Northern Peru
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Lima
Season: Year-round
Peru has been the cradle for civilization in South America for centuries. Long before the Incas controlled the country, sophisticated cultures existed along the Peruvian coast; and northern Peru is one of the best destinations for visiting the remains of their cities. Moche sites including the renowned Lord of Sipan (where one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century was unearthed) and the pyramids, as well as the world’s largest adobe city, Chan Chan, built later by the Chimu culture, are visited on this exciting extension.
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
DAY 01: LIMA/CHICLAYO
After a short flight from Lima, we’ll drive to the nearby town of Lambayeque to visit the new and majestic Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum (closed on Mondays). Designed in the shape of a pyramid and composed of 5 prisms, this museum houses hundreds of dazzling, priceless artifacts and is the final resting place for the Lord of Sipan himself. Then we continue to Tucumé to walk through the valley of the 26 pyramids. After a local style lunch, we return to Chiclayo and continue to the archaeological site of Huaca Rajada where the Lord of Sipan was discovered. In 1987, two small adobe pyramids and a platform were unearthed dating to 300-700 AD. The principle tomb was discovered intact with ornamental jewelry of gold, silver, copper and semi-precious stones. A gold pectoral plate with head of a man and body of an octopus was found along with headdresses, a face mask, necklaces, nose and ear rings among other artifacts. After an exciting day of exploration, our private vehicle takes us to the comfortable Casa Andina Select Chiclayo Hotel for the night. (B,L)
DAY 02: CHICLAYO/TRUJILLO
Morning drive to Trujillo, Peru’s third largest city and colonial jewel, known as the “City of Eternal Spring.” En route visit El Brujo, a Moche archaeological site and religious center in the Chicama valley. In Trujillo, check-in to the Hotel Libertador, located on the main square, surrounded by colonial mansions. After lunch, join your guide and visit the intriguing Moche Temples of the Sun and Moon, dating back 1500 years. Driving distance: 140 miles or 3.5 hours. (B,L)
DAY 03: TRUJILLO/LIMA
This morning we visit the Rainbow Temple and nearby ruins of the former Chimu Empire capital, Chan Chan. Designated a World Heritage Site, it was built around 1300 A.D. Conquered by the Incas in 1471, it is considered the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas and the largest adobe city in the world. We enjoy lunch in the coastal fishing village of Huanchaco. This area is known for its caballitos or Totora reed boats, similar to those depicted on Moche ceramics 1,500 years ago. We enjoy a brief tour of Colonial Trujillo before transferring to the airport for an evening flight to Lima and the Wyndham Costa del Sol Hotel. (B,L)
DAY 04: LIMA/USA
Pick-up at your hotel, return to the airport for flight home (or elsewhere in Peru). (B)
Prices from:
$1,800 p.p.d. for 2 participants.
p.p.d.=per person based on double or triple occupancy. Price does not include local flights.
Notes on the Itinerary: Because daily air service may not be available between Trujillo or Chiclayo and Lima, please check with your Southwind Travel Consultant for information on current flight schedules. This extension can also be followed in an opposite direction, beginning in Trujillo, including all the above highlights, and ending in Chiclayo.
Insider Experience: Northern Peru with Top Archaeologists
Enhance your history-rich visit to Northern Peru with insights from the most esteemed archaeologists at work on the ruins sites in Chiclayo and Trujillo. Gain insider access to three specialists, including Dr. Walter Alva, the archaeologist who discovered the famous Lord of Sipán mummy and tomb in 1987. He now heads the Royal Tombs Museum of Sipán. Learn from him in person on a private trip to Northern Peru.
Inclusions/exclusions and how to sign up