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 fascinating and extensive  Huaca de La Luna (Moche 100-700 ad) where exemplary conservation work is being carried out, and also archaeological complex of El Brujo whose recently opened site museum houses the remains of the Mummified Priestess "La Senora de Cao". The eroded pyramids of Tucume also corresponding to the Moche are a spectacle especially at sunset. Highlights of this area are the two superb Museums housing the gold and silver findings from the excavated tombs of Sipan (Moche culture) and Batan Grande (Lambayeque or Sican culture c 750-1375ad). Many natural attractions abound, such as the Bosque de Pomac, a natural preservo of native Carob Tree (Prosopis) and Chaparri, the private nature reserve providing a home to the endangered Spectacled Bear and white winged guan, two endemic species of the Pacific Dry Forest.

Chiclayo is a modern and bustling town, a favourite of many as its liveliness is contagious! The area has a long standing tradition of sorcery and shamanism, and Chiclayo market is a haven for exploring these ancient traditions. 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.

Las Aldas, Casma

Chan Chan Ruins
© 1996 Adriana Von Hagen

Ruins of Paramonga

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. Some interesting museums are also recommended such as the Museo del Juguete in Trujillo and the Museo de Arte Moderno de Trujillo "Gerardo Chavez", a must for anyone interested in Contemporary art. 

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 with its brand new world class site museum "Museo Cao". You can stay in either of our two recommendations, Los Horcones de Tucume or Fundo el Choloque, 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 this little-visited and fascinating region, which boasts 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. Cajamarca is the historic town that witnessed the capture of Inca Atahualpa in 1532 when the Spanish invaded Peru. Cajamarca is a sleepy if prosperous town, nestled in a fertile valley. Its colonial town centre and attractive Plaza de Armas is definitely worth a visit. Cajamarca not in the tourist track, a factor that makes it an attraction.

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.