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The Northern Coast:
Trujillo, Chiclayo and Cajamarca
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The desert of northern Peru was home to
a number of important civilisations long before the time of
the Incas. The recent discoveries, especially the gold-filled
tombs of the Lord of Sipan, have cast
new light on these ancient cultures. Northern desert of Peru
is one of those unique spots where discoveries are constantly
being made, hence visiting the sites is particularly interesting,
as excavations are often underway. See map
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Huaca de la Luna |
The first civilisations to develop in Peru
did so in the Northern Coast. Caral
(approx 3000bC), now considered to be the oldest city in the
Americas, is situated on this narrow strip of desert 245km
from Lima.
There is the site of Sechin (1700 bC)
with its monumental stones, the Huaca de La Luna with its
depictions of Moche civilisation (100-700 ad) human sacrifices,
El Brujo also of the Moche culture with its polychrome friezes.
The eroded pyramids of Tucume also corresponding to the Moche
are a spectacle especially at sunset. And you can also visit
the site of the richest tomb in the Western Hemisphere: that
of the Lord of Sipan. Now of course there is an additional
highlight: the two brand-new superb Museums
housing the gold and silver findings from the excavated tombs.
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In addition to the archaeology,
you will also visit the elegant coastal colonial town of Trujillo
and its beach, where fisherman sail traditional reed boats.
In the beach of Huanchaco, you can spend some relaxing time
tasting the delicious fish and cuisine of the area.
Chiclayo is
a modern and bustling town, a favourite of many as its liveliness
is contagious! If you decide to continue your journey north,
you can head straight toward Chachapoyas,
or go directly inland towards Cajamarca. For a detailed map
o fthe area please click here.
© 1996 Adriana Von Hagen
You will then witness the dramatic
change in landscape from coastal desert to fertile valleys
rich in sugar plantations onto Andean landscape and finishing
at the charming town of Cajamarca, the site of the first encounter
between the Incas and the Conquistadores. Cajamarca, second
only to Cuzco in Andean charm, is set in a lovely valley.
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Huaca de la Luna
El Brujo
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Las Aldas, Casma
Chan Chan Ruins
© 1996 Adriana Von Hagen
Ruins of Paramonga
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Practical Information for Trujillo,
Chiclayo and Cajamarca
A visit to the Northern coast of Peru is
a must especially for those interested in ancient culture
and archaeology.
There are superb museums, first-class archaeological
sites, accompanied by good accommodation and food as well
as the first-class guiding that we arrange. One of the
highlights is visiting 'live" archaeological sites
that are currently under excavation. To make your trip
extra special, we organise private visits to estates
and Haciendas.
Access to this area can be overland or
by air from Lima. If you drive, it will be approximately
8 hours from Lima on the Panamerican highway, an excellent
paved and safe highway. If you decide to drive, we recommend
a stopover to spend the night in Casma, where there is
a lovely little lodge called las Haldas, very basic but
charming and cosy in a unique location. Driving will allow
you to visit Sechin, one of Peru's earliest sites dating
back to 1700bC. Trujillo is an important town with many
hotels; our recommendation is Hotel Libertador, situated
on the Main Square. If you decide to go ahead to Chiclayo,
it is a smooth 4 hour drive. On the way, do not miss the
moche archaeological site of El Brujo. You can stay in
either of our two recommendations, Los
Horcones de Tucume or Gran
Hotel Chiclayo: depending on your taste!
If you decide to return to Lima, you can
fly back from Chiclayo; there are daily flights to Lima.
If instead you decide to continue on overland, you can
drive to Chachapoyas, approximately
8 hours, and visit a region practically untouched by tourism
and with some of the most exciting archaeology and scenery
in Peru
Alternatively, you can drive 6 hours to Cajamarca and
fly back to lima from there, after a few days visit to
the area. Highlights in Cajamarca include the site of
Kuntur Huasi on the way from Chiclayo. Cajamarca boasts
a wonderful spa/hotel that we recommend, the Laguna
Seca.
We suggest you allocate 2 to 5 days for
a visit of Trujillo and Chiclayo, depending if you visit
one or both or if you drive or fly. If you decide to go
on to Cajamarca, 3 additional days would be necessary,
before flying back to Lima.
We can design tailor made itineraries to this and other
destinations in Peru.
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The Northern Coast: Trujillo,
Chiclayo and Cajamarca
Destinations:
Sechin*, Trujillo, Chan Chan*, Huaca del Sol y La Luna*, El
Brujo*, Sipan*, Tucume*, Chiclayo, Cajamarca.
Tumbas Reales Museum, Sican Museum
For Sample itineraries
covering this destination please go to the section "Sample
ITINERARIES", or visit:
Itinerary
6: (9 days) Huaraz, Trujillo & Chiclayo
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