Viaggia locale, vivi responsabile — senza filtri, senza intermediari
Mysterious cloud forests and the lower Andes surround the old city of Kuelap; astounding archaeological heritage sites are dotted alongside the Pacific Coast where the Lord of Sipan reigned; Amazonian lowlands and winding rivers produce the cocoa for chocolate
Arrival in Lima and transfer to a hotel in the bustling capital for an overnight stay. Take advantage of Lima’s high profile as the gastronomic capital of South America and visit one of the renowned Michelin restaurants such as Central (Virgilio Martinez), Gaston & Astrid (Gaston Acurio) and Maido (Mitsuharu Tsumura). You will not be disappointed.
Breakfast and start the excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Center of Lima. Return to Barranco for a walk through the Bohemian quarters of the capital city. Savour an appetizing meal in the exciting Peruvian capital before heading to the airport for your flight to Trujillo, the ‘city of the eternal spring’. Trujillo is located on the banks of the Moche River. Spend a quiet evening in your hotel.
(B) (L) After breakfast, the day starts with a tour of two amazing pre-Colombian monuments. Visit Huaca del la Luna attributed to the Moche culture (from 200B.C.-850A.D) and soak up this important civilization that lived along the Peruvian Pacific coast. This spectacular site was built over a period of six centuries and each generation expanded on the funerary tombs completely covering the previous structure where the Ai-Apaec was worshipped. After this spectacular visit it will be time to see Chan Chan – the largest adobe city in the ancient world (now a UNESCO heritage site).
At its peak Chan Chan had an estimated 100,000 inhabitants. Delight in a delicious lunch in Huanchaco on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. Take a walk to see los caballitos de totoras, the customary totora reed floating boats that have been used since the Mochicas period. End the day with a colonial city centre tour before retiring to your hotel in Trujillo for the evening.
Board a private transport to the El Brujo archaeological site to admire Huaca Cao Viejo. This historically meaningful site is positioned at the top of a hill that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Huaca Cao Viejo is famous for the polychrome reliefs, mural paintings and the mummified remains of the Lady of Cao. She symbolises the importance of women within the Moche civilization. Return to Trujillo and bus to Chiclayo, the capital city of the Lambayeque region. Overnight stay in Chiclayo.
The Pyramids of Tucume, considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in ancient Peru inhabited at first by the Lambayeque culture and later by the Chimú culture. On the way back to Chiclayo, stop to tour the Sican National Museum. Overnight stay in Chiclayo.
An interesting day as you visit Huaca Rajada, a significant archaeological discovery. In total, more than 14 tombs have been identified here, including the Lord of Sipan. Head to the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipan which houses many of the artefacts discovered in the burial chambers, such as the remains of the Lord of Sipan and his entourage. These finds rival the magnificence of Egyptian archaeological expeditions. At night, take our comfortable bus to Chachapoyas.
(B) (L) It’s time to unwind and enjoy breakfast. A spectacular day planned in the Andean cloud forest ecosystem to explore this particularly pretty area of Northern Peru. Visit the archaeological ruins of Kuelap, approximately two and a half hours from Chachapoyas. Often compared to Machu Picchu, this walled city comprises more than four hundred buildings and includes a watch tower, a castle and a main temple. Kuelap was occupied until the 1500s and eventually rediscovered in 1843. Discuss the alluring setting over lunch, returning to Chachapoyas for an afternoon outing and overnight stay.
After an early breakfast enjoy touring the Gocta Falls (almost 800 meters), one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world! Take in the natural scenery as you travel to Cocachimba and the small village of San Pablo. From here, in a lush, natural cloud forest setting, begin a 5-kilometer hike at your own pace. This particular route is enchanting, offering wondrous views of the Amazon rainforest, the orchid forests and the spectacular Andes. Overnight stay a Chachapoyas
Today you will venture south of Chachapoyas to the village of San Bartolo embarking on a one hour walk to the Revash Mausoleum that was used as a collective residence to bury the prestigious and powerful members of society. Break for a typical Peruvian lunch in Leymebamba and in the afternoon, visit one of most refined museums Peru can offer with over 200 mummies dating back to the pre-Hispanic era. Return to Chachapoyas and overnight stay.
After breakfast you will leave the Andes to head towards the Tarapoto and San Martin region. Lunch will be served on the way. Stop to visit the scenic Pomacochas Lagoon (meaning Lake of the Pumas). Arrive in Tarapoto for your overnight stay.
Commence the day by visiting the international award winning Orquidea Chocolate Factory to learn about the transformation process of cocoa and Tabacalera del Oriente, the only pure cigar manufacturer in Peru. Dine on regional specialties such as tacacho con cecina, paiche a las hierbas and refreshing cocona at Patarascha! A busy afternoon as you head to Lamas where you will meet the Chanka community when visiting the museum and the Plaza de Armas. Your overnight stay will be in Tarapoto.
Take your time to appreciate the beauty of the area as you continue on the road to Laguna Azul. The sights of the tobacco-growing district of the Mayo River are particularly interesting, and you will have the chance to cross the Huallaga River by raft and marvel at the stunning views of the Blue Lagoon. Climb aboard a boat for a fascinating water excursion. Following your morning adventure, you will have lunch and continue to Chazuta to see the funerary urns, smell the melted chocolate and browse the work of the local ceramic craftsmen. Return to Tarapoto for your overnight stay.
Time to return to Lima for your flight home. Thank you for choosing to travel with us.
No filters, no middlemen — with local operators in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa