Hidden Gems of Peru

Northern Peru In Depth

Discover the hidden treasures of Northern Peru on a journey through ancient wonders and natural beauty. Explore the enigmatic fortress of Kuélap, marvel at the Gocta Waterfalls, and immerse yourself in the rich ancient history of Chiclayo and Trujillo.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Northern Peru, starting in Chiclayo, where ancient civilisations come to life. You will explore the magnificent Huaca de la Luna and Huaca del Sol temples, marvelling at their intricate murals and rich history as well as Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world, where you’ll uncover the secrets of the Chimu Empire.

You will delve into the captivating ruins of El Brujo and visit the Royal Tombs Museum, which showcases the extraordinary artefacts and mummies of the Moche culture. After soaking in Chiclayo’s historical wonders, fly to Chachapoyas, a gateway to the lush cloud forests and enigmatic archaeological sites.

In Chachapoyas, you will experience the breath taking Gocta Waterfalls, one of the world’s tallest. Explore the impressive fortress of Kuélap, often called the “Machu Picchu of the North,” with its towering stone walls and panoramic views. Discover the ancient cliffside tombs of Revash and delve into the region’s rich heritage at the Leymebamba Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of mummies and artefacts. This itinerary offers a deep dive into Northern Peru’s hidden gems, blending history, culture, and outstanding natural beauty.

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KEY FACTS

PEAK TIME

June-September

PRICE

From £4,630 $6,150 pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

9 days

FLIGHT TIME

13 hours 15 mins from London
7 hours 50 mins From NYC

CURRENCY

Sol or US dollars

LANGUAGE

Spanish

Where you'll go
Chiclayo main square, Northern Peru

Chiclayo

Yellow Cathedral in Trujillo

Trujillo

Gocta river near Cocachimba, Northern Peru

Gocta Nature Reserve

Leymebamba Arms Square, Northern Peru, Amazonas Regio

Leymebamba

When to go

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CULTURAL FACT

The Moche civilisation of Northern Peru is famed for its pottery, gold artifacts, and adobe pyramids like Huaca del Sol, adorned with murals of gods, warriors, and rituals.

Itinerary Highlights

Visit Chan Chan

Adobe walls at archeological site Chan Chan

Explore the vast palace complex of Chan Chan, the grand city built by the Chimu culture between 900 and 1470 AD. As the largest pre-Columbian city in South America, spanning 20 km², it boasts impressive architectural achievements.

The open-to-visit palace complex features expansive plazas adorned with intricate mud reliefs, showcasing the artistic and engineering prowess of the Chimu civilisation. Walking through these ancient grounds, you’ll experience the grandeur of a once-thriving metropolis.

Visit El Brujo Archaeological Site

El Brujo archaeological complex, Near Trujillo, Peru

Visit El Brujo, a sacred site near the Pacific Ocean with a history spanning 5,000 years. Explore the Huaca Cao Viejo, a Moche adobe pyramid featuring a large mud relief wall and the discovery site of the Lady of Cao. Believed to be a priestess or ruler with tattoos, her preserved body can be viewed through reflections in the on-site museum.

Explore the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum

Visit the Royal Tombs Museum to discover the remarkable collection of Moche artifacts unearthed at Sipan. The museum showcases an array of precious items, including exquisite gold, silver, copper, and bronze jewellery, as well as intricately crafted ceramics.

These artefacts offer a fascinating glimpse into the opulence and artistry of the Moche civilisation, revealing their rich cultural heritage and sophisticated craftsmanship.

Trek to Gocta Waterfall

Gocta waterfall, Northern Peru

Visit Gocta Waterfall, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, nestled in the lush Andean rainforest. The dramatic 771-metre cascade offers breathtaking views and a refreshing natural setting, accessible via a scenic hike that immerses you in the stunning landscape of northern Peru.

Discover the Revash Cliff Tombs

Ravesh Cliff tombs, Northern Peru

The cliff tombs of Revash, perched high on a stunning yellow cliff, offer a breathtaking glimpse into ancient Chachapoya culture.

These mini house-like tombs, adorned with vibrant red pictographs, date back to around 1,200 AD and create a spectacularly colourful sight against the rugged backdrop.

Kuelap: largest ancient stone structure in South America

Kuelap Ruins, Northern Peru

Drive to Tingo, take a cable car with stunning valley views to Kuelap, and then walk 1 km to the citadel. Explore its towering walls, roundhouses, and ceremonial structures set amidst a cloud forest, all at 3,000 meters above sea level.

Kuelap’s grandeur consistently amazes first-time travellers. Rising above the cloud forest, its immense stone walls and elevated position feel almost improbable, particularly given the site’s remoteness. The scale, craftsmanship and quiet setting allow the achievement of the Chachapoya civilisation to stand out, heightened by wide, atmospheric views.

Itinerary Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

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