Northern Peru

From Huaraz, hikers and mountain enthusiasts will want to explore the the National Park of Huascaran with the highest Andean range, the Cordillera Blanca, in Peru. Wildlife is easily seen here and the climate is comfortable.

Cajamarca is the base to visit two major archaeological complexes. Cumbemayo, a set of ceremonial altars and Inca aqueducts, and Kuntur Wasi, a ceremonial complex of several squares and platforms held up by huge stone walls. The district also features the Ventanillas de Otuzco, a complex of burial caves carved out in pre-Inca times. The countryside is dotted with expansive dairy farms as well.

Archaeology buffs will find the North coast enchanting.

The northern region of Peru is an archaeological gold mine Home to the pre-Inca civilizations of the Moche and Chimu, the area is dotted with sites from recently excavated tombs. Visited from Trujillo, Chan Chan is considered the largest pre-Colombian adobe citadel of the Chimu Empire. An estimated 50,000 people once lived in the labyrinth coastal city. Immense ruins and entire archaeological complexes exist in this area like the Lambayeque-period Tucume, or the "Valley of the Pyramids." The ancient fortified ceremonial center of Pacatnamu is situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

See Pampa Grande, Peru's largest standing adobe pyramid and the lavish 1,700-year-old tomb of the Lord of Sipan at Huaca Rajada, acknowledged as the "discovery of the century" because of the vast quantity and high value of the gold and silver treasures uncovered there. Walking tours of colonial Trujillo and a visit to the fascinating witches' market of Chiclayo complete the trip into the past. Several daily flights from Lima to Trujillo and Chiclayo enable fully-customized one, two and three night tours.

In the varied itinerary Chachapoyas Adventure, tour the archaeological sites and cultures descendant from the Incas that border on the Amazon. From the Chocotmal Lodge and Gran Hotel Vilaya hike, horseback ride, and visit thermal springs.

Contact us to include the Northern Region in your next adventure in Peru.