PERU EXPRESS: North of Peru

Summary:

Concept	Expedition Detail
Tour Duration	14 Days / 13 Nights
Route Altitude	Minimum: 160 m (Lima) | Maximum: 4,900 m (Volcanoes Viewpoint)
Climate & Temperature	Coast: 18°C | Andes: -5°C to 18°C
Best Time to Visit	All year round (January to December)
Transportation	Exclusive private bus according to group size
Physical Activity	Short hikes and exploration
Standard Schedules	Departure: 08:00 AM | Hotel Arrival: Before 06:00 PM
Route Logistics	Variable times as explained by the Tour Leader

Route:

Description:

North Peru Wonders

This program takes place in the northern region of Peru and is designed to discover both ancient and modern towns, the heritage of cultures that flourished shortly before the expansion of the Inca Empire.

The experience begins with a direct flight to Cajamarca. From there, we will head to the Amazonas department to explore the remains of the Chachapoyas Culture, visiting impressive places such as Leymebamba, Condors Lagoon, Kuelap, and other prominent sites.

Subsequently, we will travel to Chiclayo to learn about the Sipan Culture, and then to Trujillo, where we will enjoy its beaches and tour the remains of the Moche Culture. Finally, we will move to the Ancash department to admire the majestic Cordillera Blanca and visit the archaeological remains of the Chavin Culture.

Upon completion of this program, there is the possibility of linking it with other itineraries we offer in the Cordillera Blanca or the Cordillera Huayhuash, thus expanding the cultural and natural experience of Peru.

Itinerary:

Arrival flight to Peru: Transfer to the hotel in Lima. Hotel in Lima.

Lima: Tours in Lima visiting Colonial Lima and modern Lima, Gold Museum, and Barranco. Hotel in Lima.

Lima – Cajamarca: Early flight (approx. 7 am), arrival in Cajamarca around 8 am. Transfer to the hotel. Tour to Cumbemayo (stone forest), visit to dairy farms during milking time, visit to Llacanora and the Callacpuma caves with rock paintings. Ending the tour, visit to the Inca Baths to enjoy thermal waters. Return to the hotel and dinner. (B, BL)

Cajamarca – Leymebamba: Early departure (5 am) via the Cajamarca route. Afternoon arrival in Leymebamba. Visit to the Leymebamba museum (or upon return from Condors Lagoon if not possible on the same day). Hotel. (B, BL, D)

Leymebamba – Condors Lagoon Trek: Long day of approx. 12 hours (26 km). Horses are recommended for each passenger. Camping in tents or at the local owner’s house. (B, BL, D)

Trek around Condors Lagoon: 4-hour hike or boat crossing. Exploration of cliffs and tombs of the Chachapoya culture. Night in camp. (B, BL, D)

Return to Leymebamba: Visit to the city and the museum (if not done on the first day). Hotel. (B, BL)

Leymebamba – Nuevo Tingo – Kuelap – Chachapoyas: Private bus trip to Nuevo Tingo. Cable car tour to the Kuelap archaeological complex. Afternoon return to Tingo and continuation to Chachapoyas. Hotel. (B, BL)

Chachapoyas – Karajia – Cocachimba: Visit to the Karajia sarcophagi. Afternoon transfer to Cocachimba. Hotel. (B)

Cocachimba – Gocta Waterfall – Pedro Ruiz: Visit to Gocta waterfall. Return to Cocachimba and continue to Pedro Ruiz or Jaen. Hotel. (B)

Pedro Ruiz or Jaen – Chiclayo: Trip and visit to the Museum of the Lord of Sipan. Hotel in Chiclayo 3*. (B, BL)

Chiclayo – Trujillo: Trip by scheduled bus. Visit to the Chan Chan archaeological complex, the largest mud citadel in South America. In the afternoon, visit to the Huanchaco resort. Hotel 3*. (B, BL)

Trujillo – Huaraz: Trip by scheduled bus to Huaraz. Transfer to the hotel. (B, BL)

Huaraz: Rest and short hike to Willcacocha Lagoon. Night in lodge. (B, L, D)

Olleros – Chavin de Huantar Trek: Bus trip to Olleros (3,500 m). Start of the trek to camp in Sacrakancha. Night in tents. (B, BL, D)

Olleros – Chavin de Huantar Trek: Hike to Yanashalash pass (4,700 m). Camp in Shongo. (B, BL, D)

Olleros – Chavin de Huantar Trek: Descent through the Chichucancha gorge to the Chavin de Huantar Castle. Guided visit to the archaeological site (1,500 BC, considered the mother of Andean cultures). Return to Huaraz. Hotel. (B, BL)

Huaraz – Lima: Trip by scheduled bus to Lima. Transfer to hotel or connection to another program in the Cordillera Blanca or Huayhuash.

Lima: Transfer to the airport. Departure flight.

The program includes:

• Transportation and Logistics
  • Transfers: Reception and airport/hotel/airport transportation in Lima, according to the itinerary.
  • Private Transportation: Exclusive transfers to and from the starting and ending points of the trekking routes and cultural tours.
• Accommodation
  • Hotels in Lima: Stay in Category 3* hotels (double rooms with private bathroom and continental breakfast included).
  • Hotels on Route: Accommodation in 2 to 3 standard* hotels, according to availability and program, in double rooms with private bathroom.
    • > Note: Single room availability upon prior request and at an additional cost.
• Experiences and Entrance Fees
  • Guided Tours: Trekking circuits and cultural tours detailed in the program.
  • Entrance Tickets: Included entrances to museums, archaeological sites, national parks, and necessary permits for trekking routes.
  • Leadership: Permanent assistance from a Professional Guide (Tour Leader) during the entire trip.
• Trekking and Camping Logistics
  • Full Meals: All meals during the expeditions (B: Breakfast, BL: Box Lunch / L: Lunch, D: Dinner) according to itinerary.
  • Collective Camping Equipment: Kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, full set of utensils (crockery and tools), and logistics equipment.
  • Resting Equipment: Personal tents for two people and camping mats.
  • Mountain Staff: Specialized cook, kitchen assistant (depending on group size), and muleteers.
  • Cargo and Transfer: Use of mules and/or llamas for collective and personal equipment.
    • > Recommendation: Personal equipment transported by animals should not exceed 12 kg per person.
• Health and Safety
  • First Aid: Basic mountain first aid kit and medicinal oxygen tank for emergencies.
  • Protocols: Compliance with current biosafety protocols.