Compare Highlights of Peru's Pre-Inca North by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 6,101 |
| Price Per Day | $ 381 |
| Highlights |
N/A
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description |
Heartland of the Incas, Peru is still littered with sites that showcase this powerful empire’s prowess as master builders, most notably Machu Picchu. Visiting this citadel hidden in the mountains is inspiration enough for a first-time visit, but the Incas were just one in a long line of peoples with a surviving legacy to explore. The landscape is equally varied: from the heights of the Andes down to the rainforest and quieter tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon. Peru feels like a country on the ascendency, reflected in the quality of hotels and a penchant for fine food. |
Day 1 : Lima
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Lima. On arrival in Lima you will be met by your private guide and driven to your hotel for the evening.
Day 2 : Lima
A chance to recover from the flight and explore the capital today as you head to explore some of the main sites including the Huaca Pucllana ruins, the Plaza de Armas, and the cathedral.
Day 3 : Trujillo
Today you will return to the airport with a stop at the excellent Larco Herrera Museum en route. You will then fly north to Trujillo.Upon arrival in Trujillo you will be driven to your hotel.
Day 4 : Trujillo
Today you will visit the Moche ruins of the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna and Chan Chan, built by the Chimu civilisation. In between you will visit the small seaside town of Huanchaco for lunch.
Day 5 : Chiclayo
On your private transfer today you will pass through the arid coastal landscapes of northern Peru as you head for Chiclayo. En route you will visit the Moche archaeological site of El Brujo, with its impressively colourful geometric murals.
Day 6 : Chiclayo
Set off this morning for a tour of Chiclayo which includes a brief stop at the bustling market before heading to the Tucume pyramids. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and good sunscreen as there is no shade here. Keep your eyes peeled for the tiny burrowing owls which nest in the sandy soil, as well as fleeting glimpses of the brilliant vermillion flycatcher. After lunch you will continue on to the town of Lambayque where you'll visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipan, which is home to some of Peru's most spectacular treasures.
Day 7 : Cajamarca
This morning you will embark on a lengthy but comfortable drive to Cajamarca on a private transfer. You will pass through dry scrubland and make a quick stop at the small Kuntur Wasi museum. Upon arrival in Cajamarca you will be dropped off at your hotel and have the evening to relax.
Day 8 : Cajamarca
On your privately guided tour of the Cajamarca region today you will visit the site of Cumbe Mayo, explore Cajamarca itself, and admire the empty tombs at Otuzco.For Cumbe Mayo wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layers as it can be chilly and windy.
Day 9 : Leymebamba
Today you will have another long but spectacular journey through northern Peru. Expect a full day in the car on single track paved roads, winding up and down the mountains. Toilet facililties are limited and extremely basic. Your hotel is a simple lodge with delicious home-cooked food and hummingbirds buzzing around the feeders.
Day 10 : Leymebamba
Today begins with a visit to the Leymebamba Museum to view the collection of over 200 Chachapoya mummies and remarkably well-preserved textiles.After a 90 minute drive through the countryside you will arrive at the village of Santo Tomas where you will begin your short walk to the viewing platform for the Revash ruins, built high into the cliffs above.
Day 11 : Chachapoyas
This morning you'll be met at your hotel for your private transfer to Chachapoyas. On the way you will take a spectacular 20 minute cable car ride, followed by a 1km walk up to the ruins of Kuelap. Here you will learn about these baffling ruins and enjoy the spectacular views as the clouds scud across the mountain tops.
Day 12 : Cocachimba
Travel from your hotel to the tiny village of Cocachimba. On the way you will stop and view the mysterious sarcophagi built by the Chachapoya people.
Day 13 : Cocachimba
Walk though the magnificent cloud forest scenery on your private trek to Gocta falls, one of the highest in the world. There are quite a few steps and it can be muddy, so please wear suitable footwear. Look out for birds and butterflies along the way.
Day 14 : Cocachimba
Absolutely nothing planned today, so you can sit back and relax in this incredibly beautiful setting. There is not a huge amount to do so you can bathe in the pool, read a book and enjoy the breather after your busy trip.
Day 15 : International return flight
Today you will be met at your hotel and driven to sweltering Jaen Airport around three hours away. Here you will pick up your domestic flight to Lima and change onto your international flight home.
Day 16 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
