Itinerary

The Pacific Coast of Peru, one of the Earth's most arid regions, was once home to civilizations as sophisticated as that of the Incas. No visit to Peru is complete without as excursion to the north coast cities of Chiclayo and Trujillo, where visitors can see today the ruined cities of the once-proud Moche, Lambayeque, and Chimú civilizations.

The north coast features spectacular contrasts between fertile valleys and stark deserts all wedged in a thin coastal strip between the cold waters of the world's richest fishing grounds and the highest tropical mountains. This region boasts a rich archaeological legacy of Pre-Inca civilizations that occupied these valleys from the First to the Fourteenth Century AD. The most prominent of these were the Moche, Lambayeque, and the Chimú, who demonstrated great sophistication in ceramics, agriculture, and metallurgy. The ruins of these civilizations grace the outskirts of the two principal cities of the north coast, Chiclayo and Trujillo. Some of the most important archaeological sites of this region include Batán Grande, the frieze-covered Temples of the Sun and the Moon, the sprawling adobe city of Chan Chan, which was the capital of the Chimu Empire, Sipan, the world-famous tomb of a Moche ruler, and Túcume, also known as "the Valley of the 26 Pyramids".

Transfer from hotel to the airport to take the flight to Trujillo.

Upon arrival in Trujillo you will be met and transferred to your hotel. 

Overnight Hotel Libertador.

This morning a visits to the famous Chan Chan Ruins, Huaca Dragon and Huanchaco; “must” for all visitors; Chan Chan is located 4 Kilometers west of Trujillo, this well planned metropolis was the ancient capital of the Chimu Empire, it was built entirely of mud and adobe bricks. A stop is made at Huaca Dragon (4 kilometers north of Trujillo) to visit this restored, pyramidal, adobe temple consecrated to the rainbow, with beautiful base relieves and a small archaeological museum.

You will also visit Huanchaco, Its name comes from the Mochica word "Huacocha" that means "beautiful lagoon of the golden fish”. During the Colonial age it was the main port of Trujillo. The coast of Huanchaco is the best place to appreciate the famous "Caballitos de Totora" (small boats made out of straw) used presently by fishermen who maintain the same fishing techniques as the Mochicas.

Overnight Hotel Libertador (B)

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

This morning a drive to the north along the Panamerican Highway, the trip to Chiclayo takes approximately 3.5 hours and travels through deserts and irrigated valleys. In route we will visit an important Mochica Complex, which has an area of 2 square kilometers. It is located in the Casagrande and Catavio fields (La Libertad). The discoveries include relieves that represent scenes of the magical and religious world of the Mochicas.

And we will visit El Brujo.

Overnight at the Gran Hotel Chiclayo (B).

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Full day excursion to Tucume, Sipan and the Royal Tombs Museum;  Tucume is an  important complex it is formed by 26 pyramids, located 33 kilometers north of Chiclayo, and it is considered as an important site of Chimu legend.  There is a site Museum. Visitors walking amongst the pyramids can find pottery fragments, and inca remains.

Sipan is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the last few years. For its value it is compared with the Tomb of the Egyptian Pharaon Tutankamon.  Between 1987 and 1988 the Peruvian archaeologist, Dr. Walter Alva, discovered the tomb and he is still in charge of its protection and study. There he found the intact remains of a dignatary, or Lord, of the hierarchy belonging to the Moche Culture.

The modern and majestic of the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum opened with a dramatization of the life of the Lord of Sipán and his royal court. The three-floor center was built with a US$5 million investment. It is formed in a pyramid, inspired by the Mochica sanctuaries, to thus bring together the past, present and future of the Lambayeque identity. All the exhibits are original pieces and each has been carefully cleaned and restored to the minutest detail. The leading representative of the Mochica culture, the Lord of Sipán, considered to be the most important governor of ancient Peru some 1700 years ago, is to be buried in this architectural jewel.

Lunch at a typical restaurant featuring Northern Peruvian food is included during the tour.

At proper time transfer to the airport to board your flight to Lima

(B, L).