Highlights of Peru's Pre-Inca North

16 days
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Private Guided
Heartland of the Incas, Peru is still littered with sites that showcase this powerful empire’s prowess as master builders, most notably Machu Picchu. Visiting this citadel hidden in the mountains is inspiration enough for a first-time visit, but the Incas were just one in a long line of peoples with a surviving legacy to explore. The landscape is equally vari...
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    Heartland of the Incas, Peru is still littered with sites that showcase this powerful empire’s prowess as master builders, most notably Machu Picchu. Visiting this citadel hidden in the mountains is inspiration enough for a first-time visit, but the Incas were just one in a long line of peoples with a surviving legacy to explore. The landscape is equally varied: from the heights of the Andes down to the rainforest and quieter tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon. Peru feels like a country on the ascendency, reflected in the quality of hotels and a penchant for fine food. Despite being a country of classic journeys, not every trip to Peru has to follow the same paths. Our specialists have explored the main sights and the lesser known ones. They’ll carefully plan your holiday as an individual tailor-made trip to match your preferences.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityLima
End CityLima

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

Activities

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Itinerary

Day 1 : Lima

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Lima. On arrival in Lima you will be met by your private guide and driven to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2 : Lima

A chance to recover from the flight and explore the capital today as you head to explore some of the main sites including the Huaca Pucllana ruins, the Plaza de Armas, and the cathedral.

Day 3 : Trujillo

Today you will return to the airport with a stop at the excellent Larco Herrera Museum en route. You will then fly north to Trujillo.Upon arrival in Trujillo you will be driven to your hotel.

Day 4 : Trujillo

Today you will visit the Moche ruins of the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna and Chan Chan, built by the Chimu civilisation. In between you will visit the small seaside town of Huanchaco for lunch.

Day 5 : Chiclayo

On your private transfer today you will pass through the arid coastal landscapes of northern Peru as you head for Chiclayo. En route you will visit the Moche archaeological site of El Brujo, with its impressively colourful geometric murals.

Day 6 : Chiclayo

Set off this morning for a tour of Chiclayo which includes a brief stop at the bustling market before heading to the Tucume pyramids. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and good sunscreen as there is no shade here. Keep your eyes peeled for the tiny burrowing owls which nest in...

Day 7 : Cajamarca

This morning you will embark on a lengthy but comfortable drive to Cajamarca on a private transfer. You will pass through dry scrubland and make a quick stop at the small Kuntur Wasi museum. Upon arrival in Cajamarca you will be dropped off at your hotel and have the evening to relax.

Day 8 : Cajamarca

On your privately guided tour of the Cajamarca region today you will visit the site of Cumbe Mayo, explore Cajamarca itself, and admire the empty tombs at Otuzco.For Cumbe Mayo wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layers as it can be chilly and windy.

Day 9 : Leymebamba

Today you will have another long but spectacular journey through northern Peru. Expect a full day in the car on single track paved roads, winding up and down the mountains. Toilet facililties are limited and extremely basic. Your hotel is a simple lodge with delicious home-cooked food and hummingbirds buzzing around the feeders.

Day 10 : Leymebamba

Today begins with a visit to the Leymebamba Museum to view the collection of over 200 Chachapoya mummies and remarkably well-preserved textiles.After a 90 minute drive through the countryside you will arrive at the village of Santo Tomas where you will begin your short walk to the viewing platform for the Revash ruins, built high into the cliffs above.

Day 11 : Chachapoyas

This morning you'll be met at your hotel for your private transfer to Chachapoyas. On the way you will take a spectacular 20 minute cable car ride, followed by a 1km walk up to the ruins of Kuelap. Here you will learn about these baffling ruins and enjoy the spectacular views as the clouds scud across the mountain tops.

Day 12 : Cocachimba

Travel from your hotel to the tiny village of Cocachimba. On the way you will stop and view the mysterious sarcophagi built by the Chachapoya people.

Day 13 : Cocachimba

Walk though the magnificent cloud forest scenery on your private trek to Gocta falls, one of the highest in the world. There are quite a few steps and it can be muddy, so please wear suitable footwear. Look out for birds and butterflies along the way.

Day 14 : Cocachimba

Absolutely nothing planned today, so you can sit back and relax in this incredibly beautiful setting. There is not a huge amount to do so you can bathe in the pool, read a book and enjoy the breather after your busy trip.

Day 15 : International return flight

Today you will be met at your hotel and driven to sweltering Jaen Airport around three hours away. Here you will pick up your domestic flight to Lima and change onto your international flight home.

Day 16 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,101
Price per day$381
Last Updated: 1/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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