Peru is a great destination for year round travel. The peak time to go is May to October as this is generally drier with better visibility in the mountains. However during the wetter months travellers are rewarded with less busy sites and greener flora and fauna, particularly at Machu Picchu where the orchids bloom in abundance. The coastal climate is dominated by cloud from April to November with sunshine from December to March. In the jungle there are rains all year round but more pronounced from November to April, from May to October there are occasional cold snaps (where the temperature can drop to around 10ºC).
Tour Overview
Archeological treasure-trove
Northern Peru is a land of many ancient Inca sites and cultural and spiritual hotspots. It's also a place that fewer people choose to visit and so you can enjoy the ruins and temples in relative solitude. We've included the best of the north in this itinerary, from coastal villages to a UNESCO World Heritage site and colourful decorations of ancient cultures.
Enriching tailormade journeys – for you This bespoke journey features some of our favourite spots in Peru. You can choose to take our destination experts’ recommendations and travel just as you see the itinerary here, or contact us to add your own special touches; maybe add an Amazon extension or a special Peruvian cookery lesson. We’re here to design your perfect holiday. Call us on 0844 875 1896.
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Upon arrival at Cajamarca, you'll transfer to your hotel and have time for a rest. This afternoon, you'll be taken on a guided city tour of the many 17th and 18th century churches. The Cuarto del Rescate, or Ransom Room, is one of the most important archeological sites in Peru. It was where the Incas stored their silver and gold to be exchanged for the freedom of their captured Inca emporer and thus marking the beginning of the cultural transformation of Peru.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in El Portal del Marquez
El Portal del Marquez
Set in two colonial Spanish houses, this hotel stands in the heart of the city. There is a courtyard at the back of the property, along with a restaurant and bar.
Day 3:
Cumbemayo and Chiclayo
Transfer to the renowned site of Cumbemayo, which is framed by an unusual and picturesque landscape including an eerily beautiful rock formation known as The Friars. The relic is one of the oldest waterworks in the Andes. The Cumbemayo waterworks are estimated to be over 3500 years old. After your visit, continue to Chiclayo.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Saranga Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Saranga Hotel
Located a few blocks from Chiclayo’s Plaza de Armas (main square), close to restaurants and banks, the Saranga Hotel has well-appointed rooms with private bathroom, air-conditioning, telephone and TV. The restaurant serves traditional Peruvian cuisine, set to panoramic views of the city.
Day 4:
Lord Sipan Museum
Today you'll explore the treasures of Chiclayo, including a visit to the Royal Tombs of the Lord of Sipán Museum. In the museum, one of the most modern and acclaimed in all South America, you can witness the magnificence of the archeological find at the Sipán site: ceramics, textiles, gold and silver jewellery and an enormous quantity of ceremonial utensils. You'll also visit Cerro Ventarron, the first evidence of civilisation in northern Peru, and the 'Cracked Pyramid' - views from the top over the Sipan site are spectacular.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Saranga Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Saranga Hotel
Located a few blocks from Chiclayo’s Plaza de Armas (main square), close to restaurants and banks, the Saranga Hotel has well-appointed rooms with private bathroom, air-conditioning, telephone and TV. The restaurant serves traditional Peruvian cuisine, set to panoramic views of the city.
Day 5:
Sican National Museum and Santa Rosa
This morning you'll start your day with a visit to the Sican National Museum, showcasing more than 200 pieces of gold from the Sican culture. The witches' market is a heady mix of potions, herbs and interesting animal parts. We think a look here is well worthwhile, before continuing to the Valley of the Pyramids of Tucume. Your final visit is to Santa Rosa, an old fishing village where the age old tradition of pushing boats out to see still exists - a ritual you may be able to join in on.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Saranga Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Saranga Hotel
Located a few blocks from Chiclayo’s Plaza de Armas (main square), close to restaurants and banks, the Saranga Hotel has well-appointed rooms with private bathroom, air-conditioning, telephone and TV. The restaurant serves traditional Peruvian cuisine, set to panoramic views of the city.
Day 6:
El Brujo
En route to Trujillo, you'll visit the temples of El Brujo, with wall decorations depicting various scenes from the cosmic world, mythical animals, shamans, warriors and human sacrifice. Following your visit, continue to Trujillo to see the beautiful facades of old colonial buildings, as well as various interesting churches and museums.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Los Conquistadores Included meals: Breakfast
Los Conquistadores
This hotel is centrally located near the town's main square. Rooms are comfortable with air-conditioning, telephone and safe, plus there’s a restaurant and bar.
Day 7:
Trujillo sightseeing
A full day of sightseeing around Trujillo. Your first stop is the Inconceivable Face workshop, where you can join in and create modern day Moche ceramics. After this, continue to the Temples of the Moon and Sun. The Temple of the Moon is an exquisitely decorated temple that represents the spiritual centre of the Moche culture. Following lunch at the fishing village of Huanchaco, you'll continue to Chan Chan - the largest known adobe complex in the world.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Los Conquistadores Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Los Conquistadores
This hotel is centrally located near the town's main square. Rooms are comfortable with air-conditioning, telephone and safe, plus there’s a restaurant and bar.
