Northern Peru Tours
Royal Tombs, Pyramids & Pre-Inca Treasures
Lima, Trujillo, Huanchaco, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, Cajamarca
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


IDEAL TRIP LENGTH
11 DAYS
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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.
From luxury properties to boutique hotels, our staff handpicks your ideal stay to ensure you get the ultimate comfort during your travels.
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ENGAGE IN
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.
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