Northern Peru Tours

Royal Tombs, Pyramids & Pre-Inca Treasures

Lima, Trujillo, Huanchaco, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, Cajamarca

Discover one of Peru’s most fascinating yet less-traveled regions on a private Northern Peru tour, where royal tombs, ancient pyramids, coastal traditions, and pre-Inca treasures reveal a different side of the country.

Far beyond the well-known paths of Cusco and Machu Picchu, this journey follows the legacy of the Moche, Chimú, Lambayeque, and Inca worlds across Trujillo, Huanchaco, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, and Cajamarca. Explore painted temples, the vast adobe city of Chan Chan, the golden treasures of Sipán, the pyramids of Túcume, and the highland history of Cajamarca, all at your own pace with private guiding and Kuoda’s thoughtful care throughout.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
MAR - DEC

Best time to travel
Ideal Trip Length

IDEAL TRIP LENGTH
11 DAYS

Highlights

  • Learn about the fascinating civilizations that ruled the north, such as the Chimú and Moche
  • Enjoy the perfect weather of Trujillo, known as the ‘City of Everlasting Spring”
  • Learn about daily life of the maritime culture of the Trujillo coast’s fishing villages
  • Deep-dive into Moche history at the El Brujo Archaeological Complex, and the Cao Museum, dedicated to the Lady of Cao
  • Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of a vital sanctuary for ancient carob trees and diverse array of birds
  • Wander the impressive ancient pyramids of Huaca Las Ventanas and Huaca El Oro
  • Marvel at the gold and silver treasures of the Moche lords at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum
  • Visit the historical city where the Spanish and the Incas met for the very first time

Itinerary

This Northern Peru itinerary connects the desert coast, ancient ceremonial centers, living maritime traditions, and the Andean highlands through a privately guided journey designed at your pace.

Welcome to Lima Peru

International Arrival in Lima

You will find us waiting for you when your international flight arrives in Lima. Look for the Kuoda sign with your name and the smile. We will escort you to your hotel adjacent to the airport, check you in, and help you get settled. You’ll then be able to rinse away the feeling of a long flight and enjoy a good night’s rest!

Trujillo City of Everlasting Spring

Flight to Trujillo / Exploring the “City of Everlasting Spring”

At the appropriate time this morning, we will bring you to the airport for your   return   flight   to Trujillo. Your Kuoda host will meet you upon arrival and bring you to the hotel. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is dedicated to exploring the “City of Everlasting Spring.” With your private English-speaking guide, you will walk through the historic center to admire the Plaza de Armas, the bright Trujillo Cathedral, and the ornate colonial mansions such as Casa Urquiaga. The day concludes at the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, providing essential historical context for the Moche and Chimú civilizations you will encounter in the coming days

Huca del Sol Luna Chan Chan

Explore Huaca del Sol, Huaca de la Luna and Chan Chan city

This day offers a profound archaeological exploration of the coastal desert’s greatest powers. You will start at the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna, the religious center of the Moche culture, where you can witness exceptionally preserved polychrome murals.

Later, the focus shifts to the Chimú Empire at the vast adobe city of Chan Chan. We will guide you through the corridors of the Nik-An Palace Complex to ensure a clear understanding of the urban layout and political organization of this ancient capital, followed by visits to the intricate friezes of Huaca Arco Iris and Huaca Esmeralda.

Huanchaco Cost

Huanchaco Beach & the Living Traditions of Peru’s Northern Coast

Today is dedicated to the living maritime culture of the Trujillo coast. You will begin early in the fishing village of Huanchaco to observe local fishermen launching their caballitos de totora, traditional reed boats used for millennia.

The day continues with a shoreline exploration of tidepools and artisan markets, immersing you in the local fishing traditions and coastal ecology. A seaside lunch will highlight the morning’s fresh catch, such as ceviche or grilled scallops, before an afternoon spent enjoying the village’s unique atmosphere.

El Brujo archeological complex

Overland Transfer to Chiclayo with El Brujo & Cao Museum Visit

ALeaving Trujillo behind, you will travel north by private vehicle toward Chiclayo. En route, you will stop at the El Brujo Archaeological Complex, a site of immense importance where the Lady of Cao was discovered. Within the Cao Museum, you will see the incredibly well-preserved tattooed mummy of this female Moche ruler and the gold ornaments found within her tomb.

After this deep dive into Moche history, you will continue the drive to Chiclayo where you will have the opportunity to sample regional specialties like chinguirito or king kong pastry (on your own).

Bosque de Pómac and Sicán

Day in Lambayeque: Bosque de Pómac and Sicán Heritage

This morning you will leave for Lambayeque. The Santuario Histórico Bosque de Pómac is an extraordinary destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with ancient history. As the world’s largest dry equatorial forest, it serves as a vital sanctuary for the ancient carob trees (algarrobos) and a di- verse array of endemic bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.

Beyond its ecological significance, the park is a pro- found archaeological site; it was the heart of the Sican culture, and visitors can explore the impressive remains of pyramids such as Huaca Las Ventanas and Huaca El Oro. A visit here offers a unique dual experience: wandering through sun-dappled woodlands while uncovering the mysteries of a civilization that thrived long before the Incas.

Afterward, you will explore the historic center of Lambayeque, walking through its Plaza de Armas and visiting local markets known for regional cheeses and sweets. This day provides a closer look at the transition between the ancient archaeological record and the modern cultural identity of the region.

Sipan Lord Lambayeque

Day in Lambayeque: Túcume Pyramids and the Royal Tombs of Sipán

The exploration continues with the major archaeological sites of the Lambayeque region. You will visit the Túcume Archaeological Complex, a vast landscape of 26 adobe pyramids, and climb to a valley viewpoint to appreciate the scale of this ancient settlement system.

Followed by a visit to the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. This world-class facility houses the breathtaking gold and silver treasures of the Moche lords, offering a vivid look at ancient Peruvian royalty.

The journey then finishes at Huaca Rajada, the site of the original Sipán tomb discovery.

Cajamarca Kuntur Wasi

Journey to Cajamarca, Andean Landscapes and Kuntur Wasi

Today marks a dramatic change in scenery as you depart the desert coast for the Andes. This scenic over- land transfer climbs through mountain landscapes and rural Andean villages. Along the way, you will stop at the formative-period site of Kuntur Wasi, perched in the highlands with commanding views. Upon arrival in the colonial city of Cajamarca, you will settle into the rustic and charming Hotel Tartar, where you can sample the region’s famous highland cheeses and herbal teas.

Explore Cajamarca

Explore Cajamarca, Atahualpa, Colonial Heritage, and the Inca Baths

The day focuses on the pivotal historical encounter between the Inca and the Spanish. You will visit the Cuarto del Rescate (Ransom Room), the only remaining Inca structure in the city where Emperor Atahualpa was held captive. The tour continues to the colonial Church of San Francisco and the Santa Apolonia Hill viewpoint for a panoramic look at the Cajamarca Valley. To conclude the day, you will visit the Baños del Inca, the thermal springs where the Emperor was famously relaxing before his capture.

Cajamarca Otuzco windows

Cajamarca, The Ancient Rock Tombs of Otuzco

In Cajamarca there was a way to bury the dead digging niches in rock and placing the dead there, using the top of the cliffs, that enigmatic place is known as Otuzco Windows because of the appearance of square or rectangular niches of 50 to 60 cm high, carved into the walls of the hill, resembling windows that can reach up to 8 and 10 me- ters deep.

Bidding Farewell to Peru

Farewell from Cajamarca and Return to Lima

After a final breakfast in the highland air, you will be transferred to the Cajamarca airport for your morning flight back to Lima. Thank you for traveling with Kuoda Travel, and buen viaje!

Your Trip Begins Here

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Price & Inclusions

Each Northern Peru tour is tailored to your specific needs and desires, with pricing based on your preferred accommodations, activities, travel style, and number of travelers.

Our travel designers will curate a journey specifically for you. If you have a budget you want us to work with, please let
us know, and we will do our best to achieve it.

PRICE INCLUDES

  • Personalized itinerary planning
  • A Kuoda host to assist you in every location
  • The majority of meals in the itinerary
  • Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary

NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights to and from your home country
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not specified
  • All gratuities

ACCOMMODATIONS

From luxury properties to boutique hotels, our staff handpicks your ideal stay to ensure you get the ultimate comfort during your travels.

MORE SAMPLE

Peru Itineraries

Looking to combine this Northern Peru tour with Machu Picchu, the Amazon, or the Sacred Valley? Explore more private Peru itineraries designed around your interests.

See More Itineraries

Check Our Reviews

★★★★★
" Our Kuoda agent did an amazing job planning our Peru vacation. We went with our 2 boys who are 11 and 13yrs old. The itinerary was a good mix of adventure and family fun activities. "
Dimple D. | Apr. 2026
★★★★★
“ Visiting Peru and Machu Picchu was a lifetime dream and I chose Kuoda Travel after extensive research and high expectations. From the initial contact with Nadia, my Travel Designer, I knew Kuoda was the right choice. ”
Sandy M. | Apr 2026
★★★★★
“ From early on, the team at Kuoda did a wonderful job organizing and taking care of us during our time in Peru. Our dedicated tour guide, Evelyn Luna, was extremely knowledgeable, spoke great English. ”
Kate E. | Mar. 2026
★★★★★
“ Kuoda Tours did an excellent job of arranging our trip to Colombia - Bogota, the Amazon and San Agustin Archaeological Park. Starting with Marina, our travel designer, every detail was worked out to our satisfaction ”
Donna N. | Mar. 2026
★★★★★
“ The trip to Bolivia was fantastic - we absolutely loved it and loved the diversity of what we saw and did. Thank you again for planning such a great trip on such short notice. We definitely have our eye on going to Peru & Ecuador ”
Tess S. | Mar. 2026
★★★★★
" We traveled for seven days with Kuoda. All preparations were perfect and accommodations wonderful. Our guide was Evelyn Luna - we cannot say enough kind words about her: extremely knowledgeable, listens carefully... "
Ray E. | Mar. 2026
★★★★★
“ We really LOVED and APPRECIATED the excellent, seamless, friendly, comprehensive service we received EVERYWHERE we went. Traveling with Kuoda was truly fantastic, from your help putting together the itinerary”
Sophie H. | Apr. 2026

ENGAGE IN

Sustainable Travel

With Kuoda, every step of your journey is guided by purpose and respect, creating a positive legacy for the places you explore and the people you meet. Together, we can travel with intention and make a lasting impact.

BY EMBARKING ON THIS JOURNEY

  • Support environmental conservation efforts and promote eco-conscious practices.
  • Enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals made with organic, locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Contribute to the empowerment of local communities by supporting fair trade, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities, particularly for women.
  • Experience authentic cultural interactions that celebrate and protect traditions, art, and identity.

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