Kingdoms of the North | Peru

On arrival in Trujillo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.

Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, Trujillo is a charming coastal city in northern Peru, where ancient cultures meet elegant colonial architecture and a lively local atmosphere.

Wander through the historic city centre, home to one of Peru’s largest Plaza de Armas, surrounded by beautifully preserved colonial and republican-era mansions painted in vibrant colours. Take time to soak up the city's rich history, colourful streets and welcoming atmosphere.

Overnight in Trujillo.

Today, step back in time and discover the fascinating ancient civilisations of northern Peru.

Begin with a visit to Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the capital of the powerful Chimú civilisation. Explore the remains of this remarkable adobe city, wandering through its ancient streets, ceremonial courtyards, temples and intricately decorated walls.

Continue to the impressive Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and Moon), extraordinary examples of the Moche civilisation. Discover their fascinating history, impressive architecture and archaeological treasures, including colourful murals and evidence of ancient ceremonial rituals.

Your final stop is Huaca del Dragón (Dragon Temple), an ancient adobe temple believed to have been dedicated to the rainbow, featuring intricate geometric carvings and fascinating symbolism.

Private full day tour with an English-speaking guide, lunch included.

Overnight in Trujillo.

Today, travel north from Trujillo to Chiclayo by private vehicle, stopping along the way to explore one of northern Peru’s most fascinating archaeological sites.

Located in the scenic Chicama Valley, the El Brujo Archaeological Complex offers a remarkable insight into the ancient Moche civilisation. Here, archaeologists made an extraordinary discovery: the remarkably well-preserved remains of Señora de Cao (Lady of Cao), a powerful Moche woman believed to have held an important position in society over 1,500 years ago. Her intricately tattooed body, along with the treasures found in her tomb, can be viewed at the onsite museum.

Explore this fascinating complex with your private guide and learn about the rituals, beliefs and remarkable achievements of the Moche people.

After your visit, continue your journey north to Chiclayo, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Private transport with a driver from Trujillo to Chiclayo. Private English-speaking guide for the El Brujo visit only.

Overnight in Chiclayo.

Today, delve deeper into the fascinating history of northern Peru as you explore some of the region’s most remarkable archaeological treasures.

Begin at Huaca Rajada, the ancient mud-brick burial complex where the extraordinary tomb of the Lord of Sipán was discovered. This royal burial revealed an incredible collection of gold ornaments, precious stones and ceremonial treasures, offering a rare glimpse into the wealth and sophistication of the ancient Moche civilisation.

Continue to Túcume, an impressive archaeological complex featuring 26 adobe pyramids built by the Lambayeque culture. Explore this vast ceremonial landscape and discover the fascinating stories behind these ancient structures.

Your final stop is the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts recovered from the royal tombs. Admire exquisite gold and silver jewellery, intricate ceremonial objects and beautifully preserved treasures that bring the history of the Moche civilisation to life.

Private tour with an English-speaking guide.

Overnight in Chiclayo.

After breakfast, leave the coastal plains behind and journey inland into the spectacular Andes, travelling by private vehicle to Cajamarca, one of northern Peru’s most historically significant colonial cities. The scenic drive takes approximately 5–6 hours, winding through changing landscapes as you climb into the mountains.

Steeped in history, Cajamarca was once an important centre of the Inca Empire and became the setting for one of the most pivotal moments in South American history. It was here, in 1532, that Spanish conquistadors captured the Inca Emperor Atahualpa, marking a turning point in the Spanish conquest of Peru.

Today, Cajamarca is a charming city known for its beautiful colonial architecture, historic churches and lively plazas, all set against a backdrop of rolling Andean hills.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Wander through the historic streets, relax in the picturesque Plaza de Armas or simply soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating Andean city.

Private transport with driver only (approximately 5–6 hours).

Overnight in Cajamarca.

After breakfast, set out to explore two of Cajamarca’s most fascinating archaeological sites, surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the northern Andes.

Begin with a visit to Cumbemayo, located approximately 14 kilometres from Cajamarca at an altitude of 3,500 metres. Set amongst a dramatic landscape of towering rock formations and a natural stone forest, this ancient archaeological complex is home to one of the Andes’ most notable feats of engineering.

Discover an intricate system of stone-carved aqueducts, believed to date back more than 3,000 years. Marvel at the precision of the ancient builders, who carved channels and carefully angled turns into solid rock to control the flow of water. Surrounded by rugged Andean scenery, Cumbemayo offers a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity of Peru’s pre-Inca civilisations.

Continue to the Ventanas de Otuzco (Windows of Otuzco), an extraordinary pre-Inca burial site carved directly into the rocky cliffs. This ancient necropolis features rows of small, window-like openings that once served as tombs for the Cajamarca culture. Explore this fascinating site and admire the surrounding countryside while learning about the burial traditions and beliefs of its ancient inhabitants.

Half day private tour with an English-speaking guide.

Overnight in Cajamarca.

After breakfast, depart Cajamarca and embark on a scenic journey through the spectacular landscapes of northern Peru, travelling by private vehicle to Leymebamba, in the Chachapoyas region.

The approximately seven-hour drive takes you through the dramatic Andean highlands, where winding mountain roads reveal breathtaking views of deep valleys, rugged peaks and traditional rural villages. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery as you travel into one of Peru’s most fascinating and lesser-explored regions.

Arrive in the charming town of Leymebamba, surrounded by lush green mountains and steeped in the history of the ancient Chachapoya civilisation, often known as the ‘Warriors of the Clouds’.

Private transport with driver only (approximately 7 hours).

Overnight in Leymebamba.

Set out early this morning to discover the fascinating legacy of the ancient Chachapoya civilisation, known as the ‘Warriors of the Clouds’.

Travel approximately two hours by private vehicle to San Bartolo, where a scenic 45-minute hike takes you to the remarkable Revash Mausoleums, perched high on a mountainside at an altitude of around 2,600 metres. These funerary structures resemble miniature houses, complete with gabled roofs and multiple levels, built into the steep cliffs. Admire their distinctive red and white decorations, intricate designs and dramatic setting overlooking the surrounding Andean valleys.

Return to your vehicle and continue to the Leymebamba Museum, about one hour away by road. Discover more than 200 remarkably preserved mummies recovered from burial sites around the nearby Lake of the Condors, alongside fascinating Chachapoya artefacts, including ancient textiles, ceramics and a rare collection of quipus, the knotted cords used for recording information in the Andean world.

Private full day tour with an English-speaking guide. Includes approximately 1.5 hours of walking to and from the Revash Mausoleums.

Overnight in Leymebamba.

This morning, set out to discover one of northern Peru’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures, the ancient fortress of Kuélap, built by the mysterious Chachapoya civilisation.

Travel through the spectacular Andean countryside, passing traditional mountain villages and enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. On arrival in Nuevo Tingo, board the cable car for a scenic journey high into the mountains, where the impressive stone walls of Kuélap await.

Perched at approximately 3,000 metres above sea level, Kuélap is one of South America’s largest ancient stone complexes, predating the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Surrounded by towering defensive walls, this mountaintop settlement offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives, beliefs and architectural achievements of the Chachapoya people.

Explore the ancient complex with your guide, discovering its distinctive circular stone houses, intricate decorative friezes, ceremonial structures and impressive viewpoints overlooking the lush Andean landscape. Learn about the history and mysteries of this remarkable civilisation as you wander through one of Peru’s most impressive and lesser-visited archaeological sites.

After your visit, descend by cable car to Nuevo Tingo and continue by private vehicle to the charming town of Chachapoyas.

Private tour with an English-speaking guide. Note: Access to sections of Kuélap may vary depending on ongoing conservation works.

Overnight in Chachapoyas.

Today, discover one of the most intriguing archaeological sites of the ancient Chachapoya civilisation, the remarkable Karajía Sarcophagi, perched high on a dramatic cliff face in the northern Peruvian Andes.

Travel through the countryside to Luya and onwards to the small village of Cruz Pata. From here, enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk through rural farmland, learning about traditional agriculture, potato cultivation and how local communities are embracing tourism while preserving their way of life.

Arriving at Karajía, marvel at the sight of six towering, human-shaped sarcophagi, standing high above the valley. Dating back approximately 600 years, these remarkable funerary monuments were created by the Chachapoya people to honour important members of their society. Rediscovered in 1985 by archaeologist Federico Kauffmann Doig, the sarcophagi remain one of the most distinctive and mysterious burial sites in Peru.

Your guide will share the fascinating history and traditions behind these ancient tombs before you begin the return walk, approximately 45 minutes uphill.

After your visit, continue by private vehicle to Cocachimba.

Private tour with an English-speaking guide. Includes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of walking, with an uphill return.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch

Overnight in Cocachimba.

After breakfast, set out on a scenic hike to the spectacular Gocta Waterfall, hidden deep within the lush cloud forests of the northern Andes.

The approximately two-hour walk takes you along picturesque trails. Along the way, keep an eye out for colourful birdlife, butterflies and the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this remarkable ecosystem.

Arriving at Gocta Waterfall, marvel at the sight of water cascading an incredible 771 metres down a towering cliff face, making it one of the tallest free leaping waterfalls in the world. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and lush vegetation, it is a truly breathtaking sight.

Enjoy time to relax, take photographs and soak up the beauty of this extraordinary setting. During the dry season, conditions may even allow for a refreshing dip in the natural pools, subject to local safety advice.

After your visit, retrace your steps through the forest to Cocachimba, where the remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Private tour with an English-speaking guide. Approximately 4 hours of hiking return, with some uneven and hilly terrain.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight in Cocachimba.

After breakfast, farewell the beautiful landscapes of northern Peru as you depart your lodge and travel to Chachapoyas Airport, approximately one hour away, for your flight to Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital.

On arrival in Lima, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Depending on your flight arrival time, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure. Discover Lima’s renowned culinary scene, stroll along the scenic coastal promenade in Miraflores or simply unwind after your adventures through the fascinating archaeological sites and spectacular landscapes of northern Peru.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight in Lima.

At the appropriate time transfer to the airport for your onward journey.