places to visit north of peru

The Unexplored North - Northern Peru Travel Itinerary

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This Peru travel itinerary features the best of what to see northern Peru in two weeks.

A region overshadowed by the jewel of the South - Machu Picchu , northern Peru has so much to offer and yet is often only visited by other South American tourists. And while it doesn't have the flash and luxury of Lima or Cusco the prices are bargain basement and many times you'll find you're the only tourist around.

Below is a great itinerary for 10-14 days if you're coming in from Ecuador. If you're coming in from Lima simply do the North-South itinerary in reverse!

Mancora 3-4 days

Mancora is most often visited by travelers coming from Ecuador or tourists who have just hiked Machu Picchu and want to relax on the beach. With a reputation of being a world class surfing site, it attracts a big surf crowd. If you're looking to surf all day and party all night then stay in town.

For those looking for a more relaxed holiday, take a cue from Peruvians and visit one of the quieter beaches just outside Mancora. The beach hotels are much less expensive, as are the restaurants and if you want to head into town taxis are only $1-2.

Chiclayo 2-3 days

This is not a pretty city but it is a great stopping point to see the Lord of Sipán collection, often called the  King Tutankamon of the Americas because his tomb was found in impeccable condition.

The museum is new and rivals any modern museum in the world with only an admission price of $10 to see the exhaustive collection of gold, copper, and silver. You can take a day trip out to the tomb which is currently being excavated.

Cajamarca 3-4 days

My absolute favorite place in Peru and one that few tourists know about. I only discovered it on a bus ride when the woman next to me insisted that I go.

This small town, hidden in the mountains, is well known to Peruvians for its delicious cheese and chocolate. Many Peruvians travel to Cajamarca to visit its natural hot springs, pre-Colombian aqueduct and pre-Inca necropolis. As most tourists are Peruvian, day tours are very inexpensive at $5-8.

One final tip - do not leave without trying  sudado , tomato-based fish stew.

Trujillo 2-3 days

A pretty colonial city, it is nice to simply walk around and enjoy the views. However, it is also a great home base for taking day trips to ancient ruins.

Most people come to Trujillo to see the famous Chan Chan, which are ruins are an ancient city built from mud but with tours ranging from $5-10 I highly recommend spending a few days to visit others such as the Moche Pyramids (photo above). Read more about Trujillo.

Piura 2 days

Spend a bit of time in northern Peru and you will inevitably hear locals discuss how Lima has stolen their cuisine and is passing it off as their own. In a typical, big city vs. rural country battle Northern Peruvians are very proud of their tradition for the best ceviche in the country and unhappy big city Lima is passing it off as its own.

Those in "the know" visit Pirua which is home to the best ceviche in the country and where chefs from Lima find their inspiration.  Conchas negras or black conch ceviche is the crowning jewel and must be sampled.

If you aren't a seafood lover you may want to pass on Piura as it doesn't have much to offer outside culinary prowess and could be in the running for the ugliest city in Peru.

Travel Tip: Buses in northern Peru are very cheap, relatively safe and average about $2/hour. However, try to buy directly from the bus line as costs can double when travel agencies see foreigners walk through this door.

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Introducing Northern Peru, home to the ‘new Machu Picchu’

Imagine Machu Picchu. Spectacular, historic, utterly iconic. And then magnify the history and minus the tourists, and you’ve got a sense of Kuelap.

You’ve probably never heard of Kuelap’s pre-Incan ruins and how they pre-date Machu Picchu’s, but it’s time their wonders got some recognition. Because they’re only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to lesser-discovered Northern Peru, a region we’re so excited to be taking travellers to for the first time ever.

Why? Northern Peru just has a different feel to it. Compared to more visited regions and more standard routes, it shows a sleepy, scenic side of the country that very few see: tiny Andean towns, dramatically lush landscapes and all. Not only are there fewer crowds and a more laid-back atmosphere, the highlights really are unbelievable.

Hiking in Northern Peru

Coming up: a quick guide to this barely-visited region (hint: it includes ones of the world’s highest waterfalls), what you need to know about the ruins of Kuelap, and all the cool activities Intrepid’s 7-day trip has to offer:

The allure of Northern Peru: the must-see spots

A few of our favourite historic and scenic parts:

Kuelap – the ‘new Machu Picchu’

Now, don’t get us wrong – we absolutely love Machu Picchu . We will never tire of standing at its Sun Gate, watching the mist lift off the mountain, feeling oh so small. It really is once-in-a-lifetime, a symbol of South America. But heading to Kuelap is truly like heading back in time. Mostly because you’ll be surrounded by so few other visitors that you can really enjoy the views from the hilltop fortress. And because you can really get lost in your imagination of what this place was like when the Chachapoyas civilization were here.

Yes, Kuelap is a pretty special place. It’s one of Peru’s most significant archaeological sites and it’s no longer difficult to get to thanks to the cable car that’s just been completed. Though it will get busier in time, visiting now is a perfect way of coming face-to-face with history. And of taking in Northern Peru’s jungle-clad, panoramic vistas.

READ MORE: 7 REASONS TO VISIT PERU (THAT AREN’T MACHU PICCHU)

The site itself is built on a mountain-top that sits in a cloud forest 3,000 metres above sea level. If that isn’t cool enough, it’s sheer age should be. It’s been estimated that construction on Kuelap began around the 6th-century, coinciding with the rising Chachapoyas culture. Its colossal walls and complex interior architecture reveal administrative, religious, ceremonial and other residences.

The view from Kuelap

STILL not impressed?  Kuelap is considered the largest stone ruin site in the New World. It’s comprised of 10 times the number of stone blocks that were used for the Great Pyramid of Giza. There you have it. A site that’s more than worth a day or so of your time. And, as The Guardian put it, the ‘new Machu Picchu’.

Gocta Falls – a little-known beauty

You’ve probably heard of Iguazu Falls , you may have been to Niagara Falls, and you’ve likely dreamed of Iceland’s array of waterfalls . But, let us be the first to tell you that the Gocta Falls are as spectacular as they are unknown.

That’s no exaggeration – until 2005 the two-level waterfalls sat hidden in the Andes, known only to locals. It’s only been in the last decade or so that they’ve gained more recognition. They’re still incredibly under the radar.

Gocta Falls from afar

There’s little point in us explaining just how magnificent Gocta is – the photos speak for themselves – but rest assured that this spot is a must-visit. Not least because, by some measures, it’s the third highest waterfall in the world. And the 771 meter (2,529 feet) gem is also home to some picturesque hikes and a ton of photo opportunities.

Insider tip on when to visit Kuelap and Gocta from Gary Cohen, Intrepid’s General Manager for South America:

It’s generally quite warm during the day, but can get chilly at night. The best time of year to come here is during the dry season from May to September. A bit of rain isn’t bad though, it gets the Gocta Falls pumping harder!

Gary exploring Kuelap

Yerbabuena, Mancora and much more

There’s so much more to Northern Peru. But because we can’t list every cultural, archaeological and natural delight, here are a few more gems:

The Sunday markets of Yerbabuena.  The largest market in the entire region, Yerbabuena attracts buyers and sellers from all over to sell produce and animals. It hardly attracts any tourists, making for an authentic and memorable visit.

The historic town of Chachapoyas.  Though this town is charming and filled with colonial buildings, it’s its location that really sets it apart. Not only is it the gateway to the walled city of Kuelap, it’s also close to two worthwhile attractions. The first, the Revash Mausoleums, serve as collective tombs for Chachapoya’s dead; the second, Leymebamba Museum, is home to many mummies uncovered at the Laguna de los Condores site.

Revash Mausoleums

The surf village of Mancora.  Home to some of Peru’s best beaches, sunny Manorca is one of the highlights of the country’s northwest. Its great surf attracts a mix of locals and tourists, but the hot springs, mud baths and lively nightlife are also reasons to visit.

4 benefits of visiting Northern Peru with Intrepid Travel

We know Peru – both north and south – like the back of our hands, but we thought it was worth clarifying exactly how we make our new Northern Peru trip just so unique and memorable:

The expertise of local leaders

The reason we felt so confident saying we know the country like the back of our hands is thanks to the expertise of our wonderful local leaders.

Intrepid leader expertise in Cusco

Our Intrepid tour guides in Peru (all 60 of them!) are all locals. And, more than that, they’re all passionate about showing off their country. So, whether you’re looking for an un-touristy bar in  Cusco , a behind-the-scenes insight into Peruvian culture, or some extra encouragement to accomplish that hike, they’ve got your back.

For more info on our local leaders and trips to Peru check out these 10 facts you probably don’t know about Peru .

Insider tips for exploring Lima

As we’ve said, our leaders know all the cool local haunts. Nowhere is this more obvious than in Peru’s capital, Lima. It’s in this city where you begin our Northern Peru trip , and where their tips will prove invaluable upon landing.

To help you acclimatise, we offer an included leader-led orientation walk of Miraflores, a neighbourhood you’ll love. It’s by the sea and offers some of the best parks, shopping and restaurants in the city. Not a bad way to get to grips with the city.

For more incredible experiences in Lima, we recommend our sister company, Urban Adventures. Their day tours are also all led by locals and include coastal biking trips , dinner with a Peruvian family , and a street food and nightlife tour .

Otherworldly accommodation

We handpick all of our accommodation on all our trips, ensuring comfort, safety and an insight into the local culture. But this really is a special one. If you visit Northern Peru with our sister company, Peregrine (trip here ), you stay at a lodge built for the sole purpose of providing views of the awe-inspiring Gocta Falls.

The lodge by Gocta Falls

In other words, it sits nestled in the Andes, oriented towards the waterfall and is surrounded by all the gardens, pools, terraces and llamas (!) you could wish for.

Its outdoor swimming pool isn’t too shabby either.

Full-day guided tour of Kuelap

If it wasn’t obvious already, we’re pretty excited about Kuelap. (There aren’t many of us in the fan club YET but  Lonely Planet has dubbed it “one of the most significant and impressive pre-Columbian ruins in all of South America”.)

So, to ensure visitors do this wonder justice, we offer a full-day guided tour of the site. It’s pretty spectacular and the local knowledge you’ll receive when there makes it all the more so. Honestly, pay it a visit and you’ll wonder why it receives so few visitors.

The new Machu Picchu has so much to offer the Intrepid explorer.

Northern Peru – beautiful, undiscovered and ripe for adventuring – awaits. Discover it for yourself on our 7-day Northern Peru trip.

Images all c/o Gary Cohen and Intrepid Travel.

Feeling inspired?

Bex Shapiro

Born in London and based in Toronto, Bex is happiest anywhere she can connect with interesting people over good food. She's passionate about sustainable travel and powerful storytelling, and her favourite cities are New York and Shanghai. She's also the Senior Editorial Manager at Intrepid. Follow her adventures on Twitter and Insta @BexShapiro.

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Trujillo and the north Travel Guide

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Northern Peru is packed with unique treasures – cultural, archeological and natural. Blessed with fewer tourists and better coastal weather than either Lima or the south (particularly in the high season – May to September), the area encompasses city oases along the coast, secluded villages in the Andes – where you may well be the first foreigner to pass through for years – and is brimming over with imposing and important pre-Inca sites, some of them only discovered in the last decade or two. For many, the biggest attraction will be the beautiful and trendy beaches. For others, it’s the scenery, archeology, and the opportunity to get off the beaten tourist trail.

Around Cajamarca

• Peru's Northern Desert

Trujillo is located on the seaward edge of the vast desert plain at the mouth of the Moche Valley. Its attraction lies mainly in its nearby ruins – notably Chan Chan and the huge, sacred pyramids of the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna – but also partly in the city itself, and some excellent, laidback outlying beach communities. Huanchaco , only 12km from Trujillo, is a good case in point, essentially a fishing village and a likeable resort within walking distance of sandy beaches and massive ancient ruins.

There are established bus touring routes through the Andean region above Trujillo, all of which present the option of winding through the beautifully situated mountain town of Cajamarca. It was here that Pizarro first encountered and captured the Inca Emperor Atahualpa, beginning the Spanish conquest of Peru. Cajamarca is also a springboard for visiting the smaller town of Chachapoyas and the ruined citadel complex of Kuelap, arguably the single most overwhelming pre-Columbian site in Peru. Beyond, there are possible routes down to Amazon headwaters and the jungle towns of Tarapoto and even Iquitos – long and arduous journeys.

The coastal strip north of Trujillo, up to Tumbes by the Ecuadorian border, is for the most part a seemingly endless desert plain, interrupted by isolated villages and new squatter settlements, but only two substantial towns, Chiclayo and Piura . Newly discovered archeological sites around Chiclayo possess some of the coast’s most important temple ruins, pyramids and nobles’ tombs, the latter containing a wealth of precious-metal ceremonial items, and there are some excellent regional museums such as the Museo de las Tumbas, based near Chiclayo. Northern Peru hosts a number of great beach resorts, such as Chicama and the warm seas of the hottest surf and beach scene in Peru at Máncora, located between Cabo Blanco and the border with Ecuador.

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Within a short distance of Cajamarca are several attractions that can easily be visited on a day-trip from the city. The closest is the Cerro Santa Apolonia, with its pre-Inca carved rocks, though these are not nearly as spectacular as the impressive aqueduct at Cumbe Mayo, or the ancient temple at Kuntur Huasi. However, the most popular trip from Cajamarca is to the steaming-hot thermal baths of Baños del Inca, just 5km from the city centre. A four-kilometre walk from Cajamarca lies the small village of Aylambo, known for its ceramics workshops, where you can try your hand at making your own pots.

Peru's Northern Desert

The northern desert remains one of the least-visited areas of Peru, mainly because of its distance from Lima and Cusco, the traditional hubs of Peru’s tourist trail, but it is still an invaluable destination for its distinctive landscape, wildlife, archeology and history.

Northern Peru has some excellent museums, besides the breathtaking coastal beauty of its desert environment, which itself contains the largest dry forest in the Americas, almost entirely consisting of algarrobo (carob) trees. The main cities of Chiclayo and Piura (the first Spanish settlement in Peru) are lively commercial centres, serving not only the desert coast but large areas of the Andes as well. If, like a lot of travellers, you decide to bus straight through from Trujillo to the Ecuadorian border beyond Tumbes (or vice versa) in a single journey, you’ll be missing out on some unique attractions.

The coastal resorts, such as the very trendy Máncora and Punta Sal, but also Cabo Blanco and, further south La Pimentel, the beach serving Chiclayo’s population, are among the best reasons for stopping: though small, they usually have at least basic facilities for travellers, and, most importantly, the ocean is warmer here than anywhere else in the country. The real jewels of the region, however, are the archeological remains, particularly the Valley of the Pyramids at Túcume and the older pyramid complex of Batán Grande, two immense pre-Inca ceremonial centres within easy reach of Chiclayo. Equally alluring is the Temple of Sipán, where some of Peru’s finest gold and silver grave-goods were found within the last fifteen years.

Batán Grande

The site at BATÁN GRANDE, 57km northeast of Chiclayo, incorporates over twenty pre-Inca temple pyramids within one corner of what extends to the largest dry forest in the Americas, the Bosque de Pomac. There’s an interpretative centre at the main entrance, which has a small archeological museum with a scale model of the site.

Part of the beauty of this site comes from its sitting at the heart of an ancient forest, dominated by algarrobo trees, spreading out over some 13,400 hectares, a veritable oasis in the middle of the desert landscape. Over ninety percent of Peru’s ancient gold artefacts are estimated to have come from here – you’ll notice there are thousands of holes, dug over the centuries by treasure hunters. Batán Grande is also known to have developed its own copper-smelting works, which produced large quantities of flat copper plates – naipes – that were between 5 and 10cm long. These were believed to have been used and exported to Ecuador as a kind of monetary system.

Brief history

The Sicán culture arose to fill the void left by the demise of the Mochica culture around 700 AD, and were the driving force in the region from 800 to 1100 AD, based here at Batán Grande. Known to archeologists as the Initial Lambayeque Period, judging by the beauty and extent of the pyramids here, this era was clearly a flourishing one. Nevertheless, Batán Grande was abandoned in the twelfth century and the Sicán moved across the valley to Túcume, probably following a deluge of rains (El Niño) causing devastation, epidemics and a lack of faith in the power of the ruling elite. This fits neatly with the legend of the Sicán leader Naymlap’s descendants, who evidently brought this on themselves by sacrilegious behaviour. There is also some evidence that the pyramids were deliberately burnt, supporting the latter theory.

The main part of the site that you visit today was mostly built between 750 and 1250 AD, and comprises the Huaca del Oro, Huaca Rodillona, Huaca Corte and the Huaca Las Ventanas, where the famous Tumi de Oro was uncovered in 1936. The tomb of El Señor de Sicán (not to be confused with the tomb of El Señor de Sipán), on the north side of the Huaca El Loro, contained a noble with two women, two children and five golden crowns; these are exhibited in the excellent museum in nearby Ferreñafe. From the top of these pyramids you can just about make out the form of the ancient ceremonial plaza on the ground below.

Bosque de Pomac

The National Sanctuary of the Pomac Forest is the largest dry forest in western South America. A kilometre or so in from the interpretative centre you’ll find the oldest algarrobo tree in the forest, the árbol milenario; over a thousand years old, its spreading, gnarled mass is still the site for pagan rituals, judging from the offerings hanging from its twisted boughs, but it’s also the focus of the Fiesta de las Cruces on May 3. In the heart of the reserve lies the Bosque de Pomac, where over forty species of bird such as mockingbirds, cardinals, burrowing owls and hummingbirds have been identified, and most visitors at least see some iguanas and lizards scuttling into the undergrowth. Rarer, but still present, are wild foxes, deer and anteaters. There’s also a mirador (viewing platform) in the heart of the forest, from where it’s possible to make out many of the larger huacas. Although there is hostel accommodation at the interpretative centre, it’s rarely available or open: you’ll have to turn up and chance it; there is a camping area outside, however. The café here, selling basic snacks, is not always functioning, so bring a picnic.

The old colonial town of LAMBAYEQUE, 12km from Chiclayo city, must have been a grand place before it fell into decay last century; fortunately, it seems on the road to recovery, helped by its popular museums and vibrant Sunday markets. Buildings worth seeing here include the early eighteenth-century lglesia de San Pedro, parallel to the main square between de Mayo and 8 de Octubre, which is still holding up and is the most impressive edifice in the town, with two attractive front towers and fourteen balconies.

Museo de las Tumbas Reales de Sipán

The Museo de las Tumbas Reales de Sipán, or Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán, is an imposing concrete construction in the form of a semi-sunken or truncated pyramid, reflecting the form and style of the treasures it holds inside. This mix of modernity and indigenous pre-Columbian influence is a fantastic starting-point for exploring the archeology of the valley. You’ll need a good hour or two to see and experience all the exhibits, which include a large collection of gold, silver and copper objects from the tomb of El Señor de Sipán, including his main emblem, a staff known as El Cetro Cuchillo, found stuck to the bones of his right hand in his tomb. The tomb itself is also reproduced as one of the museum’s centrepieces down on the bottom of the three floors. The top floor mainly exhibits ceramics, while the second floor is dedicated to El Señor de Sipán’s ornaments and treasures. Background music accompanies you around the museum circuit using instruments and sounds associated with pre-Hispanic cultures of the region. A musical finale can usually be caught on the ground floor.

The Lambayeque Valley has long been renowned for turning up pre-Columbian metallurgy – particularly gold pieces from the neighbouring hill graveyard of Zacamé – and local treasure-hunters have sometimes gone so far as to use bulldozers to dig them out; but it’s the addition of the Sipán treasures that’s given the biggest boost to Lambayeque’s reputation, and the museum is now one of the finest in South America.

The Sicán culture

The Sicán culture, thought to descend from the Mochica, is associated with the Naymlap dynasty, based on a wide-reaching political confederacy emanating from the Lambayeque Valley between around 800 and 1300 AD. These people produced alloys of gold, silver and arsenic-copper in unprecedented scales in pre-Hispanic America. The name Sicán actually means “House of the Moon” in the Mochica language. Legend has it that a leader called Naymlap arrived by sea with a fleet of balsa boats, his own royal retinue and a green female stone idol. Naymlap set about building temples and palaces near the sea in the Lambayeque Valley. The region was then successfully governed by Naymlap’s twelve grandsons, until one of them was tempted by a witch to move the green stone idol. Legend has it that this provoked a month of heavy rains and flash floods, rather like the effects of El Niño today, bringing great disease and death in its wake. Indeed, glacial ice cores analyzed in the Andes above here have indicated the likelihood of a powerful El Niño current around 1100 AD.

The Sicán civilization, like the Mochica, depended on a high level of irrigation technology. The civilization also had its own copper money and sophisticated ceramics, many of which featured an image of the flying Lord of Sicán. The main thrust of the Lord of Sicán designs is a well-dressed man, possibly Naymlap himself, with small wings, a nose like a bird’s beak and, sometimes, talons rather than feet. The Sicán culture showed a marked change in its burial practices from that of the Mochica, almost certainly signifying a change in the prevalent belief in an afterlife. While the Mochica people were buried in a lying position – like the Mochica warrior in his splendid tomb at Sipán – the new Sicán style was to inter its dead in a sitting position. Excavations of Sicán sites in the last decade have also revealed such rare artefacts as 22 “tumis” (semicircular bladed ceremonial knives with an anthropomorphic figure stabbing where a handle should be).

The Sicán monetary system, the flying Lord of Sicán image and much of the culture’s religious and political infrastructures were all abandoned after the dramatic environmental disasters caused by El Niño in 1100 AD. Batán Grande, the culture’s largest and most impressive city, was partly washed away and a fabulous new centre, a massive city of over twenty adobe pyramids at Túcume, was constructed in the Leche Valley. This relatively short-lived culture was taken over by Chimu warriors from the south around 1370 AD, who absorbed the Lambayeque Valley, some of the Piura Valley area and about two-thirds of the Peruvian desert coast into their empire.

The site of TÚCUME, also known as the Valley of the Pyramids, contains 26 adobe pyramids, many clustered around the hill of El Purgatorio (197m), also known as Cerro La Raya (after a ray fish that lives within it, according to legend), and is located some 33km north from Chiclayo. Although the ticket office closes at 4.30pm and the museum shortly after this, the site is accessible after these hours (being part of the local landscape and dissected by small paths connecting villages and homesteads), with the main sectors clearly marked by good interpretative signs.

Túcume’s modern settlement, based alongside the old Panamerican Highway, lies just a couple of kilometres west of the Valley of the Pyramids, and doesn’t have much to offer visitors except a handful of accommodation and eating options.

Tucume © Shutterstock

Covering more than two hundred hectares, Túcume was occupied initially by the Sicán culture, which began building here around 1100 AD after abandoning Batán Grande. During this time, known as the Second Lambayeque Period, the focus of construction moved to Túcume where an elite controlled a complex administrative system and cleared large areas of algarrobo forest (as is still the case today in the immediate vicinity of the Valley of the Pyramids and Cerro El Purgatorio at Túcume). Reed seafaring vessels were also essential for the development of this new, powerful elite. The Sicán people were clearly expert seamen and traded along the coast as far as Ecuador, Colombia and quite probably Central America; to the east, they traded with the sierra and the jungle regions beyond. They were also expert metallurgists working with gold, silver, copper and precious stones, and their elaborate funerary masks are astonishingly vivid and beautiful.

At Túcume’s peak, in the thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, it was probably a focus of annual pilgrimage for a large section of the coastal population, whose Sicán leaders were high priests with great agro-astrological understanding, adept administrators, a warrior elite, and expert artisans.

It wasn’t long, however, before things changed, and around 1375 AD the Chimu invaded from the south. Within another hundred years the Inca had arrived, though they took some twenty years to conquer the Chimu, during which time it appears that Túcume played an important role in the ensuing military, magical and diplomatic intrigues. Afterwards, the Inca transported many Chimu warriors to remote outposts in the Andes, in order to maximize the Incas’ political control and minimize the chances of rebellion. By the time the Spanish arrived, just over half a century later, Túcume’s time had already passed. When the Spanish chronicler, Pedro Cieza de León, stopped by here in 1547, it was already in ruins and abandoned.

Today, Túcume remains an extensive site with the labyrinthine ruins of walls and courtyards still quite visible, if slightly rain-washed by the impact of heavy El Niño weather cycles, and you can easily spend two or three hours exploring. The site has two clearly defined sectors: North is characterized by the large monumental structures; while the South has predominantly simpler structures and common graveyards. The adobe bricks utilized were loaf-shaped, each with their maker’s mark, indicating control and accounting for labour and tribute to the elite. Some of the pyramids have up to seven phases of construction, showing that building went on more or less continuously.

El Purgatorio hill

There’s a viewing point, reached by a twisting path that leads up El Purgatorio hill, from where you can get a good view of the whole city. This hill, circular and cone-shaped, at the very centre of the occupied area, was and still is considered by locals to be a sacred mountain. Access to it was restricted originally, though there is evidence of later Inca constructions, for example an altar site. It is still visited these days by the local curanderos, healing wizards who utilize shamanic techniques and the psychoactive San Pedro cactus in their weekly rituals, which researchers believe are similar to those of their ancestors and which could be one possible explanation for the name El Purgatorio (the place of the purge).

Museo di Sitio

The Museo de Sitio, at the entrance to the site, has exhibits relating to the work of Thor Heyerdahl, who found in Túcume the inspiration for his Kon Tiki expedition in 1946 when he sailed a raft built in the style of ancient Peruvian boats from Callao, near Lima, right across the Pacific Ocean to Polynesia, as he tried to prove a link between civilizations on either side of the Pacific. The museum also covers the work of archeologist Wendell Bennett, who in the late 1930s was the first person to scientifically excavate at the site. More esoterically, Túcume has a local reputation for magical power, and a section of the museum has been devoted to a display of local curanderismo. There’s also an attractive picnic area, and a ceramic workshop where they use 2500-year-old techniques. The museum was constructed to reflect the style – known as la ramada – of colonial chapels in this region, built by local indigenous craftsmen centuries ago and using much the same materials.

Túcume Viejo

Although there are no tourist facilities as such, the Túcume ruins in the village of Túcume Viejo, less than 2km from Lambayeque, make for an interesting walk. Although an ancient site, check out the crumbling colonial adobe walls and a once-painted adobe brick gateway as well as the church, all of which have an elegant and rather grandiose feel, suggesting perhaps that the early colonists were trying to compete for attention with the Valley of the Pyramids.

About 30km from the Ecuadorian border and 287km north of Piura, TUMBES is usually considered a mere pit-stop for overland travellers, offering decent restaurants and better money-changing options than at the Ecuadorian frontier. However, the city has a significant history and, unlike most border settlements, is a surprisingly warm and friendly place. On top of that, it’s close to many of Peru’s finest beaches and two very distinct and unique forests and protected areas: the Santuario Nacional los Manglares de Tumbes and the Zona Reservado de Tumbes. The settlement of Zorritos is strung out along the seafront and Panamerican Highway some 28km south of Tumbes; as well as a long beach, this town is the point of access to some ancient, still-working natural mud baths.

The area can get very hot and humid between December and March, while the rest of the year it offers a pleasant heat, compared with much of Peru’s southern coast. The sea is warm and while mosquitoes can be bothersome between September and January, they rarely make their presence felt on the beaches. Locals tend to be laidback and spontaneous, a trait reflected in the local traditions such as las cumananas, an expression in popular verse, often by song with a guitar. The verse is expected to be sparky, romantic, comical and even sad, but most importantly, spur of the moment and rap-like.

Pizarro didn’t actually set foot in Tumbes when it was first discovered by the Spanish in 1527. He preferred to cast his eyes along the Inca city’s adobe walls, its carefully irrigated fields and its shining temple, from the comfort and safety of his ship. However, with the help of translators he set about learning as much as he could about Peru and the Incas during this initial contact.

The Spaniards who did go ashore made reports of such grandeur that Pizarro at first refused to believe them, sending instead the more reliable Greek cavalier, Pedro de Candia. Dubious descriptions of the temple, lined with gold and silver sheets, were confirmed by Candia, who also gave the people of Tumbes their first taste of European technological might – firing his musket to smash a wooden board to pieces. Pizarro had all the evidence he needed; he returned to Spain to obtain royal consent and support for his projected conquest.

The Tumbes people hadn’t always been controlled by the Incas. The area was originally inhabited by the Tallanes, related to coastal tribes from Ecuador who are still known for their unusual lip and nose ornaments. In 1450 they were conquered for the first time – by the Chimu. Thirteen years later came the Incas, organized by Tupac Inca, who bulldozed the locals into religious, economic and even architectural conformity in order to create their most northerly coastal terminus. A fortress, temple and sun convent were built, and the town was colonized with loyal subjects from other regions – a typical Inca ploy, which they called the mitimaes system. The valley had an efficient irrigation programme, allowing them to grow, among other things, bananas, corn and squash.

Pizarro longed to add his name to the list of Tumbes’ conquerors, yet after landing on the coast of Ecuador in 1532 with a royal warrant to conquer and convert, and despite the previous friendly contact, some of the Spanish were killed by natives as they tried to beach. Moreover, when they reached the city it was completely deserted with many buildings destroyed, and, more painfully for Pizarro, no sign of gold. It seems likely that Tumbes’ destruction prior to Pizarro’s arrival was the result of inter-tribal warfare directly related to the Inca Civil War. This, a war of succession between Atahualpa and his half-brother, the legitimate heir, Huascar, was to make Pizarro’s role as conqueror a great deal easier, and he took the town of Tumbes without a struggle.

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The Best Northern Peru Itinerary For Travelers

Everybody knows about the famous tours in the southern part of Peru heading from the coast towards Cusco, or even more popular, the treks to Machu Picchu . but what about exploring some of the lesser-known places in Northern Peru that offer so many wonderful off-the-beaten-track attractions of their own. This itinerary of North Peru is recommended for anyone who is planning to visit Peru with limited time but wanting to experience a new alternative touristic route. Don’t miss this journey through the major sights of Northern Peru!

What to See in Northern Peru

What is so special about this alternative route through the North of Peru? Have a look at the sites that you will see:

• Lima: This is the typical starting point for travelers as they arrive in Peru. Despite common thought, the Peruvian capital definitely deserves a couple of days to see. Take some time to visit the hugely popular bars and clubs, and if that’s not your scene then Lima has some of Peru’s best museums, theaters, and art galleries. If you’re looking for fun, street art, and parties then visit the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, or if you just want a nice walk and a gorgeous view of the ocean then you can check out the popular Malecón (boardwalk) of Miraflores and explore the Parque del Amor, the Lighthouse and even discover a replica of the Nazca lines. Don’t miss the Plaza de Armas in the historical center, it is full of beautiful and important buildings. Once you’re ready, purchase your bus ticket towards Trujillo which should cost around s/70.
• Chiclayo: Well-known for its delicious food, make sure that you don’t miss your opportunity to sample some of the traditional North Peruvian cuisines like Arroz con Pato (rice with duck), Seco de Cabrito (local dish made of rice and goat) and ceviche made with freshly caught local fish. If what you’re looking for is an amazing day by the ocean, Pimentel Beach is the perfect place for you. Spend the day relaxing on the sand and swimming in the soft waves, head on to the pier and try your hand at fishing, or just stroll along the sands. Chiclayo is also home to some of the country’s most important archaeological sites. Often compared to the tomb of Tutankhamun, in Chiclayo you will find the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. After Chiclayo, it’s time to head to the highlands in Cajamarca .

• Cajamarca: One of the most important cities in Northern Peru, Cajamarca is an excellent destination that is often overlooked by travelers. Cajamarca is a very historically important town, as it is where the last Inca was held and killed. The most popular time of the year to visit is during February for the city’s Carnaval festival. Other attractions to see in Cajamarca include the 6 Churches of Cajamarca, The Cumbemayo Stone Forest, Hot Springs in Baños del Inca, Ventanillas de Otuzco and Cuarto de Rescate (Ransom Room). Don’t forget to bring warm clothes as the weather can be very cold. The next stop will be the cloud forests of Chachapoyas.
• Chachapoyas: Named after a famous pre-Columbian civilization, Chachapoyas is a lovely historic town with wooden balconies, colonial style and safe streets. You will definitely enjoy its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful blue skies, and welcoming people. Make sure to visit Kuelap , a famous citadel of the Chachapoya people (often called the “Macchu Picchu of the North”). The Waterfall of Gocta, the Sarcophagi of Karajia and the Museum of Leymebamba are also must-see stops of Northern Peru. Finally, make sure to try the delicious artisanal bread and varieties of cheeses from this area. (check out our guide to the Amazon region for more info). From Chachapoyas, you will begin the descent into the jungle, heading to Moyobamba.
• Moyobamba: Heading into the Selva Alta , or high jungle, takes around 8 hours from Chachapoyas. You’ll arrive first in Moyobamba, known as the City of Orchids due to the wide variety of these flowers found there (see our guide to the San Martín region for more info). This jungle city deserves at least a couple of days, and it’s the perfect place to experience adventure, nature, and culture all in one place. Make sure to visit Aguas Termales de San Mateo (Hot Springs of San Mateo), natural pools with therapeutic properties. You can also go on jungle hikes to the Morro de Calzada or to visit numerous waterfalls. No list of things to do in Moyobamba would be complete without including the local food. Try the famous Avispa Juane (traditional jungle dish made of rice, ground beef, eggs, and chicken) or Inchicapy (green chicken soup with peanuts, cilantro, and yuca). Next, you can head further into the jungle to the city of Tarapoto.
• Tarapoto: Just 2 hours from Moyobamba, Tarapoto is one of the most popular destinations in Northern Peru. Well-known for its nightlife, year-round good weather and amazing attractions, you’ll fall in love with Tarapoto from the moment you step foot there. Visit Calle de las Piedras (Stones street) to have some fun and try exotic drinks or food. If you’re on the hunt for adventure sports, Ahuashiyacu Waterfalls is the perfect place for you. Laguna Sauce (or the Blue Lagoon) is your bucket list item to check off during your visit to Tarapoto. This huge blue lagoon has small boats available to rent and even tours available, so make sure to spend a full day in this hidden place. It’s recommended to spend at least two days in Tarapoto since there are many different places to visit. Next it’s time to head to the Selva Baja or lowland jungle in Iquitos .

• Iquitos: This is one of the most famous places in Peru, and the largest city in the world that is not accessible by car. Because of this, the most common way to reach the city of Iquitos is by air, which takes just one hour. Alternatively, you can reach Iquitos by boat, sailing down the Amazon River and its major tributaries. To get to Iquitos by boat, you’ll need to get to the town of Yurimaguas which is accessible from Tarapoto by ground transport. From Yurimaguas, you’ll travel on the Marañon River before finally reaching the city of Iquitos. Here you’ll be able to experience some of the most amazing jungle scenery and wildlife in Peru, including butterflies, bats, jaguars, pink river dolphins, caimans, and monkeys. There are a number of excellent protected natural areas in the vicinity, including the pristine Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Ethno-tourists will relish in the chance to visit the indigenous settlement of Yaguas, a short boat ride from the town. If you’re seeking spiritual guidance, don’t miss the opportunity to try Ayahuasca.

The places mentioned above represent some of the best attractions in Northern Peru, with a large variety of different things to see and do. You will experience beautiful coastal beaches, misty cloud forests, the beautiful waterfalls of the high jungle, and the steamy lowland jungle all in one amazing trip.

Time Required for Northern Peru Itinerary

If you’re planning to do the complete tour, then three weeks is just about enough time to travel, as each city deserves at least two days to see the most important sights. On the other hand, if you choose to skip a couple of destinations or travel by air rather than bus, you can manage to see a lot of things in a week as well.

This Northern Peru itinerary is becoming more and more popular, for good reason! These cities are amazing tourist destinations, the route is easy to navigate and the tourist infrastructure is good. Keep in mind that as the tour goes ahead, you’ll experience the different kinds of Peruvian climate from frigid highlands to the sweltering jungle, so make sure to bring all the necessary appropriate clothing for the different types of weather.

What Are You Waiting For?

Follow this Northern Peru Itinerary to see some of the amazing sights of Northern Peru, from the coast to the highlands and jungle. You will soon discover for yourself why this alternative touristic route in Peru is getting more and more popular. What are you waiting for? Start planning your perfect dream trip to Northern Peru today!

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• Adventures in Peru

10 Highlights Of Northern Peru

Discover Northern Peru

Northern Peru has much to discover, and all kinds of untapped treasures right at your fingertips. It has so much to offer but is relatively unknown and untouched. Northern Peru’s natural wonders an untold story of South American history is well worth exploring. Here are some of the top highlights.

Caral is a breathtaking archaeological site that was built between 3000 BC and 2100 BC, around the same time as the pyramids of Egypt . And yet, Caral is significantly less crowded than the pyramids and is still somewhat unexplored by most travelers. This pre-Inca UNESCO World Heritage Site was home to the oldest civilization in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s also wildly complex: research has found that the buildings in Caral were built with careful knowledge of astronomy, music, and natural surroundings.

Another fantastic UNESCO World Heritage site , Chavin de Huantar is a fascinating pre-Columbian pilgrimage destination you won’t want to miss. This ancient space was home to the first Pan-Andean religion. The extinct Chavin society once lived in the Andean highlands, and traces of the Chavin influence can still be found along the coast.

The Chavin were one of the first Andean cultures to leave behind records in the forms of carvings, buildings, ceramics, and textiles . At the site, you’ll find round, sunken courtyards and intricate walkways beneath the structures. You’ll also note an intricate drainage system that nods to the Chavins’ engineering skills, as well stunning artistry on the ruins.

3. Huascarán National Park

Huascarán is home to the world’s highest tropical mountain range, the Cordillera Blanca . The park is also the site of Huascarán mountain, the highest mountain in Peru at 6768 m (22,204 ft.) This UNESCO biosphere reserve is unlike any other place on the planet. Huascarán is a fantastic area to hike or simply take in the natural beauty. Since Huascarán’s climbing season extends beyond that of the Himalayas but equally breathtaking views, you’ll have a larger window to fit in a bucket list climbing experience . As you journey through the mountain range, you’ll spot stunning glacial lagoons and snow-covered mountain peaks as far as the eye can see.

4. Cañon del Pato

This unpaved route is carved directly into the mountains on the Rio Santa River at the north end of the Callejón de Huaylas. Its steep canyon walls aren’t flat enough for much to grow, so you’ll see a fascinating juxtaposition as you make your away along its jagged surface. Along the way, you’ll journey through 35 one-way tunnels and be rewarded with mountain scenery unlike anything else.

5. The Moche Route

The Moche Route  is one of the most underrated gems of Peru – and of South America in general. Along the Moche Route, you’ll find fascinating archaeological sites created by the Moche people, who were brilliant experts in metalwork as well as excellent irrigation . You’ll explore slices of history that existed long before the Inca came along. The metals and pottery the Moche left behind tell a story of a fascinating culture. The Moche had an efficient and widespread community structure in place, which enabled its people to expand across wide swaths of land.

The Moche Route includes the cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo, as well as many lauded archaeological treasures and fascinating museums along the way. You’ll especially want to see  the pyramids of Tucume, and Huaca de la Luna, a 1000-year-old Moche Temple.

6. Chan Chan

This massive ancient city, near the modern-day city of Trujillo, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site . From around 900 AD to 1400 AD, Chan Chan served as the center of one of the largest societies captured by the Inca: the Chimú. The Chimú thrived in Northern Peru, and Chan Chan is their crown jewel. It consists of ten citadels where people once lived, worked, and worshipped. You’ll discover beautiful Chimú pottery, intricate city systems, and fantastic metalwork. The city’s architectural features will take your breath away, and the stunning works carved into

the city’s adobe structures make for excellent photo opps.

This ancient city was once home to the Chachapoyas (known as the cloud people), a pre-Inca culture that built their masterpiece atop a mountain. Known as the Machu Picchu of the north, Kuelap is the biggest ancient stone archaeological site on the continent and is known as one of the most impressive ruin sites in the nation.

Kuelap was built long before Machu Picchu, and the fortified city stands tall at 3,200m (10,500 ft) into the air, surrounded by cloud forest. Kuelap’s intricacy is a testament to Chachapoyan ingenuity and talent. The city’s 40 million cubic feet of stone was somehow cut, rounded, and moved. That’s no small feat, even today. When you arrive, you’ll want to be sure to check out El Tintero, which is thought to have been a solar observatory.

Also be sure to take in the city’s massive granite wa

lls, stunning ceremonial spaces, striking pottery, and geometric art.

If you love the outdoors, you’ll adore Gocta , one of the tallest waterfalls in the world . Hidden in the Chachapoyas cloud forest, this lesser-known waterfall is a world-class experience. You can enjoy a light hike through the cloud forest to reach Gocta, and pause to feel the waterfall’s mist on your face. If you find yourself feeling tired at the end of the hike, you can even hire a horse to take you back home.

9. Leymebamba

The town of Leymebamba is a treasure trove of historic sites and natural beauty. Its major highlight is the world-class Leymebamba Museum , which is home to a renowned collection of more than 200 mummies and gorgeous surrounding gardens . Here, you will be able to get close up views of the endemic Marvelous Spatueletail Hummingbird, a magnificent sight!

10. Amazon River

The illustrious Amazon Rive r is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but not everyone realizes it can be experienced in Peru. People don’t always know that Peru’s diverse ecosystems include much more than the Andes. In Peru, you’ll find deserts, highlands, flatlands – and the Amazon Basin. Northern Peru is home to one of the most lovely stretches of the Amazon River. Here, the river passes through Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a home to a whole host of biodiverse species. Peru’s Amazon basin is one of the country’s final frontiers, and it’s just begging to be explored.

Contact us today to join Aracari’s upcoming Founder’s Trip to Northern Peru ! Or Explore our many itineraries  that cover Northern Peru.

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The Partying Traveler

Survival of the littest.

One Month Northern Peru Itinerary For Backpackers

Peru is one of those countries that is impossible for me to get tired of. It seems like the more time I spend there, the less I feel I have actually done. I’ve visited Peru four times already, and each time has felt far too short for the multitude of things to do there. I accidentally over-stayed my 3-month visa once. Even then, I came back a month later to visit some of the places that I missed. It is crazy just how diverse of a country Peru is.

Despite its renown as an international destination, most of that fame is due to Machu Picchu and Cusco. The south of Peru gets a lot of love. Some would argue too much love, especially travelers looking for something more off the beaten path. What if I told you that there is a country out there with all of the wonders of Southern Peru, and then some? A place where tourists are few and far between? What if I told you that place is just on the other side of Lima? The Amazon Rainforest, vast stretches of mountain ranges, well-preserved ruins, and all the surf and sun you could ask for can all be found in the north.

I visited the north of Peru for the first time in September 2019 along a journey from the north of the continent all the way to the southern tips. My original itinerary placed me in Patagonia by year’s-end. I only made it to Bolivia. I was captivated by northern Peru. I stayed in the region for nearly two months. Northern Peru had no shortage of incredible gems. It often felt like you were visiting entirely different continents instead of just different parts of the same country.

As we rode in from the Ecuador border at La Balsa , the hordes of tuk-tuks and rice fields teleported us to South East Asia. The landscapes quickly changed as we entered an inhospitable stretch of desert akin to what you’ll find in the imagery of iconic Western flicks. Eventually, the landscapes grew lush again, and I had my first brush with the Amazon Rainforest as we made our way through the Amazonas . It took us almost two full days to drive from Ecuador to our first stop in Chachapoyas. It was the only city that seemed to have any tourist infrastructure to house us. In almost two days of driving, we passed through breathtaking landmarks and scenery that Google Maps didn’t even have a name for.

Northern Peru is as off-the-beaten-path as you could hope for. One could spend months here, but I understand most people don’t have months to spare. This itinerary is comprehensive when it comes to the basics, but only scratches the surface of what northern Peru has to offer. There are dozens of villages and attractions that can suck up more of your time.

One thing to note about northern Peru is that the distances are vast and the roads are awful. What may look like a close distance on a map could easily be a 12-hour bus ride or longer. I’ll add a bit of information to each stop about travel time and distances but keep that in mind when sketching out your own northern Peru adventure.

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Table of Contents

• Huanchaco and Trujillo
• Chachapoyas
• Back to Lima

More on Peru

Oh, and before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy whenever you’re out adventuring. I use  SafetyWing  to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $40 a month.

Lima: 2 Days

Lima is where most adventures in Peru kick off. Lima serves as the main hub for flights in and out, so it is a good place to start off this itinerary. If you are traveling by bus and coming in through Ecuador, just read the itinerary backwards. Well, from bottom to top since backwards probably wouldn’t make too much sense.

Highlights of Lima:

While most people view Lima as just a mandatory stop, there is a lot to love about Peru’s bustling capital city. It doesn’t have the mind-blowing natural attractions like the rest of Peru has, so it might feel like just another big Latin American city. However, I’ve grown to love Lima for what it excels in. Food, arts, culture, and of course, nightlife.

• Experience the Gastronomy Scene of Lima

That’s the fanciest way I could come up with for saying “eat lots of food”. The restaurant scene in Lima has to be one of the best in all of South America, right up there with Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires. With Lima being a huge global hub, you will be able to find whatever cuisine your heart desires. All with a dash of Peruvian flare. Incredible vegan restaurants, all you can eat sushi buffets, all you can eat Mexican food, and of course, traditional Peruvian dishes can be found throughout the sprawling metropolis of Lima. You won’t find food in Peru as good as what you will find in Lima. Take advantage of it.

• Parque del Amor

This park located along the coast in Miraflores is a beautiful Gaudi-esque area with a beautiful view. The coastal part of Lima is an amazing area, and you can walk for miles and miles along the various parks and  malecons both cliffside and oceanside.

• Go Surfing in Lima

While not world-class by any means, the swell is there in Lima for those looking for it.

• Roam Through Barranco

Barranco is Lima’s up-and-coming arts neighborhood that is quickly becoming a tourist favorite. You can roam through the endless displays of street art and pop in to any number of little galleries, thrift shops, organic stores, and experimental restaurants as your heart desires. Barranco also has some of Lima’s most famous nightlife spots, so a night out here is just as warranted as one in Miraflores.

• Downtown Lima District

Most travelers will find that Lima doesn’t quite feel like Latin America. Once you make it out of Barranco and Miraflores, you’ll discover a side of Lima that most travelers miss out on. The bustling historical center is Latin America at its purest, reminding me a little of Mexico City’s own Zocalo district.

• Experience the Nightlife in Miraflores District

For a good time, there really is no better place to go than Miraflores. This is where you’ll find the widest variety of nightlife options, from cozy speakeasies to sports bars to booming nightclubs, like my own personal favorite, Bisarro.

Where To Stay in Lima

Huaraz: 10 Days

For avid hikers, Huaraz and the surrounding region will quickly become one of your favorites in the world. I anticipated that I would spend a lot of time in Huaraz, but even with trekking nearly every day, I found that a month was too little time to spend in Huaraz. Located near the Cordilleras Blanca and Huayhuash, Huaraz serves as an excellent home base for exploring this vast, remote, and mind-bogglingly beautiful region.

I cannot speak highly enough about Huaraz. While the city itself might be lacking, you didn’t come here for the city. You came here for arguably the best trekking in South America, perhaps the only worthy rival to Patagonia. I’ve written dozens of posts over Huaraz and the things to do there, so for more info on each activity, just click the guide I’ve linked to below each image.

Highlights of Huaraz:

• 4-Day Santa Cruz Trek

• 8-Day Cordillera Huayhuash Trek

If you have the time to do this, do it. This is one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had in my life.

The Complete Guide to Trekking Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash

• Nevado Pastoruri and the Pastoruri Glacier

Best Day Trips From Huaraz: Pastoruri Glacier

• Trek Up To Laguna 69: A massive challenge well worth the views

View this post on Instagram A post shared by eli solidum | 📍 Pakistan 🇵🇰 (@thepartyingtraveler)

The Complete Guide To Trekking Laguna 69

• Laguna Paron: One of Peru’s most iconic views

The Best Day Trips From Huaraz: Laguna Paron

• Laguna Churup: A mystical laguna among the mountains

The Complete Guide to Hiking Laguna Churup in Peru

• Summit Nevado San Mateo: 5,150 meters above sea level

The Complete Guide To Summiting Nevado San Mateo

• Chavin de Huantar: 3,500-year-old archaeological site

The Best Day Trips From Huaraz, Peru

The Backpacker’s Complete Guide to Huaraz, Peru

Huanchaco/Trujillo: 4 Days

There is no better place to relax after a difficult stretch of trekking than the quiet surf and yoga town of Huanchaco. Located about 45 minutes from the much larger city of Trujillo, you can catch a bus to Trujillo then a  colectivo or taxi to Huanchaco. Huanchaco is considered to be the birthplace of surf in South America, and there is no shortage of surf spots in and around the area.

To break up surf sessions, there are an abundance of ruins and archaeological sites in the area as well. The most famous is Chan Chan, which is only about 20 minutes away from Huanchaco. Huaca de la Luna y del Sol are two marvelous temples that frankly deserve much more renown than they are given.

Highlights of Huanchaco:

• Surf at the birthplace of surf
• Chan Chan Ruins

• Huaca de la Luna y Del Sol

• Yoga and Relaxing By The Beach

• Visit Trujillo’s Colonial City Center

The Backpacker’s Complete Guide to Huanchaco, Peru

Cajamarca: 3 Days

I initially intended for Cajamarca to be a quick stop. Its location was perfect halfway-point to break up a 24-hour journey from the Amazonas to the coast. I could hardly find anything about it online, so I figured spending a day or two here would give me a good glimpse into a part of Peru that often goes overlooked. I ended up spending close to a week here. I’ll admit, a big factor was that my hostel had a thermal bath the size of a swimming pool. Cajamarca and the neighboring village of Baños del Inca are popular amongst Peruvian travelers but not among international travelers. That means they know something we don’t.

Cajamarca was a perfect local destination. It is as authentic as they come. Many of Peru’s larger cities feel just like any other big Latin American city but Cajamarca is a beautiful melting pot of cultures and peoples. The Quechua people are still thriving in this city. It isn’t like Cusco and the Sacred Valley where they have abandoned most of their traditional ways of life to start catering to tourists, either. Cajamarca can feel like you’ve been transported to another time period.

Cajamarca is also known for being where the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire began. The last Inca Emperor, Atahualpa, was held for ransom and killed in Cajamarca. Remnants of the empire and early colonial buildings can still be found all over Cajamarca. Museums and churches are home to hundreds of artifacts from various civilizations.

Outside of the city, you can find ruins and archaeological sites that will make you scratch your head. Cajamarca might be one of the best places for history-lovers. Many of the archaeological sites are one-of-a-kind, such as the Ventanillas del Otuzco. Most are still a puzzle to modern-day archaeologists due to just how little we know about the cultures and peoples who built and inhabited these places.

Highlights of Cajamarca:

• Cumbemayo Archaeological Site and Rock Forest

• Ventanillas de Otuzco Archaeological Site

• Immerse Yourself in the History of the Inca and Spanish Conquest

• Kuntur Wasi (House of the Condor)

The Best Things to do in Cajamarca, Peru

Chachapoyas: 3 Days

One of Peru’s most remote destinations is Chachapoyas. Located in the Amazonas region of the country, it is tucked away deep in the jungle. The few international travelers that make it here are greeted with some one-of-a-kind adventures. Boasting attractions like the world’s tallest waterfalls, ruins that rival Machu Picchu, and otherworldly archaeological sites, Chachapoyas is full of mind-blowing hidden gems.

Highlights of Chachapoyas

• Kuelap Archaeological Site

Often called the “Machu Picchu of the North”, Kuelap will inevitably build a well-deserved reputation for itself soon. These ruins are also situated atop a mountain, although can be accessed by cable car without much of a struggle. From Chachapoyas, a full-day guided tour to Kuelap will take about 8 hours. As of September 2019, the entire thing cost only 85 soles for everything, about $25 USD.

• Gocta Falls (Cataratas de Gocta)

The Cataratas de Gocta are the most famous waterfalls in the region, maybe even all of Peru. When they were discovered, they were measured to be the 3rd tallest waterfalls in the world. Gocta Falls has since fallen to 15th, but that doesn’t take anything away from the beauty and marvel that they possess. It also doesn’t stop local tour operators from still advertising them as the third tallest in the world. Gocta Falls is one of my favorite day hikes in Peru. While you can see the waterfalls right from the trailhead, there is nothing quite like reaching the basin and witnessing firsthand this wonder of nature.

• Yumbilla Falls

Despite Gocta Falls being the most advertised waterfalls in Chachapoyas, it isn’t even the tallest. Yumbilla Falls takes that title. These waterfalls are just over an hour away from Chachapoyas and they rank 5th in the world in height. Yumbilla Falls are a full 125 meters taller than Gocta Falls. From Chachapoyas, you will have to go to the town of Cuispes. From there, it is a two hour hike on foot to witness this incredible hidden gem.

• Sarcofago de Karajia

• Cavernas de Quiocta

The Backpacker’s Complete Guide to Chachapoyas, Peru

Iquitos: 5 Days

Iquitos is one of Peru’s most unique destinations. It is one of the largest cities in the world that is inaccessible by land. One can only reach Iquitos by boat or plane. That makes it one of the best destinations for those looking for an authentic Amazon experience.

I never thought I would be someone that liked the jungle, and I’ll be honest, it was never a priority of mine. I only ended up visiting the Amazon Rainforest at first because after spending nearly a year traveling through South America, it felt wrong to have avoided it for so long. Once my flight landed, I immediately regretted having already booked a return flight. Despite the heat and discomfort of the jungle, it was unlike anything I had experienced before.

From Iquitos, you can take tours of the Amazon of varying lengths and itineraries. I’d recommend spending at least three or four days in the Amazon. Throw in a day in Iquitos to prepare or wind down afterwards. For people looking for a more adventurous way to get into Iquitos, getting in by boat takes three days. You will sleep in a hammock on the deck of the ship for two nights, so be ready for some discomfort. Hey, that’s what adventure is all about.

Mancora: 3 Days

Mancora is a great way to wrap up your time in northern Peru. This beach and surf destination is popular among backpackers looking to party, relax, and let loose. If you aren’t into the party scene, then you can spend a few extra days in some of the other destinations listed above. It is a vacation after all, so there is no harm in chilling out by the beach for a bit.

That’s the name of the game in Mancora. Catch some waves then catch some sunsets and you’re good. Trust me, you won’t mind doing a bit of nothing after the epic adventures that Northern Peru has in store for you.

The Best Party Hostels in Mancora, Peru

Bus Or Flight Back To Lima

Unless you are moving up north through Ecuador, then you’ll likely have to head back down to Lima to fly home or continue through to the destinations in the south. A bus ride from Mancora is a grueling 24 hours. You can usually find flights within Peru for cheap, so you might want to check those if you don’t feel like putting up with a lengthy bus ride.

If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by  buying me a beer ! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.

The Backpacker’s Guide to…

• The Sacred Valley

The Best Things To Do In…

• Ollantaytambo

Where To Stay In…

• The Best Hostels in Peru

Attraction and Destination Guides

• Cordillera Huayhuash
• Salkantay Trek
• Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
• Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
• Colca Canyon
• Floating Islands of Puno
• Pisac Archaeological Site
• The Backpacker’s Crash Course Guide to Peru
• 20 Must-Visit Destinations in Peru
• The 8 Best Party Cities in Peru

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I recently hiked the Inka Trail in Peru and loved it! Never went to Lima, so now maybe I’ll give that a shot! Can’t hit to go to a country twice!

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Top 10 of the Must-See-Places in Northern Peru

Please be aware that all the archaeological sites presented in this article in Northern Peru are very old. Much older than the Machu Picchu and the Inca history that you probably know already very well.

But Peru is not only Inca. There existed many other cultures before them and they lived in the Northern Regions of Peru and in Ecuador. We are lucky today, as they have left us an incredible wealth of ruins and archaeological mysteries.

Apart from these important visits, I propose you as well my personal selection of places. I am sure there will be something for everybody : Birdwatching in Huembo, Canoe-Tour in a Nature Reserve in Tingana, Culture with indigenous Quechua-Lamistas in Lamas or some rest at a Fisher Village. The possibilities of travels in Northern Peru are just infinite !

1) The adobe city of Chan Chan

This impressive archaeological site is situated close to Trujillo, on the coast of Northern Peru . It was built from 850 after JC onwards by the Chimu culture. With over 24 ha surface, it is the biggest city ever built in Adobe bricks. Today there are only 14 ha left and from these you can only visit a small part. But the visit is fascinating. The Chimu culture was very sophisticated, they even managed to prosper in this arid and dry region.

The Chan Chan site was named Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1986.

2) Chachapoya citadel of Kuelap, the Machu Picchu of Northern Peru

The fortress of the Chachapoya culture is in the current region of Amazonas. This is in Northern Peru in the Andes mountains at an altitud of  3 000 m. It was built between 500 and 800 after JC. Archaeologists believe that at its peak up to 3 000 people lived there. The fortress of Kuelap is surrounded by up to 20 m high walls. Over 450 ruins of round houses were found in its interior on the two levels. It was a highly religious and administratif place for these Cloud Warriors, as the Chachapoya people were also called.

Kuelap was abandoned by its inhabitants so that they would not get conquered by the Incas. The Chachapoya joined the Spanish in order not to surrender to the Incas.

3) Conservation area of Huembo

Huembo is an ecological reserve close to the Pomacochas Lagoon in the Amazonas region. It is situated on the birding road of Northern Peru. In this beautiful reserve you are most likely to see the famous Spatuletail Hummingbird, one of the most spectacular ones in the world.

With its spatules, the male makes a huge effort to impress his “chosen-one”. To see this mating dance will be certainly one of your best souvenirs from your trip to the North of Peru . Also keep in mind that the Amazonas region is the only place in the world where you can see the Spatuletail Hummingbird. This is thanks to its unique ecosystem between dry forest and humid mountain forest.

4) Huaca de la Luna y del Sol

The Sun and Moon Temples are close to Trujillo on the Northern Coast of Peru and can be easily visited with a local guide. This exceptional archaeological site was built by the Moche civilisation that lived in this dry region between 100 and 800 our time. The Sun Temple (that can’t be visited) is supposed to be the biggest adobe (mud bricks) building of South America. Its construction used more than 140 millons of bricks for a size of 345 m long, 160 m wide and 30 m high.

5) Museum of Tumbas Reales

This museum is situated close to Chiclayo and is one of the best museums in Peru. It contains the excavations of the archaeological site of Sipan since 2002. The Museum of Tumbas Reales is known for the many gold, silver and copper pieces that are worked extremely fine. The Lord of Sipan lived around the years 300 as the Supreme Lord of the Moche population. His grave was found in one of the Truncated Pyramids, that are so typical for the Moche architecture in this period.

6) Waterfalls of Gocta

The waterfalls of Gocta in the Amazonas region in Northern Peru were shown to the world in 2002 when the German Stefan Ziemendorff realised the impressive height of this waterfalls in two parts ! After measuring, it turns out that the Gocta waterfalls have a total height of 711 m and they are under the highest waterfalls in the world ! The hiking to the waterfalls takes around three hours through fields and cloud forest where you can see colorful butterflies, wild orchids and, if you are lucky, the famous Spatuletail Hummingbird or a Gallito de las Rocas, the Peruvian national bird.

7) Moyobamba – the nature reserve of Tingana

The ecotourist reserve of Tingana in the region of Moyobamba in Northern Peru is a completely different world. After a 45-minute drive, and another 45-minute by speed boat, you will arrive at the reserve, which is a net of waterways that can only be used by canoe. The tour is magique, without any noise, with only the wind in the leaves, the flying insects and the whispering of the guides as they show you monkeys and birds in their natural environment. A place to see and to preserve !

8) Fishermen village of Huanchaco

This fisher village close to Trujillo on the Northern coast of Peru still has all its charme. In the morning you can walk on the quiet beach and even see the fishermen come back from their daily work. Later on, locals and Peruvian tourists enjoy the beach to relax and get a nice sun tan, as the water is rather cold to have a swim.

The relaxed ambiance and the good food at the Coast (Peruvian Ceviche and fresh fish) will make you love Huanchaco before continuing your trip to other exceptional sites.

9) The community of Lamas, close to Tarapoto

Another village, but different assets. L amas is in the region of San Martin in Northern Peru, at about 15 km from the town of Tarapoto , on a hill with a great view of the surrounding valley. In the village you can learn about the history of the indigenous Quechua-Lamistas in the Museum Chanka before meeting them personnally in their part of the village.

This is where you can see their handicraft shops or take a tour at the association Warmi Wasi where you learn the different technics of producing bracelets out of grains, pottery or weaving. Another curiosity in Lamas is its medieval castle on the third level of the village. And for chocolat lovers , have a stop at the Fundo Ecoperlacha , just at the entrance of Lamas on your left. Here you will get all the explanations about cacao production and you can taste some as well ! (reservations only).

10) Beaches of Northern Peru

I can’t finish this Top 10  without talking about the beaches where you can swim ! For this you have to go as far North as possible, because otherwise the water is too cold. But around the towns of Mancora, Zorritos or Punta del Sal, you can find kilometers of sand, little villages on the sea (tourist, but with charme) and a summer ambiance: Swim, Surf, relaxing, the ideal destination to have a rest between two archaeological visits !

You would like to know more about it ?

• Sustainability report 2023
• Pacaya Samiria – Peruvian Amazonia
• What to do in Oxapampa and Pozuzo ?
• What to do in Nazca (apart from the flight over the Nazca lines)
• A day at Canyon de los Perdidos, Ica

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5 Wonderful Things to Do and See in Northern Peru

An article about the Best Things to Do and See in Northern Peru including the best archeological sites and mountains of Trujillo.

Tired of visiting the super visited and cliched touristy spots in Peru? If off the beaten adventure is what you seek, look no further than Northern Peru my wonder friends.

Archeological ruins in a desert setting, new cultures, beaches, mountains, glacier lakes and more await you here.

Are you ready to read about the best things to do and see in Northern Peru my friends?

5 Wonderful Things to Do and See in Northern Peru #01: Peruvian Archeology at Trujillo

Trujillo is the most important city of Northern Peru and from there, you can easily access the many archeological zones, museums, beaches, and horse ranches of Northern Peru, making it the ideal base of operations for exploring the area.

It is located some eight hours north of Lima so it’s perfect for an overnight journey. In my opinion, a visit to Northern Peru is definitely recommended if you have the extra time after exploring the rest of the regions of this wonderful country.

The historical center of Trujillo is very pretty by day and even more pretty by night, although most people will find it quite dull and boring after a while.

Public transportation to the archeological areas is not that good so I ended up taking a cheap 10 USD one-day tour to visit some of the most important ones of the Moche culture of Northern Peru: Huaca (a word meaning sacred site) of the Moon, Chan-Chan Archeological Site and the Tomb of the Lady of Cao.

5 Wonderful Things to Do and See in Northern Peru #02: Huaca of the Moon and the Monsters

The Moche Culture of Northern Peru was not that different from the Incas that inhabit the Eastern region of the country (check out how to get from Lima to Cuzco here ), the main difference was that the Moches lived in arid zones and were based very close to the ocean. Local legend has it that one of the first God-Kings of their culture came by boat from far-away lands.

Of course, this probably means that the first rulers of Northern Peru came from one of the Polynesian Islands but it could also mean that they came from Mexico, thus, fortifying my royal claims to the iron stone throne.

Unlike the Incas, the Moches built their temples and palaces using adobe and were big fans of colorful drawings, in fact, the main attractions that you will find in Northern Peru are the intricate and detailed carvings that they did as well as the metallic decorations of their rulers.

The most emblematic mural of the Moche culture of Northern Peru is located in the Huaca of the Moon and symbolizes a red monster that was feared as a God according to their local traditions. His name? Ai Apaec the beheader. No wonder they were scared of him!

5 Wonderful Things to Do and See in Northern Peru #03: Museums and the Tomb of the Lady of Cao

A few km away from Trujillo itself, you will find the ongoing (at the time) excavation of the Tomb of the Lady of Cao, the Tattooed Sorcerer Queen of the Moches as well as some very interesting museums depicting the way the ancient rulers of Northern Peru were buried and the strange positions they adopted.

I would definitely suggest you visit The Tomb of the Lady of Cao today since I’m sure it has dramatically changed ever since I visited Northern Peru last year.

One of the best things to do and see in Northern Peru for sure!

5 Wonderful Things to Do and See in Northern Peru #04: Chan-Chan Palace, one of The Best Things to Do and See in Northern Peru

Last but certainly not least, I visited the immense palace of Chan-Chan, center of the Moche culture. In this place, there were once highly detailed statues of guardians, of which only fragments of the original remain, in their place you can see some interesting full-scale replicas of them.

It is quite shocking that the media focuses a lot on the archeology of the Inca culture while completely ignoring the general awesomeness of the cultures of Northern Peru such as the Moche one.

As soon as I arrived to the Chan-Chan Palace, I sensed that something strange was going on as our guide disappeared and in his place, an ancient Moche warrior of Northern Peru appeared to guide us through his palace.

Suddenly, the Moche warrior placed his eyes on me, the only non-Peruvian in the group. As we both exchanged glances, he knew I was there for a reason so he bent his knee and asked me: “Would you take the throne, my lord?”.

Of course, later that day I learned that he was actually an actor and that this coronation wasn’t official at all but hey, who cares? I got an awesome picture and the privilege of being an Emperor for a day!

5 Wonderful Things to Do and See in Northern Peru #05: Take a Detour into the Huaraz Mountains

While still considered as part of Northern Peru, Huaraz is located actually South-East of Trujillo but still North of Lima. Here you will find the Cordillera Blanca (White Range), an extension of the Andes Mountain range where you can embark on many epic hikes of wonders.

Glaciers, snow and llamas all await you in Huaraz and the surrounding areas. Stay tuned for a future article on Journey Wonders in which I’ll show you the many day trip and day hikes you can take from Huaraz.

They are truly out of this world!

I hope you have enjoyed this article about the best things to do and see in Northern Peru. Don’t forget to subscribe in order to get more awesome updates and tips straight to your e-mail.

Have you ever been to Northern Peru? Would you like to? What were some of your favorite things to do and see in Northern Peru? Share your thoughts and let me know what you think.

Until next time!

The 24 Most Incredible Places to Visit in Peru

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 1st April 2024

From dazzling churches to relics of ancient civilizations, Peru has more than its fair share of striking natural landmarks and historic monuments.

Although there are certainly a few well-known spots in among the others in this list of places to visit in Peru, I’ve added some barely-visited alternatives that promise the same mix of history and spellbinding scenery – just without the crowds.

So read on for my guide to the 24 most spectacular places to visit and things to do in Peru – many of which you’ll probably never have heard of before.   

Click to navigate this article:

My Absolute Favorite Places in Peru

I’ve lived in Cusco, traveled extensively around the south of Peru and also updated the Rough Guide to Peru , focusing on the north of the country. And, the places that I fell most deeply in love with will probably surprise you.

So, in no particular order, here are my favorite places in Peru, followed by a list of others that you might want to consider adding to your travel itinerary if you’ve got a little more time.

1. Machu Picchu

Easily the most famous place to visit in Peru and the Goliath of South America’s tourism hotspots, the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu perched high up in the Andes has topped many a bucket list. And, there’s a reason why.

Its location is truly dramatic and walking around the site with a local guide learning about exactly what all of the buildings would have been for and why it was constructed high up in the mountains only adds to the magic of the experience.

There are several options for getting to Machu Picchu – not all of them expensive – but most pass through Aguas Calientes, the small and nowadays hugely touristy town crouched at the base of the mountains.

A self-guided two-day tour from Cusco via minibus coming in as the cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu.  

The Inca trail is the most well-known but by no means the only or best hiking route to get there; other adventurous options include the Salkantay and Lares treks. I personally really enjoyed the Salkantay, as it heads into the mountains beyond Machu Picchu and felt quieter than the Inca Trail.

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Before you plan, read up on when you should visit Machu Picchu for the times of the year with the best weather and finest views of the citadel.

2. Gocta and Yumbilla Falls

Plunging a dramatic 771 meters from clifftop to valley floor, Gocta Falls are a treasure of nature tucked deep into Northern Peru and quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. 

Interestingly, tourists have only been visiting Gocta for the past 15 or so years after these falls were revealed to the outside world by a German explorer – although, they obviously had been known to the locals for far longer!

Although the view from nearby Cocachimna is spectacular in itself, the six-hour hike to the forceful spray at their base is definitely worth it – although the route can be particularly muddy.

For even more intrepid, Indiana Jones-types, nearby Yumbilla Falls is similarly dramatic – and receives far less footfall.

At 896 meters, these waterfalls are actually higher than Gocta and it’s a short five kilometers on foot from the trailhead to reach the base of the first section of falls.

3. Kuélap

For treasure seekers, Peru’s long history of developed civilizations doesn’t end with the likes of Machu Picchu and other Inca sites in the south – and explains why I think Peru is one of the best countries in South America to visit for those seeking fascinating archaeological sites.

The jewel in northern Peru’s crown is the archaeological site of Kuélap , a partially-restored citadel installed on a lofty plateau in a mountain above the Uctubamba Valley.

The city’s construction dates remain unknown, but it’s thought to be anywhere up to 1,000 years older than the country’s more famous Inca constructions.

It also boasts enormous 20-meter-high stone walls surrounding what was formerly an extensive city.

Around 500 circular stone houses, many decorated with relief motifs remain. On a tour of the site, you learn about how, at the center of these buildings, a stone cellar would have been used to store the mummies of their dead. 

One of the main things to do here is take the new cable car system up to the fortress or you can even arrive how the Chachapoya would have done – with a sweaty and steep four-hour climb from the valley below. 

Forget the Inca Trail in the south of Peru: the Cordillera Blanca and Parque Nacional Huascarán make Huaraz the country’s hiking and climbing capital.

Jagged, ice-sheathed mountains bow into aquamarine lakes and high-altitude hiking trails climb up between the two, offering truly spectacular scenery and a glimpse of delicate vicuña and soaring condors.

The region’s most popular hikes include the one-day Laguna 69 trail and the four-day Santa Cruz trek, both of which climb into the mountains to reach picturesque – and truly photogenic – glacial lakes.

For more experienced hikers, consider heading south to the far less visited Cordillera Huayhuash, where the 14-day (and 186-kilometer) Huayhuash Trek promises high-altitude passes and stunning mountain scenery.

All can be reached from Huaraz, where comfortable mountain lodges offer lodgings.

5. Lima’s dining scene

Visiting Peru without spending some quality time in its capital would be a damn shame. A chaotic, concrete jungle intertwined with majestic colonial architecture, pre-Colombian remains, and a buzzing cultural scene, Lima is well equipped for a charm offensive.

Eat your way across South America’s gastronomic capital (pisco sours and ceviche are just the beginning…), being sure to venture beyond the sprawling beach and luxury shops and bars of tourist-popular Miraflores to the colonial city center and the hipster hangout of Barranco (craft beer included) to experience the other faces of this charismatic city.

Make sure you stop in for lunchtime ceviche ( Peru’s stable dish ) at La Mar and enjoy some criolla music at the famed Del Carajo , a peña (a late-night traditional music venue and bar) packed with local Limeños.

And check out our review of Selina for your guide to where to stay in Lima .

6. The Sacred Valley

The fertile valley sprawling outwards from the Urubamba river is famed for its arresting beauty and – for some – its healing energy.

The valley is peppered with wellness retreats offering everything from yoga and meditation to plant healing ceremonies such as the notorious ayahuasca , as well as fascinating Incan ruins and picturesque towns.

While the town of Ollantaytambo is a key destination on the local tourism circuit (and an interesting place to visit in the Sacred Valley ) as it’s the starting point of the Inca Trail, Pisac hosts a great market, really fascinating archeological site from the Inca, and an epic foam fight during the annual Carnival celebrations – which are more interesting than those in nearby Cusco.

You’ll also find plenty of places to stay in the Sacred Valley , which, at a lower altitude than Cusco, is a great place to acclimatize to the high elevations of the region.

I’ve never eaten at Mil , the expensive restaurant run by acclaimed Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez, but it’s on my list to return- it looks incredible!

7. The Colca Canyon

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon but not nearly as famous, Cañon del Colca (Colca Canyon) boasts dramatic scenery and pre-Colombian agricultural terraces built into its sheer sides and has quickly established itself as a Peruvian landmark that you don’t want to miss.

It is one of the best places in South America to spot endangered Andean Condors, which can be seen gliding between rocky cliffs in the skies above, most visibly from the Mirador Cruz del Condor.

As an entry point to the western side of the canyon, the small town of Cabanaconde may be reached by a 3.5-hour bus journey from Arequipa, and from here, a two-day hike sees you plunge down into the depths of the canyon.

In the evening, take a relaxing dip in the swimming pools of the lush Paraiso Las Palmeras Lodge  (S/133 ($40 USD) double) before an early – and lung-busting – climb back out again the next morning.

8. Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán

All things that glitter aren’t gold – well, that’s what they say, at least. In the Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán , a museum in the northern town of Lambayeque, you can be guaranteed that practically everything you see is in fact gold .

I remain baffled by the fact that this remarkable museum remains so off the radar for most visitors to Pedru. Dedicated to the Mochica culture, which flourished along the northern Peruvian coast between 100 and 700 AD, this museum is considered one of the finest in South America.

It contains three floors of remarkable gold and silver jewelry, headdresses, and other artifacts that were buried in the tomb of El Señor de Sipán – a Mochicha ruler. A recreation of his tomb is one of the museum’s main exhibits.

You can even visit the original archaeological site located south of Chiclayo, although the museum contains just replicas of the artifacts shown in Lambayeque.

9. Puerto Maldonado and the Tambopata National Reserve

Puerto Maldonado, the small, sweltering city where the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers converge, is perhaps the most quickly accessible point of entry to the secluded rainforests of the Amazon basin, particularly for those on a short Peru vacation.

The infrastructure in this part of the Amazon is also far superior to many other entry points, including those in Bolivia and Colombia.

An overnight bus or short plane journey from Cusco brings you to the humid city, before motoring upstream to a jungle lodge.

Stay at the fantastic Tambopata Research Center  ($236 USD double), located in the Tambopata National Reserve, for piranha fishing, nocturnal hiking, birdwatching, ayahuasca rituals, and more.

Just a word to the wise: don’t forget your mosquito repellent.

10. Museo Larco, Lima

40,000 ceramics jostle for space on the shelves of the singular Museo Larco  in Lima’s Pueblo Libre neighborhood.

If you’re curious about Peru’s history of pottery, there’s no better place, with the exhibits covering a staggering 4,000 years of Peruvian civilization.

But, what the museum is perhaps better known for is its collection of Mochica erotic pottery.

Yup, the Mochica had a penchant for recreating sexual acts through ceramics and you’re guaranteed to spend a few hours chuckling at some of the more explicit pieces.

Cusco is the centerpiece of Peruvian tourism, both in its own right as the ancient Incan capital and as a pit-stop on the way to the South American tourist’s holy grail, Machu Picchu .

As Peru’s most popular city for tourists, Cusco’s eccentric charm is born from a bizarre fusion of colorful Andean tradition and contemporary intensive tourism. I enjoyed living there for six months back in 2017 – although, getting asked by the guy dressed as an Inca if I wanted to pay for a photo with him every single day did get a little old.

In between gargantuan Incan stone walls, spot brightly adorned, sour-faced llamas, vaguely traumatic stacks of roasted guinea pigs, and local entrepreneurs pushing their wares, from sports massages to (fake) alpaca jumpers.

While it’s hard to find an unexplored inch in the old town, the Baratillo market on a Saturday is an opportunity to escape the throngs of tourists and experience Cusco like a local, while the city’s historic sites – particularly Q’orikancha, an Inca temple overlaid with a 17th-century church – are well worth the visit.

Read my recommended Cusco itineraries for further inspiration.

There are also world-class rapids in the nearby Apurimac and Urubamba rivers (we recommend going white water rafting with local experts and B Corp, Amazonas Explorer – mention Worldly Adventurer for a 5% discount on all of their tours).

12. Trujillo

Peru’s northern capital Trujillo is perhaps the country’s most charming city that you’ve never heard of. A pretty, palm-dotted Plaza de Armas gives on to streets filled with colonial churches and restored old mansions painted in cheerful pastel shades.

But it’s beyond the city’s boundaries where Trujillo’s truly fascinating history lies, in the form of an array of ancient, pre-Inca archaeological sites.

The most famous is the UNESCO World Heritage Chan Chan , the largest adobe city ever discovered on earth, thought to have been home to 60,000 people as part of the Chimú Empire around 850 AD.

Nowadays, you can explore the site, observing the fish and bird motifs on its restored mud walls.

South of Trujillo, the huacas de la Luna and del Sol are two Moche temples, the former of which contains striking relief murals depicting grizzly religious ceremonies; the Moche were known for their use of human sacrifices to appease the gods. 

The Complejo Arqueológico El Brujo , a museum showcasing the remains of and treasures buried with a female shaman from the Moche culture is also a must-visit. Her mummified remains show tattoos of spiders, snakes, and marine animals.

It is one of the most interesting museums I’ve ever visited in Peru – and no one seems to know about it!

13. Lobitos

If you’re planning a trip to Peru and seeking sea, sand, and – mostly importantly – surf, few destinations can compete with Lobitos.

Situated 72 kilometers south of the better-known Máncora, Lobitos is Peru’s most up-and-coming surfing destination.

It also offers a welcome escape from the hordes of tourists now covering the beaches of the former.

There’s not much to do here other than appreciate the coral-white sands and crystal waters at the beach or rent a board and enjoy consistent swells of up to 7ft, with June the month with the biggest waves.

There are plenty of cozy guesthouses, many, such as the spectacular Buenavista (S/100 ($30 USD) double), that is run by former pro-surfers and offer irresistibly relaxed atmospheres.  

If you do want to visit Mancora, which is known for its kite surfing, I much preferred staying outside of the town. Most of the region’s luxury hotels are situated two kilometers south at Las Pocitas, or Punta Sal, the same distance north, where white sand beaches and far fewer crowds point towards a truly affordable paradise.

Try the stunning cabins of KiChic  (S/900 ($270 USD) double) or the truly remote bungalows at Yemaya (S/420 ($126 USD) double) – both of which are right on the beach.

13. Lake Titicaca

The colossal Lake Titicaca (Lago Titicaca) – one of the biggest in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world – is a popular stop on a tour of Peru.

The small city of Puno is gritty to say the least, however, if you’re planning a day trip to the Uros Islands, around 120 remarkable islands hand built from reeds by the Uros people.

When I visited, I found the tours overly touristy and not really how I like to travel – however, since then, it’s possible to stay overnight on the islands and experience what it’s like to sleep on reed furniture on a reed island. This one is very fancy and definitely a less-than-traditional experience; this one is a much more relaxed, local option.

Beyond the Uros Islands, the lake is full of secluded corners to explore ancient ruins, discover local traditions, and take in the fresh air and ruggedly beautiful landscape. A homestay on Amantini island is a great way to experience (non-floating) island life firsthand.

14. The Rainbow Mountains

A relatively new discovery for Peru’s tourism industry, most of the time you only hear about one “rainbow mountain”: Vinicunca.

Day trips from Cusco bus 1,000 tourists here every day armed with smartphones to snap that Instagram-perfect picture of the mountain’s colorful sedimentary stripes (filters abound).

This breakneck baptism into mass tourism has not come without some unpleasant side effects, including poor-quality tours, a rapidly degrading trail, and the destruction of natural habitats.

A one or preferably two-day trip to Palccoyo, the “other rainbow mountain”, offers a more sustainable – and enjoyable – experience. Again, Amazonas Explorers are a brilliant responsible operator with whom to do this trip (and will give you a 5% discount if you mention Worldly Adventurer when enquiring).

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Got a longer trip? Consider these places too

15. choquequirao.

If you don’t want to share your Incan experience with 2,500 other tourists, skip Machu Picchu and head off the radar to Choquequirao – Peru’s least-known mountain-top fortress.

Although it was once a magnificent site thought to be around the same size as Machu Picchu, only 30% of the site has yet been excavated and it’s distinguished by its huge terraces decorated with white-stone llamas.

Getting here is a tough but magnificent four-day round trek that sets out from the town of Cachora, but the infrastructure is currently being constructed to make Choquequirao more easily accessible – so if you want to have this place to yourself, get there ASAP.

It’s fair to say that it’s one of South America’s best – and most unmissable – hikes . To do it, we recommend Amazonas Explorers , who have scheduled departures on the first Sunday of each month.

They aren’t the cheapest company available, but they offer a really high level of service, a committed to sustainability as a B-Corp, and have English-speaking guides. Mention us for a 5% discount on their tours.

16. The Nazca Lines

The UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site Nazca Lines trail Machu Picchu for the title of Peru’s most iconic tourist attraction.

To get an eyeful of these baffling, gigantic, ancient geoglyphs etched into the floor of the Nazca desert, first reach Nazca – a 7-hour bus journey from Lima – then arrange your viewing method of choice (options include from viewing tower, nearby mountains, or plane).

I enjoyed the Nazca Lines, but it’s out of the way of many of the country’s other sights, meaning a lengthy detour on your trip, plus the flights (definitely the only way to really see the geoglyphs properly) can be expensive.

17. Manu National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an area of globally unrivaled biodiversity , uniquely located at the meeting point of the tropical Andes and the Peruvian Amazon basin.

Reachable from Cusco by plane or a lengthy (over 17 hours) but incredibly scenic route via road and boat, or from Puerto Maldonado (4-6 hours by boat), entrance to the park is only permitted through an established tour operator.

Visitors are in with a chance of spotting elusive big cats and rare species including the giant armadillo and the giant river otter.

18. Arequipa

Signature white buildings set against a skyline dominated by the deceptively serene-looking Misti volcano make Arequipa Peru’s picturesque urban gem.

The country’s second biggest city, though just a tenth the size of sprawling, chaotic Lima, Arequipa holds its own in terms of heritage, culture, and – importantly – cuisine: pop into a local picantería to sample regional favorites such as chupe de camarones and rocoto relleno.

Adrenaline seekers can also hike to the top of one of Peru’s most easily accessible summits, that of Volcano Misti, which sits right behind the city. The hike takes roughly two days to check out the sizzling crater and enjoy stunning views over Arequipa and the Laguna de Salinas.

Find out other things to do in Arequipa in our extensive travel guide to the city and pick your accommodation with this article about where to stay in Arequipa .

19. Leymebamba

On a trip to Peru, you soon learn that there’s one thing you can expect to see in practically all museums you visit: mummies. And for the oddest collection, the Museo de Leymebamba is the winner.

This pretty village just 80 kilometers south of Chachapoyas is home to a troop of 219 mummies – buried by the Chachapoyas people some 800 years ago.

Although most remain wrapped in their original textile coverings, others are bare and seem to make eye contact with you through the (secured!) glass window.

The museum has a range of other artifacts, spanning the Chachapoya and later the Inca.

What’s more, you can still visit the site where the remarkable collection of mummies was discovered. Laguna de los Cóndores is a 38-kilometer hike from the town and the clifftop tombs where the mummies were originally interred are still visible. 

20. Chavín de Huantar

Built sometime around 900 BC, the UNESCO world heritage Chavín de Huantar is a spectacular temple complex pertaining to the Chavín cult, which once housed around 3,000 priests at its peak in 300 BC.

This cult was established around the worship of a fanged, feline deity and its followers were enthusiastic takers of hallucinogenic drugs, namely the San Pedro cactus.

Many of the relief carvings still dotted around this vast archaeological site depict drug-inspired beings. However, to see the Tello Obelisk and Estela de Raimondi, pillars of polished granite with intricate carvings demonstrating the Chavín cult’s exceptional craftsmanship, you’ll have to head to the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Peru in Lima.  

Although some parts of the ruins are in a poor state due to earthquake and flood damage, Chavín de Huantar is one of the country’s finest – and most important – sites.

It certainly merits the bumpy and terrifying at times four-hour bus journey from Huaraz – which also offers dramatic views of the Callejón de Conchucos.  

21. Paracas National Reserve

A four-hour bus journey from Lima brings you to Paracas , one of the largest desert reserves in South America and which also encompasses coast and ocean, making it the perfect place to escape the chaos of the metropolis.

Explore hidden coves with turquoise waters and relax on the red-hued sandy beach of Playa Roja or keep your eyes peeled for abundant bird life, including pelicans and even flamingos on the northern coast of the reserve .

Just outside the reserve, boat excursions take you to the Islas Ballestas to spot Humbolt penguins, sea lions, humpback whales, and many other species.

It’s well-known as the “poor man’s Galapagos” and while it does offer a good opportunity to spot lots of wildlife, it’s a bit of a distance from Peru’s main sights and doesn’t warrant visiting unless you really want to see penguins.

Need help planning your trip to Peru?

My custom-designed itinerary planning service is all you need to plan a trip of a lifetime to one of South America’s most beguiling locations. Check out my Peru trip planning service for more information about how it works.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to book your trip to Peru through a local operator, check out this 15-day Best of Magical Peru tour from our trusted partner in Peru, Valencia Travel.

Hitting the country’s absolute highlights, this incredible tour will take you to unmissable Peruvian destinations including Machu Picchu, The Sacred Valley, Arequipa, Puno, and the Amazon Jungle.

22. Cajamarca

Cajamarca is one of northern Peru’s finest cities to visit. It found its place in Peruvian history as the city where the Inca Emperor Atahualpa was captured and killed by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and his forces. 

Nowadays, this photogenic colonial city is jam-packed full of tourist attractions.

Head to its wide, landscaped Plaza de Armas to admire several elaborately carved Plateresque Baroque churches before continuing onto the final surviving Inca relic, a small, stone room where – legend has it – the ransom to free Atahualpa was stored.

Thousands of gold artifacts were brought here, purportedly reaching up to the line still visible on the aged walls.

Although most traces of the Inca have long since disappeared, you can still bathe like Inca royalty in the nearby Baños del Inca, a site containing pre-Inca thermal pools for a relaxing plunge.

Back in the city, the private collection at the Casa Museo Nicolás Puga takes you far further back into Peru’s pre-Hispanic times with its spellbinding array of Nazca, Paracas, Mochica, and Chavín stone artifacts and textiles.

Finally, a range of peñas (a classic Peruvian bar filled with liquor and criollo beats) brings you right up to modern-day Peru.

If you thought you knew anything about Peru’s ancient civilizations, then think again. Situated just inland in the Supe Valley, a three-hour bus journey north of Lima, Caral is the oldest city in the Americas.

Dating back to around 5,000 years old, it’s thought that construction started here around the same time as the Great Pyramid of Giza – although archaeological work didn’t begin until 1996.

The Caral culture was officially the oldest civilization ever uncovered in the Americas. 

Since then, six stone pyramids, many with a ceremonial purpose, and another 14 other buildings have been uncovered – with most of the site remarkably preserved for its age.

It’s easiest to visit with a tour from Lima, although public transport to Supe and then onward to Caral is also possible. 

24. Santuario de la Virgen del Rosario de Polloc

You probably wouldn’t think to stop at the tiny rural village of Polloc, a forty-minute bus journey on the road out of Cajamarca towards Chachapoyas. But trust me – you should. 

Tucked away from the main road, the murals adorning the Santuario de la Virgen del Rosario glint in the sunshine, which reflects off the thousands of small ceramic and glass tiles that wrap its external walls.

This tiny, colorful church definitely ranks among the most spectacular things to see in Peru – and one of the most hidden. 

Designed in greens, blues, and golds, a vast mosaic depicting nativity scenes and other religious events decorates the church’s exterior walls, continuing inside for a dazzling spectacle.

Interestingly, these striking murals are evidence of over ten long years of work – all completed by the patient hands of the church (and adjoining school’s) students.

FAQs about visiting Peru

Which part of peru should i visit.

Most visitors head to the south-east of Peru in order to head to the Sacred Valley and spend time at the archaeological wonder that is Machu Picchu , before potentially heading across to Lake Titicaca or down to Arequipa to explore the surrounding volcanic landscapes and Colca Canyon. 

However, if you’re looking for a destination with far fewer tourists, consider visiting the north of Peru. This region is packed with archaeological sites, such as Kuélap , that receive far fewer visitors but are significantly older than Machu Picchu!

What is the prettiest place in Peru?

It’s hard to pick just one! Machu Picchu is definitely a dramatic sight to see, regardless of the season, while the surrounding Sacred Valley is particularly pretty and green during the months of April and May following the rainy season. 

Another pretty place is the Pacific Coast, where white sand beaches in the resorts of Mancora and further north look out onto azure ocean.

What is the best place in Peru?

It really depends on what you want to do! If you’re into archaeological sites, then Machu Picchu and northern Peru (particularly around Trujillo, Chiclayo, and Chachapoyas ) are the best places to visit. If you want to hike, the high mountains of the Cordillera Blanca that are accessible from Huaraz will be more up your street. 

The Peruvian Amazon, particularly the Manu Biosphere Reserve close to Madre de Dios, is the best place in Peru for spying wildlife, including chatty monkeys, bizarre pink river dolphins, and even secretive jaguars.

What is Peru famous for?

Peru is most famous for Machu Picchu, a stone citadel located high in the mountains above the Sacred Valley that was built by the Inca. Peru is also famous for its cuisine; it’s considered to be home to some of the finest dishes in the world, including ceviche and even roast guinea pig.

Want more? 

Get more inspiration with our guide for a two-week to two-month and get all the information you need for planning a trip to Peru with The Rough Guide to Peru , for which, Steph, the founder of Worldly Adventurer, was one of the contributors. 

If you’re considering visiting Peru and want to escape the crowds or just want expert advice about the best destinations, hotels, and activities to do during your vacation, check out the Worldly Adventurer travel planning service for a custom-made itinerary tailored exactly to you and your upcoming trip. 

You can also read our guide to when to visit Peru for information on the weather you can expect during different parts of the year and which month is best for planning your trip, as well as our guide to how much you can expect to spend exploring Peru .

Tuesday 9th of July 2019

Wow! Very Good, informative article for anyone who wants to see more of Peru than the classic tourist route! Thank you! I've been backpacking Peru for a while, and literally loved the country! My favourite places are Huaraz region (and of course, Laguna 69) and the Rainbow Mountain hike!

Steph Dyson

Thursday 11th of July 2019

Glad you found the article helpful! Steph

Peru’s best North Coast beaches

Aug 1, 2018 • 4 min read

While many head to Peru to explore rainforests and mountain ranges, the country's dramatic northern coast is a wonder of its own. Combine surf and sunshine with sparse beaches, stylish places to stay and heavenly seafood, and you have all the makings of a relaxed beach holiday. And, if you manage to tear yourself away from the beach lounger, there is plenty of ancient archaeology to explore.

Peru is also one of the best places on earth to surf. The country’s north coast receives consistent Pacific swell along its 1,000km coastline and, away from the grey sea fog that shrouds the south coast for most of the year, bathes in desert sun nearly all year.

Here is a roundup of the top spots to visit on Peru’s north coast :

Peru is probably the first place that people ever surfed. Stroll the beach at Huanchaco , 560km north of Lima , and you will see the one-man boats still used by fishermen, called little reed “horses” or caballitos de totora . When the day’s catch is done, fishermen surf home astride their caballitos , just as depicted in 3,000-year-old pottery vessels found nearby. Today, for a few soles , they will gladly take a passenger out for a spot of fishing or surfing, and then you can try the local catch in one of the tiny seafood restaurants that line the beachfront.

Las Pocitas

The rowdy surf-and-party hangout of Mancora , 1,200km north of Lima, is no great hideaway, but the beaches that stretch to the south of it offer beach-holiday perfection. At Las Pocitas, strolling distance from Mancora, stay at the ultra-hip Hotel DCO , which feels like stepping into a style magazine; or try the laid back Casa de Playa , which has a fine seafood restaurant for your daily ceviche . You will be offered cocktails under palm trees and sunset horse rides on the beach, while there are rock pools to explore and surfing or kitesurfing lessons on offer for the kids.

Vichayito, Los Organos and Punta Veleros

Six to 10km further south of Las Pocitas, laid out between sandy beaches and dry hills, stretch the fishing settlements of Vichayito, Los Organos and Punta Veleros. Quieter than Las Pocitas, they are great destinations for families, as most accommodations have gorgeous pools for kids who are not yet ocean swimmers. For some visitors, the surf breaks at Punta Veleros are the attraction, but there are plenty of other water sports on offer, including wind surfing, kite surfing, snorkeling and diving. Back on dry land there is horse riding, walking and bird watching at nearby El Encanto mountain, or you can find pure relaxation at  Spa Origenes . Soleil Bungalows is a top place to stay here.

Just north of Mancora is Punta Sal , with an often-calm sea and inviting beach favoured by families. Base yourself at the upmarket Punta Sal Club Hotel and range north to visit Caleta de la Cruz de Pizarro , where Francisco Pizarro and his conquistadores landed in 1535. The deep waters off Punta Sal are also known for game fishing; try your hand at landing a marlin, tuna, wahoo or dorado.

This is the home of the longest wave in the world - up to one mile long and known for its speed, cleanness and all round exhilaration. Chicama is about 80km north of Huanchaco, set in an incredibly arid desert landscape. Rent a board (and stay) at Chicama Surf Hotel and Spa . Non-surfers could happily hang out poolside here too. If you get bored, there are plenty of nearby ancient ruins to explore.

Cabo Blanco

Hemingway fished here, and the giant black marlin that were caught at Cabo Blanco in the 1950s are said to have inspired the book The Old Man and the Sea . A few deep-sea boats still operate here, catching black and striped marlin, mahi mahi and tuna, but it is mostly a commercial fleet now. From November to January, Cabo Blanco spawns a perfect pipeline wave – for experienced surfers only.

Chan Chan, Huacas del Sol y de la Luna, Sipan and El Brujo

The north coast of Peru is intensely rich in pre-Colombian archaeology – much of it easily reached from the colonial north coast town of Trujillo. The Chan Chan ruin, built from the Chan Chimu culture, was the largest pre-Colombian city in South America, while the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna ( Temples of the Sun and the Moon ) are from the earlier Moche culture. The recently excavated tomb at Sipan contained copious amounts of Moche gold treasure, and a new museum at the site known as El Brujo makes this valuable ruin doubly worth visiting. Multilingual guides will explain what all these fascinating places meant. Visit before they dissolve further in more violent El Niño downpours.

This article was originally published in November 2011, and was updated by Agnes Rivera in July 2018.

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Home » Travel Guides » Peru » 15 Best Day Trips from Lima

15 Best Day Trips from Lima

Both the Peruvian capital and the nation’s biggest city, Lima offers a wealth of awesome new experiences.

A former Spanish colonial city, Lima has a long and vibrant history that is reflected in the many churches, monasteries, convents, and cloisters.

Modern shopping areas and slum districts provide striking contrasts, and you’ll find lush green parks, elegant squares, fascinating museums, stunning palaces, and more to explore.

Want to relax on sandy shores? The beach is within easy reach too.

When it comes to food, Lima is the ultimate destination in Peru for foodies, with menus offering bounties from the sea and ingredients sourced from the soaring mountains and the Amazon region.

A lively night scene keeps the fun going long after the sun has set.

There are many fascinating and diverse destinations close to hand too, letting you enjoy more of Peru with minimal effort.

Get out and experience more of the country with a range of fabulous day trips.

Located 120 miles from Lima, the UNESCO-listed ancient settlement at Caral stretches across a terrace that overlooks the baked landscapes of the Supe Valley.

One of the oldest archeological sites in the Americas, early inhabitants date back to around 2,600 BC. The impressive ruins remained forgotten and hidden for many years, found again in the late 1940’s.

It is only over fairly recent years that the true extent of the site has been discovered, with huge stepped pyramids, many temples, and sunken courtyards.

Visitors can also marvel at a range of ancient artifacts, including musical instruments fashioned from animal bones, geoglyphs, and jewelry.

Recommended tour : Caral: Full-Day Private Excursion from Lima

2. Nazca Desert

Board a small Cessna aircraft to soar above the spectacular Nazca Lines in the Nazca Desert of southern Peru.

Protected by UNESCO, the arid terrain is crossed by many gigantic lines and geometric designs, created almost 2,000 years ago by painstakingly moving the top layer of pebbly earth to reveal a lighter colored surface below.

The designs of creatures and objects are often of even greater interest to many travelers, with figures that resemble a huge whale, tree, hands, monkey, astronaut, spider, and various types of bird.

Mysteries still surround the desert, with scholars, historians, anthropologists, archaeologists, researchers, and scientists still unsure as to why the ancient people dramatically altered the dry landscapes in this way.

Fly over the Nazca lines : Full-Day All-Inclusive Nazca Lines Tour from Lima

3. Palomino Islands

Lying off the coast of Lima’s district of Callao, the Palomino group of islands is a top place for adventure-loving travelers.

The area was once home to fearsome pirates, convicts, seafaring folk, and soldiers, and the boat ride to reach the islands passes through waters that are today littered with shipwrecks.

You’ll also be able to spot the remains of an old offshore prison as small fishing boats bob on the waves.

Various bird species inhabit the rocky islands and waters, and you might even catch a glimpse of the cute Humboldt penguin; keen ornithologists will certainly be delighted.

A highlight for many visitors, however, is the opportunity to frolic in the sea with graceful and inquisitive sea lions.

4. Huacachina

Huacachina is a small village close to the city of Ica.

Although the village has around just 100 permanent inhabitants, thousands and thousands of people visit the area every year.

Join a day trip from Lima to marvel at the sparkling oasis and feast your eyes on the huge rolling sand dunes.

The water in the natural lagoon is believed to have healing properties.

As well as being photogenic and unusual, the area offers chances for adventure too, with thrilling sand boarding and bumpy rides in dune buggies.

The rural surroundings offer fascinating insights into local life too.

Available tour : Full-Day Ica and Huacachina Sand Dunes Tour from Lima

5. Ballestas Islands

A fantastic trip for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the Ballestas Islands are sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of Peru.

Situated close to Paracas on Peru’s southern coast, the craggy islands are home to a wide assortment of bird life, including Humboldt penguins, blue-footed boobies, tendrils, pelicans, terns, and cormorants.

Seals and sea lions are among the islands’ larger mammals.

You’ll also spot an unusual candelabra-like geoglyph etched into the large rock face, thought to be a signal for sailors from times gone by.

Suggested tour : From Lima: Paracas Reserve & Ballestas Islands Full-Day Tour

6. Lunahuana

Reaching Lunahuana takes around three hours from Lima, but the thrilling activities and cool sights make the journey to Cañete Province more than worthwhile.

The gushing Cañete River is a top place for exhilarating rafting, and you can take to the skies with a canopy walk across the river.

The village of Lunahuana has charming streets that are brimming with craft stalls and small bars where you can indulge in a glass of Pisco and delicious seafood.

Major local attractions include the colonial-era church and bustling town square.

Available tour : From Lima: Full-Day Lunahuana Adventure Tour

Whether you’re seeking sunny beaches, nature, or adventure, Paracas is a top excursion to take from Lima.

Nestled among arid hills, the town provides easy access to the wildlife-rich Paracas National Reserve.

Home to more than 200 species of birds – including condors, flamingos, and pelicans – almost 200 types of fish, and diverse plant life, larger creatures that call the park area home include marine cats, dolphins, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins.

There are archaeological sites throughout the beautiful reserve and plenty of opportunities to relax on sublime beaches before sinking your teeth into delectable seafood in a beachfront restaurant.

A bustling city along Peru’s coast, Ica is especially known for its wine production.

Pop into one of the many wineries and vineyards to learn more about the local wine-making industry and sample locally produced drinks, including the country’s national beverage of Pisco.

The mysterious Museo de Piedras Grabadas, with its numerous engraved stone tablets, is one of the city’s more curious attractions.

Other places of interest include the Regional Museum of Ica, the town square, the scenic boardwalk, and the Cathedral of Ica.

9. Catapalla

The small settlement of Catapalla is just a few miles from Lunahuana; it’s easy to combine the two destinations for a varied and action-packed day trip from the capital.

Wine-lovers should head to the main square to visit the oldest artisanal winery in the valley.

A suspension bridge hangs over the raging rapids and there are several cute restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat.

10. Pachacamac

Around an hour’s drive from Lima, Pachacamac is home to a large and fairly well-preserved ruined settlement.

There’s evidence that people lived here as far back as the second century and their legacy lives on in the diverse temples, graveyards, and pyramids.

Sadly, the site was ransacked by Spanish invaders in the 1530’s, though local priests made sure to hide all the gold and treasures before the Spanish arrived; the whereabouts of the valuables remains a secret even to today.

Hiring a guide is highly recommended to fully help you to understand the significance of the site.

Guided tour : Half-Day Pachacamac and Barranco Tour from Lima

11. Pucusana

The charming fishing village of Pucusana makes a pleasant change to the hustle and bustle of Lima.

Although many locals love the seaside village’s charms, it sees few foreign visitors.

You can enjoy a slower pace of life and the feeling that you’ve stumbled across a peaceful hidden gem.

The harbor is scenic; there are beaches where you can swim and sunbathe, and there are interesting rock formations to admire.

Local restaurants serve fresh and tasty seafood and you can immerse yourself in the lifestyle in a traditional Peruvian fishing community.

12. Huancayo

Situated in Peru’s central highlands, Huancayo is the capital of the Junin Region.

Named after the first group to live in the area, the Huancas, the area has been settled since around 500 BC. It was later taken over by the Incas and then the Spanish.

Today, the area is known as the country’s social and commercial center.

Modern buildings sit alongside colonial-era structures and it’s a good base to explore the highlands from.

Local attractions include the statue of the Virgin de la Mercedes, Identity Park, the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, the sandstone needles of Torre Torre, and Constitution Square, and there are plenty of attractive parks, churches, craft shops, and markets to enjoy.

Hop a flight to maximize your day in the city.

13. Chosica

Chosica is a charming mountain town within one and a half hours from Lima.

There are hiking trails close to hand, letting you get out and about in the great outdoors, and the stone forest of Marcahuasi fires up the imagination and arouses curiosity.

The main square is a hive of activity come evening, with games, rides, street food, and fun galore.

14. Punta Negra

Although Punta Negra is a district of Lima Province, it still lies around an hour away from the heart of the capital city.

A fantastic destination for beach lovers, you can bask on gorgeous sands, swim in the refreshing waters of the sea, and try to harness the waves with a spot of surfing.

The area’s best beaches include El Puerto, Peñascal Beach, La Pocita, Santa Rosa, and La Bikini.

A number of top social clubs have branches here, providing top-notch entertainment, leisure, and relaxation options.

15. San Mateo

The thought of a four-and-a-half-hour bus ride may not seem like much fun, but with an early start, (and naps on the bus) San Mateo is a great day-trip destination from Lima.

Gaze in awe at the towering mountain of Huamanripa before hiking in scenic surroundings and tackling various peaks.

The colorful church of Iglesia Matriz and the gleaming white statue of Christ the Redeemer are remnants from colonial times, and the local markets sell a mixture of household essentials, ingredients for the kitchen, and crafts.

Watch a sporting match, musical event, or cultural show at Estadio Municipal De San Mateo and make new friends in local eateries.

15 Best Day Trips from Lima:

• Nazca Desert
• Palomino Islands
• Ballestas Islands
• Punta Negra

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A practical guide to exploring Peru

Machu Picchu might be its star attraction, but this south American favourite is hardly a one-trick pony, and visits here reward those who plan in advance.

Peru is one of South America’s most popular countries for foreign visitors, but planning a trip here remains hardly intuitive. This is a destination with landscapes ranging from a drenching rainforest to high-altitude peaks and desert coastal plains. Some of its attractions are blockbusters, making early booking essential — and the choice of tickets on offer can be confusing. While the tourist infrastructure is generally well developed, rural areas remain wonderfully traditional, meaning English isn’t always understood and cash still reigns. From when to book to what to pack, this quick guide will help you sort through the logistics.

Should I visit using a tour operator or independently?

Booking with a tour operator means you won’t have to worry about logistics, which can, at times, be complicated. If you’re travelling to Machu Picchu from Cusco, for example, a tour operator will take care of all legs of the journey, which includes a bus, rail and minibus ride. As larger suitcases aren’t allowed on the train, your operator will also look after your luggage should you want to overnight in the gateway town of Aguas Calientes before or after visiting the citadel. What’s more, it means you’ll have a guide with you at most times, which can really bring this storied country to life. That said, Peru — especially the south — is easy enough to visit independently, with a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Bus companies such as Peru Hop, whose services include hotel pick up and English-speaking guides, can make the logistics easier.

If I plan the trip myself, should I book every leg of the itinerary before I leave?

Cornerstone experiences such as Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail require advance booking, particularly during high season (June to the end of August). Reserve six weeks in advance for the former and at least six months ahead for the latter. Flights and accommodation should also be booked at least three months in advance during this period. Overland bus travel can generally be secured a day or two before departure, particularly in the north of   Peru, where there are fewer tourists.

Which Machu Picchu circuit should I book?

In 2021, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture implemented one-way visitor circuits at Machu Picchu to disperse traffic and, while pandemic-era restrictions are no longer in place, the system remains to help better distribute footfall and protect constructions. The circuits got updated on 1 June 2024, with 10 ticket types now on offer (some of which are only available in high season), combining different sections of the citadel with the mountains and sites around it. Circuit 1 is the only that gives access to the House of the Guardian, which offers the iconic pulled-back view of the site, while Circuit 2 is the most comprehensive — it takes in both the ‘lower’ and ‘upper’ areas. Circuit 3 only has access to the ‘lower’ structures but offers a more thorough visit of this area compared to Circuit 2. For more information on what each circuit includes, visit Ticket Machu Picchu .

What do I need to know about the Inca Trail?

There ‘classic’ route takes four days, starting at a trailhead near Cusco and ending at Machu Picchu, with entrance to the site though the ancient Sun Gate. Visitors must book a slot and hiking permit via a licensed operator, putting down a non-refundable deposit. These tour companies provide guides — it’s obligatory to have one — and porters to transport luggage and necessities along the way, as well as meals, energy snacks and technical equipment. Nights are spent at established campsites complete with rustic toilet facilities.

As the trail is exceedingly popular, the number of people allowed on the path has been capped to 500 per day, including guides, porters and other staff. Still, solitude can be elusive, so do expect to come across other groups on the way.The trail covers 26 miles in four days, and much of it is high-altitude trekking, crossing mountain passes that reach elevations of almost 14,000ft. Be sure to prepare and acclimatise sensibly. Shorter one- or two-day options are also available, as well as longer ones that pair the Inca Trail with other ancient paths.

How should I manage my money when travelling here?

In places such as Cusco and Lima, credit cards are increasingly accepted, but in rural areas and small restaurants, shops and B & Bs, cash is king. ATMs will generally charge a fee of between £5 and £10 for withdrawals, so it can make sense to take cash out in larger amounts. Use ATMs attached to banks, during daylight hours and with other people around.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Few Peruvians outside of tourist hubs speak much English. Aside from helping you board the correct bus, knowing some basic Spanish can assist when it comes to haggling for a taxi or at the local market, where it’s common to try to knock a bit of money off prices.  

What do I need to take with me?

Spanning everything from bone-dry desert to the cool, rainy climate of the highlands and the humidity of the Amazon jungle, Peru’s terrain presents a unique challenge to visitors when it comes to organising your luggage. That said, basic packing principles apply: a lightweight rain jacket is essential for downpours in the Andes and the Amazon, while layers can help navigate both hot and cold climes. Hiking shoes are needed for treks, but if you’re heading into the Amazon, lodges should provide wellies for muddy jungle trails. Bring earplugs, an eye mask and warm clothing for bus rides; temperatures can either be glacial or sweltering.

Is the water in Peru potable?

No, as cases of giardiasis, caused by the giardia parasite, which lives in the water, have been reported. A water filter such as the Grayl Geopress will make tap water safe to drink by removing viruses and bacteria — and stop you from polluting and spending a small fortune on single-use plastic bottles.

Related Topics

• TRAIN TRIPS
• LOST CITIES
• CITY GUIDES

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Watch CBS News

Beryl maps show path and landfall forecast of storm that's a hurricane again

By Cara Tabachnick , Emily Mae Czachor

Updated on: July 8, 2024 / 4:42 AM EDT / CBS News

After hitting Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Beryl  regained hurricane strength as it churned across the Gulf of Mexico early Monday before its expected landfall over the southern Texas Gulf Coast later in the morning.

The storm blew past the Cayman Islands and Jamaica earlier in the week, initially making landfall over the island of Carriacou in Grenada while tearing through the Caribbean , strengthening at times to a Category 5 hurricane — the  strongest rating .

What is Beryl's projected path?

As of 4 a.m. EDT, the hurricane center placed Beryl's eye about 15 miles south-southeast of Matagorda, Texas and about 100 miles east-northeast of Corpus Christi.

The hurricane's top sustained winds were 80 mph as the storm moved north-northwest at 10 mph. 

A portion of the Texas Gulf Coast could see a total of up to 15 inches of rain into midweek, the hurricane center said, along with life-threatening storm surge and powerful hurricane-force winds.    

A storm surge warning was in effect from Mesquite Bay to Sabine Pass as of Sunday night. Texas coastal areas could see storm surges of up to 6 feet above ground, the hurricane center forecasted.    

"The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline," the hurricane center said. 

Beryl had made landfall in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula Friday as a Category 2 hurricane, just northeast of the resort town of Tulum, before weakening to a tropical storm.

Hurricane center senior specialist Jack Beven told The Associated Press that Beryl is likely to make landfall somewhere between Brownsville and a bit north of Corpus Christi.

Beven told the AP the official forecast has Beryl gaining 17 to 23 mph in wind speed in 24 hours, but noted the storm intensified more rapidly than forecasters expected earlier in the Caribbean.

"People in southern Texas now need to really keep an eye on the progress of Beryl," Beven said.

Where is Beryl bringing rain and flooding?

"Heavy rainfall of 5 to 10 inches with localized amounts of 15 inches is expected across portions of the Texas Gulf Coast and eastern Texas beginning late Sunday through midweek. This rainfall will likely produce areas of flash and urban flooding, some of which may be locally considerable. Minor to isolated moderate river flooding is also possible," the center said. 

Beryl became the  first hurricane  of the 2024  Atlantic hurricane season  on Saturday and rapidly strengthened. It first reached Category 4 on Sunday, wavering back to Category 3 before returning to Category 4 on Monday and then becoming a Category 5 later Monday night. It is the first major hurricane east of the Lesser Antilles on record for June, according to Philip Klotzbach, Colorado State University hurricane researcher.

Brian McNoldy, a tropical meteorology researcher for the University of Miami, told the AP that warm waters fueled Beryl, with ocean heat content in the deep Atlantic the highest on record for this time of year.

Beryl has also set records  as the first June hurricane ever to hit Category 4, the farthest east a storm has ever hit Category 4, and the first storm before September to go from tropical depression to major hurricane in under 48 hours, CBS News weather producer David Parkinson reported.

Beryl was also the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin and was only the second Category 5 storm recorded in July since 2005, according to the hurricane center.

Brian Dakss, Alex Sundby and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cara Tabachnick is a news editor at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]

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