Northern Peru Discovery

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Arrive in Lima at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.Peru is made up of three main geographical areas: the Andes, the Amazon and the desert coastal area. On this trip we concentrate on exploring two of the more spectacular regions that Peru is known for - the Andes and the Amazon.Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital city Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima, and it is here you find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro. To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to get a taste for life in a large South American city. An optional city tour visits many of the city’s highlights.There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. The more affluent coastal districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro offer good nightlife and cafés all within walking distance. Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known.

Day 2 Lima / Tarapoto

Today is a free day to explore Lima, the City of Kings. Optional activities such as a city tour, museum visits or shopping can be arranged. An early evening flight will take us from the metropolis of Lima to one of Peru's thriving northern jungle towns, Tarapato. Tarapoto is located in the province of San Martín, nestled in a valley between two mountain ranges. At an elevation of approximately 350 metres above sea level, Tarapoto and enjoys a hot, tropical climate and has abundant and interesting flora and fauna. This small city has been dubbed the "Land of Waterfalls" due to the incredible waterfalls found in the area. We check into our hotel and prepare to explore this unique landscape the following day.

Day 3 Tarapoto / Chachapoyas

The morning is free to explore the area in and around Tarapoto. Among the most famous attractions to visit in this area include the Ahuashiyacu waterfall, plunging 35 metres down and forming a beautiful lagoon at the bottom. Other possible activities include horseback or just wandering around this jungle city. An afternoon departure by bus takes us from the low lands and climbs through the beautiful foothills to the town of Chachapoyas. Chachapoyas is a quiet, friendly town nestled in a huge area of cloud forest between the Maranon and Huallaga Rivers. Check into the hotel and we have a briefing to prepare for the upcoming days of discovering the highlights of Peru's northern region.

Day 4 Chachapoyas / Karajia (L, D)

We set out early in the morning from Chachapoyas for a 2 hour drive over breathtaking roads and incredible scenery of the Northern Andes to the point where we will begin our first hike. After approximately 2 hours of moderate hiking we arrive at the ancient burial site of Karajia. We encounter 3 metre tall anthropomorphic wooden coffins located high under a cliff. Learn about the history of this region and the burial site, as well as the opportunity for taking photos. After lunch we set off for the 2 hour hike back to our vehicle and travel to our campsite for the night. Once at our campsite, enjoy an evening of good food, good company, and a good night's sleep!

Day 5 Chachapoyas / Gocta Waterfall

Our day starts early with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a full day (5-6 hours) of moderate / semi-difficult hiking. We will enjoy seeing waterfalls, toucans, hummingbirds, monkeys, and much more as we hike through the dense jungle. Our final destination is the base of the recently discovered Gocta Waterfall, verified to be the third largest waterfall on the planet (measured to be a height of 771 metres). This waterfall, with 2 drops, has been known by locals for centuries and was only brought to the world's attention in 2002 following an expedition by explorers to the region. After enjoying the photo opportunity, we then take a 2 hour van ride back to our campsite at the river's edge at the base of Kuelap to enjoy dinner, and spend the night.

Day 6 Chachapoyas / Kuelap

Following breakfast this morning, we begin our 3-4 hour hike to the Chachapoyan archaeological site of Kuelap. Little is known about this pre-Incan site and the Chachapoyan people themselves (also known as the Cloud Forest people). Some have referred to it as the "Machu Picchu of the North" as it is a large, mysterious, and impressive site in remarkably good condition. Twice as old as the Inca constructions, Kuelap arguably bears as much archaeological significance as the country's number one tourist attraction, although in appearance the two sites are really quite different. Kuelap is a massive fortress built on the top of a mountain. The site is surrounded by a 30m high wall and measures 584m by 100m in size. Construction of the site is estimated to have taken approximately 200 years to complete and taken millions of cubic feet of stone. Kuelap is comprised of three levels containing over 400 circular buildings. Who the Chachapoyan people could have been protecting themselves from remains a mystery. We have a few hours to explore the site and learn about the history from a local guide. Standing at the outer wall's edge of this site you can enjoy the incredible view of the valley below, spreading out approximately 1,200 metres below. Also impressive is the thin ribbon of road that hugs the near and far walls of the treed canyon. A short walk of about ten minutes will bring us to our waiting vehicle for the 3.5 hour return trip to Chachapoyas. Take advantage of a hot shower, enjoy a local dinner and sleep well!

Day 7 Chachapoyas / Chiclayo

No activities are planned for the morning following breakfast, enjoy time to relax and enjoy what the town of Chachapoyas has to offer. At 1:00pm we depart by bus and travel down from 1,700m to sea level to the coastal city of Chiclayo. Chiclayo acts as a central hub for commercial and tourist activities. Nicknamed "The City of Friendship", Chiclayo certainly lives up to the name as you will find the locals to be welcoming and friendly. Take time to enjoy what the city has to offer. We arrive in the late evening in time for dinner and a chance to rest for the following full day.

Day 8 Chiclayo

We spend the full day today in Chiclayo to take in the sites. No planned activities but optional activities can be arranged. Possible activities include a city tour or a visit to Mercado Modelo's "witch doctor's market", with a large selection of herbs and tools used by shamans. Also make time to visit to the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. Opened in 2003, this museum showcases the most important archaeological remains of the Mochica Culture, including the contents of the tomb of a Mochica leader called "El Señor de Sipán", found in 1987. If you prefer a visit to the ocean, travel 14 kms to nearby Pimentel Beach. This fishing town is well known for seafood and surfing. Watch the fishermen in the totora reed boats paddling out through the waves as their ancestors have done. Enjoy one last evening in Chiclayo before departing the following morning.

Day 9 - 11 Máncora

This morning we leave for the beach town of Máncora. Famous for it's surf, this small fishing town of 15,000 people has a relaxed feel. Enjoy a few leisurely days taking optional surf lessons, enjoying the abundant fresh seafood and year-round sunshine. The best surfing can be found between the months of November to February, although good waves are enjoyed throughout the year. Máncora also has handicraft stores, a low-key nightlife with local bars and a range of restaurant options.

Day 12 Máncora / Lima

After a morning to enjoy breakfast and prepare our things, we say goodbye to Máncora. A short 3 -4 hour bus ride to the airport on the outskirts of Tumbes, we catch a return flight to Lima in the afternoon. Upon arrival in Lima check into our hotel. Enjoy one last Pisco Sour with our farewell dinner, and a night out on the town for those interested.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Simple hotels (10 nts), camping (2 nts).
Departure	Departs monthly
DepEnd	Sun-Fri
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	- Guided 3-day trek with visits to the Karajia burial grounds, Gocta Waterfall and Kuelap Archaeological site
Local Payment	USD250
Meals Included	2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners.
Recommendation	Looking to go to South Peru also - trip code SPNS.
StartFinish	ex Lima
Testimonial	"An amazing trip where you get to experience the real Peru, different from the normal tourist circuit, really mixing with the locals. Real adventure." - Sally Howlett travelled on Northern Peru Discovery
Transport	Public bus, van, local flights, hiking.
Brochure Intro	Feel like a modern-day explorer as you trek through the jungle to the recently-discovered third highest waterfall in the world. Explore the seldom-visited ruins of Kuélap and relax on the beaches of Máncora. This is a fascinating journey through Northern Peru.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-09-07	2008-09-19	7+
2008-10-19	2008-10-31	7+
2008-11-09	2008-11-21	7+
2008-11-30	2008-12-12	7+
2008-12-21	2009-01-02	7+
2009-01-11	2009-01-23	7+
2009-02-01	2009-02-13	7+
2009-02-22	2009-03-06	7+
2009-03-15	2009-03-27	7+
2009-04-05	2009-04-17	7+
2009-04-26	2009-05-08	7+
2009-05-17	2009-05-29	7+
2009-06-07	2009-06-19	7+
2009-06-28	2009-07-10	7+
2009-07-19	2009-07-31	7+
2009-08-09	2009-08-21	7+
2009-08-30	2009-09-11	7+

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