Go off the beaten path in northern Peru to discover some of the country’s most incredible archaeological sites. Besides touring pre-Columbian temples and pyramids, you’ll also visit Indigenous and Spanish-colonial landmarks in cities like Cajamarca. As a bonus, you’ll hike up to one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, tour “Machu Picchu of the North,” and visit an actual mummy museum.
Highlights
- Discover pre-Hispanic ruins like Chan Chan
- Visit the Mummy Museum in northern Peru
- Tour the grounds of the impressive Kuélap citadel
- Hike to Gocta Waterfall, the tallest in Peru
- 10 Days/ 9 Nights
- January to December
- Moderate
Difficulty
Condition
Travel Program
Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Optional Activities
¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru! This country’s famous history is evidenced in its Spanish-colonial landmarks, ancient Inca ruins, and other archaeological sites that predate even those two historical periods. You’ll arrive in the capital of Lima, which is Peru’s largest city. This metropolitan hub has its own complex history, as it was part of the Inca empire in the 15th century and later conquered by the Spanish. Today its population of over 10 million people represents a diverse mix of cultural influences, including Amerindian, Afro-Peruvian, and Asian—especially Chinese and Japanese.
At the airport, a driver will pick you up at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel in the upscale Miraflores neighborhood. The ride takes about an hour, and after checking into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore Lima on a self-guided tour. Lima’s breezy location on the Pacific Ocean and mild desert climate make it the perfect city for exploring on foot.
Perhaps start in the historic center, which is filled with Spanish-colonial landmarks, such as the Lima Cathedral, which dates to 1535. For culture and history, head to Museo Larco, which is housed in a restored viceregal mansion and boasts a vast collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts. Later in the day, return to Miraflores and Parque del Amor (Love Park), which sits on the coastal cliffs and is the perfect spot to enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the Pacific. Then maybe enjoy a nightcap at a trendy bar or restaurant in Miraflores.
Day 2: Fly to Trujillo, Temple of the Moon
In the morning, a driver will pick you up for the ride back to the airport, where you’ll catch a one-hour flight to Trujillo. Located in the far north of Peru, this city is known for its rich Spanish-colonial heritage, as seen in the colorful facades of the well-preserved churches and buildings in its historic center.
Upon arrival at the airport, another driver will transfer to your hotel. After settling in, you’ll take a 30-minute ride west of the city to the Temple of the Moon, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the region. This pre-Hispanic mud pyramid was sacred to the ancient Moche people, a civilization that flourished in this area from 100-750 CE. During a tour, keep an eye on the temple walls, which are adorned with colorful murals and the religious symbol Ai-Apaec, or “God of the Mountains.”
Despite the prevalence of archaeological ruins in this region, the Mochica culture is not at all extinct. After visiting the temple and its on-site museum, continue to a pottery and handicrafts shop to view and learn about the traditional crafting methods preserved by the Mochica people over the centuries.
Day 3: Day Trip to Chan Chan & Huanchaco
Head out in the morning for a full day of sightseeing near Trujillo. Your first stop is the Huanco Arco Iris, or Rainbow Temple, named for the mysterious and colorful high reliefs on its walls. From here, continue to the world’s largest mud-brick citadel: the Chan Chan. Covering an area of 7.7 square miles (20 sq km), this well-preserved adobe city was once home to 100,000 people of the pre-Inca Chimú culture. Highlight buildings include vast residences, royal palace rooms, and sprawling workshops where the city’s artisans once plied their trade.
After touring Chan Chan, you’ll travel to adjacent Huanchaco, a scenic fishing village famous for its long beach and traditional reed boats, known locally as the “Caballitos de Totora.” These boats, made from the thick and buoyant totora reed, have been used for fishing for centuries. Enjoy lunch in this charming seaside town before returning to Trujillo in the afternoon.
Day 4: Transfer to Cajamarca, City Tour
After an early breakfast, you’ll meet your driver for the trip north from Trujillo to Cajamarca. This city is nestled high in the Andes and is known for its stunning mountain scenery, Baroque colonial landmarks, and Inca historical sites. The drive into the highlands takes about six hours, but there will be stops for food and to stretch your legs.
Upon arrival in Cajamarca, you’ll check into your hotel, then head out for a tour of the city and its nearby historical sites. The first locale your guide will lead you to is Baños del Inca, a complex of hot springs believed to have been a favored retreat for the Inca rulers. More significantly, this site is home to the Ransom Room. It was in this small room in 1532 that Inca emperor Atahualpa was held captive by the Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro. Atahualpa offered a room full of gold and silver as a ransom, and though the Spanish accepted, they executed the Inca ruler anyway.
Afterward, you’ll tour the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square. It’s filled with several impressive Baroque colonial churches and monasteries dating from the 17-18th centuries. At the end of the day, you’ll return to your hotel.
Day 5: Day Trip to Cumbemayo & Ventanillas de Otuzco
Get ready to tour some more incredible archaeological sites. In the morning, you’ll meet your guide/driver and leave Cajamarca on a one-hour ride west to the pre-Hispanic site of Cumbe Mayo. On the way, you’ll stop at the famous Bellavista viewpoint to enjoy panoramic vistas of Cajamarca and the surrounding Andes. You’ll also stop at pre-Inca ruins of temples and sacrificial stones.
Eventually, you’ll arrive in Cumbe Mayo. Estimated to be around 3,000 years old, this ancient stone aqueduct was built by the pre-Inca Cajamarca civilization. Besides the history, it offers a glimpse into the engineering skills of these ancient peoples.
You’ll return to Cajamarca in time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, you’ll travel to another vital Cajamarca archaeological site: Ventanillas de Otuzco. Dating back about 2,000 years, this site is known for its unique funerary niches carved into a rock face, resembling small windows or ventanillas in Spanish. These niches were used by the Cajamarca culture and later by the Incas for burial purposes. At the end of the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel.
Day 6: Transfer to Leymebamba, Mummy Museum
Today you’re off to the northern Amazonas region of Peru. Your driver will pick you up from the hotel after breakfast, and you’ll begin the six-hour transfer to Leymebamba. This small town is the gateway to northern Peru’s famous Chachapoyas region, known for its lush cloud forests, deep river valleys, and soaring mountains.
This is a long trip but a scenic one. On the way, you’ll pass colorful highland cities like Celendin and ascend to high mountain passes like Abra de Gelic (10,170 ft/ 3,100 m). There, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the mountains and the Río Marañon valley. You’ll also stop at a roadside restaurant for lunch.
Eventually, you’ll descend into the Río Atuen valley and reach Leymebamba (7,217 ft/ 2,200 m). Once in town, you’ll check into your accommodation and visit its most famous attraction: the Mummy Museum. It houses a remarkable collection of artifacts and mummies (200 of them) from the Chachapoya civilization, which were discovered in the nearby Laguna de los Cóndores.
Day 7: Visit Kuélap, Transfer to Chachapoyas
Head out in the morning on a 15-minute drive to the El Tingo district. This area is home to the archaeological site of Kuélap, which was built by the Chachapoya people and is often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of the North.” At the entrance to Kuélap, you’ll board a cable car for the 20-minute ride up to the mountain ridge where the site is located.
Dating to the sixth century CE, Kuleap spans an area of 150 acres (60 ha) and sits at an elevation of around 10,000 feet (3,000 m). It comprises hundreds of stone structures, including circular buildings, defensive walls, and ceremonial platforms. Like Machu Picchu, this site affords 360-degree views of the surrounding Andes peaks. During a 2-3-hour tour, you’ll visit the most iconic structures, including the Main Citadel and Atalaya Watchtower.
After the tour, you’ll enjoy lunch nearby, then continue driving a few more hours north to the town of Chachapoyas. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your accommodation and have the evening free.
Day 8: Day Hike to Gocta Waterfall
Lace up your hiking boots because today, you’ll enjoy one of the most famous treks in Peru: the hike to Gocta Waterfall. After transferring to the trailhead, you’ll head out on the path, which will take you past agricultural farms and deep into the cloud-forest ecosystem. During this section, you’ll spot a number of native bird species, including hummingbirds and gallito de las rocas (Andean cock-of-the-rock), the national bird of Peru. You’ll also see exotic flora like orchids and bromeliads.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at the spectacle of Mother Nature, which is Gocta Falls. Plunging 2,530 feet (771 m) over a cliff, this is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world (and the highest one in Peru). The lush greenery and dramatic cliffs surrounding the falls add to the beauty. After spending time enjoying the scenery, you’ll hit the trail back the way you came. Know that this is a challenging hike, taking around six hours to complete. For this reason, it’s also possible to complete most of the journey on horseback.
Day 9: Karajia Sarcophagi & Quiocta Caverns
In the morning, meet your driver for the 1.5-hour drive from Chachapoyas to Karajia. This peculiar funerary site consists of a set of unique sarcophagi. Known as the purunmachus, these anthropomorphic figures are perched high on a cliffside overlooking the Utcubamba Valley. Upon arrival at a nearby town, you’ll hike on foot for about 30 minutes to the sarcophagi viewpoint. Once there, you’ll have a great vantage point to admire these striking icons, which have been overlooking the valley for over 750 years.
Later, you’ll have lunch, then head over to the Quiocta Caverns. This remarkable limestone cave system stretches 4,900 feet (1,500 m) and is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, which you’ll see on a brief spelunking tour. Afterward, you’ll return to your hotel in Chachapoyas.
Day 10: Fly to Lima, Depart
Savor one last breakfast in Peru because it will be your last until fate brings you this way again. At the appropriate time, a driver will pick you up for the 3-4-hour drive to the town of Jaen. At the airport, you’ll board a 1.5-hour flight back to Lima and catch your connecting flight home. Safe travels!
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
What's Included
Included
- English- and Spanish-speaking guide
- Entrance tickets as per itinerary
- Accommodation
- Trekking staff (if applicable)
- Camping equipment (if applicable)
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation as per itinerary
- Airport transfers (if specified)
Not included
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Optional tours or additional entrance tickets
- Personal equipment
What to Bring
What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition
This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, climbing or mountain expeditions tours is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.
Equipment Trekking
Hiking backpack for hiking 50 to 60 liters
Light gloves for hiking or (Optional Mittens waterproof)
Medium weight socks
Sleeping bag (-15º to 20ºC)
Small daypack for one day hiking 30 liters
Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
Hiking boots or shoes
Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down
Rain poncho (or rain gear)
Long-sleeved shirts
Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers
Lightweight pants
Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
Water bottle for hiking or trekking
Strong waterproof duffel bag
Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
Towel for personal hygiene each participantFirst-aid kit
Regular and long underwear
Knife or multi-tool
Light cap and wool hat
Sunglasses with UV certification, Sun block, lips
The rest of the list Essentials as appropriate for your hike
Grooming and personal hygiene kit
One Hiking Buff per person
Equipment Mountain
3 Locking carabiners, we recommended per person
We recommend 2 ice screws for each client
1 Daisy Chain (Life Line) per each person
2 Ice axes (per person) technical, we recommended GRIVEL company
1 ATC descender (Rappel), this is very necessary for technical mountains
2 Cords for prusik, very important (Size Cord 6 mm x 10 m. long)
Gloves(Good gloves) for expeditions over 6000meters
Harness for climbing
Sleeping pad / Mattress, we recommend with air or inflatable mattress
Crampons, we recommended GRIVEL company
Walking sticks – Trekking Poles (optional), a pair per person, we recommended GRIVEL company
Down Jacket for expedition
Very important to have personal clothing such as pants and jacket with GOROTEX certification
First aid kit, for high mountains, because we as guides cannot medicate clients
Backpack Capacity 60 liters, it is better to have a bigger backpack to go comfortably to the high camps, because here you have to carry all your personal things
Gaiters or Leggings, now modern boots already have built-in (Incorporated), but better to have an extra pair
Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.
In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.
Prices & Dates
FROM/TO
PRICE (USD)
TRAVEL STATUS
- Single Supplement (I want my own room and tent) – $000 on request.
Please note: Insurance for emergency evacuation is required for this trip. Call for more details.
» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays
Prices (per person):
| 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 4 PAX | 6 PAX | 8 PAX | 10 PAX | 12 PAX | 14 PAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD |
Deposit for reservations
— USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!
Places: *Available
Trip-code: Number ►BOL-000
Duration: 1 day
Participants: Minimal: 2 Maximal: 15
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: Bolivia
Mountain Guide: Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2024
Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
🟢 On this trip, places are still available.
🟡 On this trip, only a few places left.
🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.

Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Expert guide certified by AGOMP
General Sales Manager of Peru Expeditions
- WhatsApp: +51 943 081 066
- E-Mail: office@peru-expeditions.org
Hans Honold | Certified Mountain and Ski Guide
For a trip with a Professional Certified Mountain Guide from abroad with your own language that you speak, please request us to get in touch. We have guides working for our company from all over the world who are members of IVBV/UIAGM/IFMGA Certified Guides.
- Tel: +49(0)7344 929144-0
It is very important to have accident coverage for trekking and climbing mountains, more if you go a technical mountains over 6 thousand meters, we oblige and recommend buying travel insurance with our partner Global Rescue, you get the peace of mind that the finest medical, security evacuation, field rescue, intelligence and telehealth.
- Tel: +1 (617) 459-4200
Only $1000 deposit to book
Pay over time, interest free
No booking fee, no change fee
24/7 support
Accommodations
Scroll through our exclusive accommodations for this trip below. Although very unlikely, we will be able to make substitutions when necessary. The comfortable accommodations that guests stay in every night offer comfort, the level that these options are are 3 stars and some hostels in some towns of first class quality to make your stay very pleasant.
*These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some cases, alternative accommodation of similar quality and location can be used.

Albergue Ecológico Tomarapi

Hoteles Taykas
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
What our travelers or clients always ask questions before joining our trips, tours & expeditions, read all the information provided here.
Suggested FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
For our mountain climbing trips: If they are easily accessible mountains: For easy-climb mountains, well, you don’t need much experience, but if you already want to climb mountains above 6,000 meters and the conditions become more difficult, we recommend if you already want to go through mountains above 6,000 meters, have a basic or intermediate course for a good preparation. It is very important to be physically, technically and psychologically prepared.
Regarding the preparation of children: Everything will depend on which mountain you want to climb with your children, once you are clear on which of our tours or mountains you want to go with your children, we can give you some advice or see how to prepare them before going with they.
Regarding older people: It all depends on the condition of experience and how well the person is in health, on many occasions older people are the best to walk in the mountains because they have more experience, so it is always good to ask and find out about their experience of older participant. If you have any other questions, please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
In all our trekking or mountaineering trips we do not include personal equipment in our prices, so you have to have your own equipment: Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc. ) and also within each page of the trips that we sell is a small list so you can see it on our website.
Our company can also rent the materials that you would need for your trip, see the list here on our website: https://peru-expeditions.org/equipment-rental/ . For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
Safe and effective vaccines are available that provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Billions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against COVID-19, help end the pandemic and stop new variants emerging.
We also recommend having accident insurance, we always recommend. We are Partners –Global Rescue. If you have any other questions about the trip we can schedule a date for a calling via WhatsApp. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
To do long-distance hiking you need to at least train or do some tours such as visiting lagoons to get the experience and feel comfortable with what you do, it is always good before doing a long-distance hiking tour to test yourself so as not to be with the problems of altitude sickness during the trekking, and if you travel with children it is good to first train them before taking them, if they are accompanied by an adult of legal age, they must do a good acclimatization before going on the long-distance tour or with high altitude camps If you want to know or learn more advice, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
The preparation is according to what type and what technical level you want to go and climb a trek or mountain, the preparation will always gain experience little by little.
For this type of demanding or technical climbing sports, it is recommended to do some summits above 5 thousand meters beforehand and have good knowledge of high mountain technical equipment such as the use of technical ice axes, ice screws, correct use of crampons, and of course all the technical material. For more information, we can schedule an appointment to be able to explain in more detail everything about the mountain equipment and the preparations prior to joining our outings. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
Every day we have active walks around approximately 4, to 5 sometimes 6 hours of walking, everything is according to your pace and physical condition of each person, in each of our travel programs you will find more detailed information, and if If you need more information about each day of the travel program, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts or questions, for this please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
In our trips, either hiking or mountaineering: Depending on the type or destination of the trip that you are going to book, in some parts of the treks you go with mules or donkeys or sometimes with horses, and within the mountain trips, the approach camps are also They go with mules or donkeys, but there are some stretches where pack animals can no longer reach. In this part, our logistics is fully supported by the porters.
Who are the porters? They are people from the area who were born and live in the heights of the towns, they are very strong and are very acclimatized, the reason is that after the tourist season ends they dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock for that reason they are people They are used to the altitude and have lived in nature all their lives and they are happy to be in the mountains together with our expeditions. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
About accommodation or meals during the tour: Well, depending on the type of tour, when the tour is a classic cultural tour or a city tour, we eat during the route in tourist restaurants and sleep in category hotels that the client has requested.
If the tour is with camps and trekking: During the activity, logistics we include the service of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with traditional and typical meals of the region where you are going to travel with us, during the night we stay in tents, and we have a special tent for the kitchen and another for the dining room.
If the trip is at altitude or in the mountains: We bring special high mountain food, It are quicker meals to cook and we provide complete logistics such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and we sleep in special 4-season high mountain tents, with the best tents. If you have any questions or concerns, we can schedule an appointment via Whatsapp to clarify all your doubts and give you better information so that your trip is an unforgettable tour.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
In mountains above 5000 meters: A local guide takes a maximum of 3 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide
In technical mountains: In large-big mountains we manage the travel policy, a guide and a maximum of 2 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Do I have what it takes to succeed on this expedition?
In the interest of the team’s enjoyment and success, we work with every single guest to ensure they are properly prepared and ready for this expedition. We pride ourselves on vetting every member to make sure that the team can bond and succeed together. It really sucks to be grouped with members that are much faster, or much slower, than you are. No one wants to the weakest link on a trip like this. By setting expectations and a solid training plan, we work to insure maximum cohesive success. Use this trip as an exercise motivator, and we will succeed together with style.
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
For the pick-ups of each trip, depending on the place or the trip that you are going to make with us, the meeting point is always at our office, in one of our trips we pick you up where you are staying or staying, or in some cases a A representative of our company will pick you up and then ship you to your transport to continue with your destination of the tour or trip you have booked with us. If you wish to request more information, do not hesitate to contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What happens in the event of bad weather?
About the meteorological conditions of the climate, we try to organize the trips of each tour in the best season to have the best views and enjoy the selected trip but sometimes even is good season we can have bad weather, in this case on hiking or treks trips The complications are minimal, but when this happens during high-altitude climbing expeditions, the complications can become very difficult, that is why the bosses or leaders of the local guides must always make the most correct decision for the safety of our passengers, so we always recommend listening to the best advice from the local guide assigned for each tour. If you have any other questions please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Can I join a group?
We as a local company and connoisseurs of tours have departures on different dates. The best thing to do is to join a travel group to take care of your budget, and of course you can join our groups, but on trips like mountaineering we recommend going in small groups. To join a group, ask us for the dates and we will send you the necessary information to be able to join any of our trips.
Why go in a private trip: For trips whether trekking or high mountains, going privately is the most recommended option, but the costs are more expensive. So, if one joins a group, the prices will be more reasonable. In the mountains, the only disadvantage is if you are in a wall with another partner and if one of the participants gets tired or gets sick. In this case, you have to abort or cancel the summit and return together. For more information, contact us. We can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify all your questions.
In a mountain, for example, if 3 people go and one of the participants falls ill on the route, for security reasons they have to cancel or abort the summit or return all together. The same in a technical mountain if the climbing partner gets sick they all have to return, for these reasons sometimes it is better to go private only because for a single person the costs are more expensive for the same reason that the trip would already be private .
For more information please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066















