Peru
Highlights of Northern Peru
An archaeological adventure
Best time to travel
Year-Round
Recommended for
Groups & Friends, Couples & Honeymoon, Solo Travel
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Price from
$4800
per person
This four-day journey reveals the archaeological heart of northern Peru, home to the Moche, Sicán, and Chimú cultures. Travel the famed Moche Route with specialist guides and archaeologists, exploring exquisite adobe temples, vast pyramid complexes, and exceptional museums housing some of the most important pre-Inca discoveries in the Americas.
From the friezes of Huaca de la Luna to the monumental city of Chan Chan and the storied tombs of Sipán, you’ll gain rare insight into civilizations that shaped Peru long before the Incas. Along the way, enjoy coastal life in Huanchaco, meet local communities, and uncover treasures still emerging from the desert sands. With easy flights from Lima or Cusco, northern Peru has never been more accessible.
Highlights
- Explore Huaca de la Luna and Chan Chan, two of Peru’s most extraordinary pre-Inca archaeological sites.
- Visit the Royal Tombs Museum, home to the treasures of the Lord of Sipán.
- Walk among the 26 adobe pyramids of Túcume with a specialist guide.
- Discover El Brujo and the remarkable Señora de Cao, the only known female Moche ruler.
- Enjoy coastal culture in Huanchaco, watching fishermen ride traditional reed boats.
- Gain insider insight into northern Peru’s ancient cultures with expert archaeologists.
Daily Summary
Highlights of Northern Peru
An archaeological adventure
4 Days / 3 Nights
Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo
All elements of these journey will be tailormade to your interests and travel style.
View on map
Day 1
Arrival in Lima
Lima or Cusco
Arrive in Lima or Cusco and connect onward to your hotel. An Aracari representative greets you on arrival, assists with check-in, and ensures you’re settled for the night before beginning your northern Peru adventure.
View on map
Day 2
Huaca de la Luna, Huanchaco & Chan Chan
Lima or Cusco – Trujillo
Fly to Trujillo and explore Huaca de la Luna’s vivid friezes with a specialist. Continue to Huanchaco for a coastal lunch and views of traditional reed boats. End the day at Chan Chan, the vast adobe capital of the Chimú.
View on map
Day 3
El Brujo, Señora de Cao & Túcume Pyramids
Trujillo – Chiclayo
Travel north toward Chiclayo, stopping at El Brujo to see colorful reliefs and the mummy of Señora de Cao. After settling in Chiclayo, visit the immense Túcume pyramids and its site museum before returning to your hotel.
View on map
Day 4
Royal Tombs of Sipán & Departure
Chiclayo
Visit the Witches’ Market before exploring the Royal Tombs Museum, showcasing treasures from Sipán. Continue to Huaca Rajada, the original excavation site of the Lord of Sipán, before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.
Luxury Stays with a Sense of Place
Make This Journey Your Own
Tell us what inspires you, and we’ll tailor this itinerary to your passions, pace, and style.
Similar journeys
Inspired by this sample journey? Explore more itineraries below — each can be tailored to your interests and travel style, or combined to create a seamless adventure across South America.
Start planning your journey