Northern Kingdoms of Peru

Itinerary

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• Day 1 - Arrival in Chiclayo

  Upon arrival in Chiclayo, transfer to the hotel in Chiclayo
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  Welcome to Northern Peru at the Peruvian Coastal Plain! The area region combines arid zones, rich valleys, and dry forests. Chiclayo, bordered by fertile valleys and very close to the ocean, is the capital of the department and the commercial nexus among the three Peruvian regions: coast, highland, and jungle. Then transfer to your hotel

• Day 2 - Chiclayo, Lord of Sipan, Tucume

  Today we visit the Shaman Market in Chiclayo, as well as Peru’s most important Archeological Museum, including a spectacular display of artifacts from the tombs of Sipan. Lunch at a local restaurant. Later enjoy the sunset overlooking the 26-pyramide complex at Tucume. (b,l)
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  A morning walk through Chiclayo’s Witch Doctor's Market, where the Brujos (witch doctors), Curanderos (healers) and Shamans sell tonics, hallucinogenic beverages, aromatic herbs, amulets and more. Then visit Peru's most important archaeological museums for a complete overview of the region's pre-Columbian cultures of Chimu and Mochica, displaying fine examples of pottery, metalwork and textiles excavated in the area. It was in 1987 that the famous royal tombs of Sipán were discovered and its contents were re-introduced to the world. The modern, pyramid-shaped Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum contains the most extraordinary gold pieces found in the excavations as well as a precise model of the tomb. Lunch is served at a local restaurant, serving authentic and traditional regional cuisine. The day ends at sunset with a panoramic of the impressive 26-pyramid complex of Tucume. (b,l)

• Day 3 - Chiclayo / Trujillo (Moon & Sun Pyramids, Chan Chan & Colonial Trujillo)

  Morning drive South to Trujillo, for a visit to the Sun & Moon Adobe Pyramid with their elaborate & colorful walls. Then explore the remains of Chan Chan, the largest Adove City in the world, and drive through the Colonial Center of Trujillo. Lunch is included. Late evening transfer to the airport for you flight to Lima (b,l)
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  We depart Chiclayo by car, and drive south to Trujillo, to visit Chan Chan, (a UNESCO World Heritage site). The city that served as the capital of the ancient Chimú kingdom (700-1400 AD), which spans an area of 20 square km, is the largest mud-brick citadel dating back to the pre-Hispanic era. To build it, the Chimú architects used clay, mud, pebbles, wood, reeds, straw and cane, materials which enable the citadel to blend in with the sandy coasts. The walls were decorated with haut-relief friezes, done in geometric and animal figures. The city was the urban center of a vast regional state which covered half of the Peruvian coast, stretching from Tumbes on the Ecuadorian border down as far south as Lima. All roads branched out from Chan Chan. The ancient Mochica culture chose to build here its most important ceremonial centers: The Huaca del Sol and the Huaca de la Luna; these impressive monuments are more than 1,500 years old. Huaca or Temple of the Sun functioned as an administrative and political center. The Huaca de la Luna or Temple of the Moon is located 1,500 feet away from the Huaca del Sol. It was built for ceremonial purposes during different periods of the Mochica culture. The external decorated walls are remarkable and well preserved. It is thought that multiple human sacrifices were held at the site. After lunch, we drive through Colonial Trujillo, and continue to the airport for your flight back to Lima. (b,l)