16-Day Northern Peru Tour: Explore Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Chachapoyas, and Huaraz with Hotels, Transport, and Excursions Included

Embark on a 16-day adventure through Northern Peru, visiting the most iconic cities and natural wonders. From the historical streets of Lima, the vibrant city of Trujillo, and the archaeological treasures of Chiclayo, to the breathtaking landscapes and ruins of Chachapoyas and the stunning mountains of Huaraz—this tour covers it all.

You can choose this tour in 3 options 

1/ Budget tour : in hostals/ local transport / excursions in international group

2/classic tour: in 3* hotels/ mix local transport – private / mix private excursions – international group

3/ Luxe tour: all 4 * hotels /( where possible) private transport / private excursions/ included entree fees

How do we work

Your Dream Adventure Awaits – Travel with SouthAmerica Planet!

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! With SouthAmerica Planet, you’ll be exploring South America on your own terms, but with everything taken care of. From hotels to transport, we’ve got it all arranged for you, so you can enjoy your adventure without a worry in the world!

Here’s What’s Waiting for You:

• Everything Organized for You: We send you all digital , your vouchers for hotels, buses, and exciting excursions, maps and general info 

• Fun Group Excursions: Join friendly international groups for your excursions, with knowledgeable English-speaking guides making sure you have an unforgettable time.

• Smooth Transfers: Our friendly local agents handle all your transfers, making it super easy to travel from one place to the next!

• Traveling Solo, But Never Alone: While you’re free to explore on your own, SouthAmerica Planet takes care of all the details, so you can relax and enjoy. If anything comes up, our team in Cusco or Lima is just a call away.

• Stay Connected 24/7: During your entire journey, we’re just a WhatsApp message away! Need help? We’ve got your back!

What’s Included in Your Adventure:

• Transportation: All buses are included, ensuring comfortable travel between destinations.

• Accommodation: Stay in double rooms with private bathrooms at hotels or hostels (single rooms available upon request for an additional fee).

• Excursions: All tours and activities as detailed in the program, so you don’t miss any of the highlights.

• Vouchers & Information Packet: You’ll receive a complete set of vouchers and an information packet with details about the places you’ll visit, helping you make the most of your trip.

• Transfers: All necessary transfers are included, making your journey smooth and easy from start to finish.

Not Included:

• Meals (breakfast is included at the hotels)

• Entry fees and taxes

• National flights (we can arrange these for you)

Day 1: Explore Lima

Arrival in Lima
Upon arrival at Lima Airport, a SouthAmerica Planet representative will greet you and take you to your first hotel in Lima or Miraflores. Today, you’ll enjoy a half-day city tour of Lima, known as “The City of Kings.” The tour begins in the historic downtown area, where you’ll visit iconic landmarks such as the Main Square, the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and City Hall. Next, you’ll head to the Santo Domingo Convent. The tour also includes a drive through the vibrant neighborhoods of Miraflores and San Isidro.

In the afternoon, you have free time to explore on your own. You can visit the Colonial Barranco district, the Larco Museum – considered the best museum in Peru. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful walk along the seafront in Miraflores.

The city tour lasts 3 hours and is led by an English-speaking guide. It starts and ends at your hotel, making it easy and convenient for you.

included
city tour in lima
Transfers
hotel/hostal in lima
not included
entree fee
lunch + diner

Day 2: Chachapoyas
You’ll be transferred to Lima Airport for your local flight to Chachapoyas, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind.

Today is a free day to explore the charming border jungle town of Chachapoyas. Take a leisurely walk around the town and enjoy the stunning viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Included:

• Hotel/Hostel accommodation in Chachapoyas

• Airport transfer to your hotel

Not Included:

• Lunch & Dinner

• Excursions

Day 3: Chachapoyas – Excursion to Karajia and Quiocta Cave
Today’s adventure takes you to two fascinating historical and natural sites. Your journey begins in the town of Cruzpata, where you’ll embark on a hike to the Karajia Sarcophagi—ancient tombs that are over 1,000 years old. Perched atop a cliff, each sarcophagus stands nearly 2 meters tall and is made from mud. These incredible structures offer a glimpse into the unique burial practices of the Chachapoyas civilization.

After lunch, head to the stunning Quiocta Cave in the town of Lamud. This natural wonder is home to cave paintings, as well as animal and human bones at the entrance. The Chachapoyas used caves for burial sites, and inside, you’ll find captivating cave formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, and columns—starting just 300 meters from the cave’s mouth.

After a day of exploration, return to Chachapoyas to spend the night.

Included:

• Accommodation in a hotel/hostel in Chachapoyas

• Excursion in an international group

Not Included:

• Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Chachapoyas – Kuelap

This morning, get ready for a new adventure as we drive through charming villages on our way to the awe-inspiring Kuelap Ruins. Located at 3,000 meters above sea level, Kuelap was discovered in 1843 and is one of the most significant pre-Inca archaeological sites in Peru, built by the Chachapoyas civilization.

Perched atop a towering mountain, Kuelap spans 450 hectares and includes more than 500 circular houses, along with other buildings surrounded by intricate stone walls, some rising up to 30 meters high. The city is said to resemble the shape of a bird’s wing when viewed from above. Experts believe the construction of Kuelap coincided with the golden age of the Chachapoyas culture.

Although Kuelap is located in the rainforest, it enjoys a temperate climate—dry during the day and with significant drops in temperature at night. Many compare Kuelap to Machu Picchu, but what sets it apart is its isolation, meaning fewer visitors and a more peaceful experience.

Since 2017, a cable car has been available to transport visitors to this fascinating site, adding convenience to your visit.

After exploring this incredible destination, you’ll return to Chachapoyas for an overnight stay.

Included:

• Hotel/Hostel accommodation in Chachapoyas

• Guided excursion in an international group

Not Included:

• Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Chachapoyas – Visit to Gocta Falls

Today, get ready for a breathtaking adventure to Gocta Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and the third largest after Angel Falls in Venezuela. Your journey begins in the small town of Cocachimba, located along the route to Gocta Falls. From here, you’ll embark on a 5-kilometer hike through lush vegetation to reach the base of the falls. The trail offers a true immersion in nature, and the stunning views of the falls at the end make the hike well worth the effort.

Gocta Falls have been known to locals for centuries, but it wasn’t until 2002, when a German engineer measured its height, that the falls gained worldwide recognition. With a total height of 771 meters, the falls are divided into two sections, with the tallest section measuring 540 meters. Situated at about 2,800 meters above sea level, Gocta Falls is surrounded by virgin rainforest, making it one of Peru’s best-kept natural secrets.

This region is less traveled, offering a peaceful and serene experience for outdoor enthusiasts. After your visit to the falls, we’ll take a night bus to Chiclayo to continue your journey.

Included:

• Transfer out from Chachapoyas

• Night bus to Chiclayo

• Guided excursion to Gocta Falls in an international group

Not Included:

• Lunch & Dinner

Optional:
For a more relaxing experience, you can choose to stay at the Gocta Lodge upon arrival, located directly in front of the falls. This offers an amazing view and is the perfect place to relax 

Day 6 Arrival in Chiclayo – Explore the City and Market

Upon arrival in Chiclayo, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Take the opportunity to explore this vibrant city, known for its bustling markets and rich culture. The Mercado Modelo, or Central Market, is a must-visit. This lively market is a true reflection of daily life in northern Peru, packed with food vendors at its core and various other stalls on the perimeter.

One of the most intriguing parts of the market is the Feria Balta, a semi-covered section known for its vibrant atmosphere. The market also features a section with live animals, such as canaries and even the occasional condor chick. A striking sight is the ray fish (locally known as “la guitarra”), which hangs to dry in the sun before being made into pescado seco, a local specialty.

A visit to the Mercado de Brujos (the witches’ market) is also highly recommended. This section of the market is filled with herbalists’ shops selling everything from herbs and charms to whale bones and hallucinogenic cactus. It’s a fascinating part of Chiclayo’s cultural heritage.

Included:

• Transfer from  busterminal Chiclayo

• Hotel/Hostel accommodation in Chiclayo

Not Included:

• Lunch & Dinner

• Flight to Chiclayo

Day 7: Chiclayo – Visit to the Museum of Sipán and Tucume Pyramids

Today, we’ll visit one of the most significant and impressive museums in Peru, the Museo de las Tumbas Reales de Sipán in Lambayeque. This modern museum is home to the incredible treasures found in the tomb of the Lord of Sipán, a Moche warrior-priest, discovered in 1987. The museum displays over 2,000 gold artifacts, making it a must-see for anyone interested in ancient cultures.

As you explore the museum, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful, gold and jeweled items on display. The museum’s entrance is designed like the ancient Moche temples, and on the second floor, you can view a replica of the Lord of Sipán’s funeral chamber. Here, you’ll see how the warrior’s ornaments were recovered from the tomb, giving you a glimpse into the burial customs of the Moche culture.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel 35 kilometers to visit the Tucume Pyramids, a fascinating archaeological site featuring 26 pyramids built by the ancient Lambayeque civilization. This site provides an incredible look at Peru’s pre-Inca history.

Included:

• Full-day excursion in Chiclayo 

• Hotel/Hostel accommodation in Chiclayo

Not Included:

• Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Chiclayo – Explore Sican Museum, Chaparrí, or Pómac Forest Sanctuary

Today, you have the option to choose from several exciting excursions:

1. Sican Museum – Located in Ferreñafe, this museum is dedicated to the Sicán culture, showcasing artifacts from the ancient civilization that once thrived in the area. You’ll learn about the Sicán tombs and the impressive Sicán gold artifacts.

2. Chaparrí Private Conservation Area – Visit Chaparrí, Peru’s first Private Conservation Area (ACP), where you can explore the natural habitat of endangered species like the spectacled bear, the white-winged guan, and the Andean condor. This area is a haven for wildlife and offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature.

3. Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary – Located in the Pítipo district, this sanctuary is known for its dense carob tree forest and the Sicán archaeological complex. It was created to protect the cultural and scenic heritage of the area. The sanctuary covers 5,887.38 hectares and contains 36 pyramids built by the pre-Inca Sicán civilization.

These excursions are optional, allowing you to choose the experience that suits you best.

Included:

• Free day yo do opcional excursions 

• Hotel in Chiclayo

Not Included:

• Optional excursions to Sican Museum, Chaparrí, or Pómac Forest Sanctuary

• Lunch & Dinner

 

 

 

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Day 9: Trujillo – Visit Huanchaco Beach and Ancient Temples

A private car will take you on a scenic 3-hour drive to Trujillo or Huanchaco, a charming beach town. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel, where you can relax and unwind.

Along the way we visit “The El Brujo Complex ” It is an important archaeological site in La Libertad, northern Peru, known for its connection to the Moche civilization. It features the Huaca Cao Viejo, a pyramid-shaped temple adorned with murals depicting Moche deities and rituals.

In 2006, the tomb of the Lady of Cao was discovered here, revealing the remains of an elite Moche woman, likely a ruler or priestess. Her tomb contained valuable artifacts, and her body was found with intricate tattoos, offering rare insight into Moche culture.

The site includes a museum displaying the tomb’s treasures, making El Brujo a key destination for understanding the Moche civilization’s art, religion, and social structure.

In the afternoon you can go to  Huanchaco.  It is amous for its beaches, which attract surfers from all over the globe. The town is also known for its deep-rooted cultural traditions, such as fishing with Caballitos de Tortora, the traditional reed rafts used by local fishermen. This is the birthplace of the sensual “Marinera”, Peru’s national dance.

Included:

• Private car transfer to Trujillo – or Huanchaco with visti of the  El Brujo Complex

• Hotel/Hostal accommodation in Huanchaco or Trujillo

Not Included:

• Lunch & Dinner

 

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Day 10: Trujillo – Explore the Ancient City of Chan Chan and More

Today, we visit the ancient Chan Chan, once the capital of the Chimú Empire. Covering over 18 km², this massive site includes the well-preserved Tschudi Palace, known for its beautiful geometric designs and animal reliefs. You’ll explore ceremonial areas, grain storage, and the cemetery. Chan Chan is an adobe city with stunning, decorated walls, long passageways, ceremonial squares, palaces, workshops, and warehouses, all designed to accommodate up to 100,000 people.

We’ll also visit Huaca de la Luna and Huaca del Sol, Huaca de la Luna is a ceremonial Moche temple near Trujillo, famous for its colorful murals depicting Moche gods and rituals. Huaca del Sol, a massive adobe pyramid, served as the political center of the Moche civilization, though much of it has been eroded over time.

Included:

• Excursion to Trujillo in an international group

• Hotel/Hostal accommodation in Huanchaco or Trujillo

Not Included:

• Lunch & Dinner

 

 

What Do You Need to Make a Reservation?

To secure your booking, we’ll need the following details:

• Full Name as it appears in your passport

• Scanned copy of your passport

• Exact arrival date and flight number

• Dietary preference (e.g., vegetarian or not)

• Room preference (2 separate beds or 1 large bed)

• A 40% deposit is required upon reservation, with the remaining balance due 4 weeks before departure. Payments can be made via bank transfer to our Peruvian account or Wetravel (please note: a 5.5% fee applies for Wetravel).

For more general information, click below.