history of Peru’s northern highlands. From Cajamarca, there is a wide range of options for exciting day trips to the nearby ruins and hot springs. The town itself is certainly not to be missed either. There are countless monasteries, Baroque churches and a number of fascinating archaeological sites, such as the Ventanillas cemeteries in Otuzco and the Cumbe Mayo aqueduct.
Peru trip | Round trip unknown northern Peru
We offer the described trip from €5,895 per person.
The tour price is an estimate and is subject to availability and the travel period, amongst other factors.
Included
• Domestic flight as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’
• 15 nights’ accommodation in charming lodges and hotels
• All meals as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’
• Private transport with an English-speaking private guide/driver
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’, including a trek to the Pastoruri Glacier and a visit to Kuelap with a private guide
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• Entrance fees to national parks for scheduled excursions
• Booking fees (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• Contribution towards positive impact of €50 per person via the Avila Foundation
• Caballitos de Totora demonstration
• Walk to the Gocta waterfall
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)