Overview & Highlights
Northern Peru: bliss for history and archaeology enthusiasts. Discover the vestiges of fabulously wealthy pre-Inca civilisations. Includes the pre-Inca adobe city at Chan Chan, colonial Cajamarca and the mountain-top temple at Kuelap.
- Lima: walking tour
- Trujillo: Chan Chan and Huacas del Sol y de la luna
- Cajamarca: walking tour
- Leymebamba: museum
- Leymebamba: tombs of Revash
- Chachapoyas: citadel of Kuelap
- Chachapoyas: sarcophagi at Karajía
- Chachapoyas: Gocta Falls
- Chiclayo: Lord of Sipán and Túcume
On this adventurous itinerary you will be rewarded by magical landscapes, archaeological treasures, and encounters with welcoming people who will give you an insight into life in the region. The remote highlights of the north of Peru attract fewer visitors than the south, and as such there is a lower level of tourist infrastructure and some long road journeys, but each day offers a fascinating insight into the country’s rich cultural history.
A taste for adventure and discovery is a must; this is a trip through the authentic South America which has remained unchanged for decades.
Outline itinerary
Fly to Lima arriving the same day.
Day 1
Overnight in the capital.
Day 2
Fly to Trujillo and explore the city.
Day 3
Visit the Chimú site of Chan Chan, fishing village of Huanchaco and the Moche pyramids at Huacas del Sol and de la Luna.
Days 4-5
Journey to colonial Cajamarca, Explore the town and its fertile landscapes.
Day 6
Drive to Leymebamba.
Day 7
Visit the Chachapoyan museum and Revash. Continue to El Chillo.
Day 8
Journey to the ruins of Kuelap. Continue to Chachapoyas.
Day 9
Visit the archaeological site of Karajía.
Day 10
Excursion to the Gocta Falls.
Day 11
Drive to Chiclayo, on the north Peruvian coast.
Day 12
Visit the museum of Sipán and the ruins at Túcume.
Day 13
Fly to Lima. Optional excursions in the capital.
Day 14
Depart for international flight or extension.
UK clients arrive home the following day.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
Holiday Extensions
If there's somewhere you particularly want to go that isn't included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Tico Tico
For those that might have visited the more famous regions of Peru or like the path less travelled this is a brilliant way to discover the unique history and culture of northern Peru. I love exploring the archaeological and natural wonders this part of the country has to offer and you will too!
Adrian Gallop - Tour Leader
Our qualified tour leaders are Latin American specialists all of whom have travelled widely in the region. Book with Journey Latin America.
Inspired by this trip
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Papagaio
Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
View Extraordinary Inspiration
Sophie Barber - Travel Expert
Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.
Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert
A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.
Ben Line - Travel Expert
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.
Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert
Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.
Millie Davies - Travel Expert
Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.
Lina Fuller - Travel Expert
Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.
