Best of Northern Peru

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Northern Peru
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Northern Peru Essentials

Estancia El Chillo, Amazonas Region
Northern Peru: Everything You Need To Know

While the majority of travelers head straight for Machu Picchu in southern Peru, the North remains a hidden gem for those willing to venture off-the-beaten-path. You'll have amazing ruins to yourself, discover unique landscapes, and learn about ancient cultures that pre-date the Inca civilization. 

Citadel of Kuelap, Amazonas region
Map of Best Places To Visit in Northern Peru
Best Places To Visit in Northern Peru

Off-the-radar for most tourists, Northern Peru has its own set of amazing highlights. You can experience Peru's cultural diversity and numerous archaeological sites, given many pre-Inca civilizations settled in the northern regions. Besides culture, you can also enjoy the amazing wildlife, the beautiful flora and fauna, enjoy a hike in the Andes or relax along long stretches of white sandy beach.

Northern Peru Itineraries

Traveling - experiences and encounters
Map of Discover Northern Peru: A Journey For The Senses - 14 Days
Discover Northern Peru: A Journey For The Senses - 14 Days

This 14-day trip will take you to the best cities and historic places of interest on the north coast of Peru. From the fascinating archaeological sites around Trujillo and Cumbemayo, to visits with local woodcarvers and environmentalists, you'll get an in-depth experience with this little-visited area. Along the way, you'll hike to one of the world’s highest waterfalls, make some cocktails, visit superb museums, and sample delicious local cuisine.

View on the river in Chazuta
Map of Northern Peru: Jungle To The Andes - 9 Days
Northern Peru: Jungle To The Andes - 9 Days

This 9-day tour through northern Peru will not only show you the culinary side of Peru, but also a range of natural highlights. You will visit the major attractions in the Amazonas region, such as the fortress of Kuelap, also called the “Machu Picchu of the North”, and Gocta, one of the 10 highest waterfalls in the world.

Discover the villages of northern Peru
Map of Explore Rural Northern Peru - 16 Days
Explore Rural Northern Peru - 16 Days

Get off the beaten path and explore rural communities on this 16-day tour of northern Peru. Discover fascinating archaeological ruins and perfectly preserved mummies as you encounter the pre-Inca Chachapoya, Chimú, and Moche cultures. Stay with host families in remote villages where you'll learn traditional Peruvian handicrafts and farming techniques.

Kuélap ruins
Map of Northern Peru: Kuélap Ruins, Gocta Waterfall, Museums, & Mausoleums - 5 Days
Northern Peru: Kuélap Ruins, Gocta Waterfall, Museums, & Mausoleums - 5 Days

Embark on a quick-yet-adventurous five-day tour of Northern Peru’s highlights. Upon arrival in Jaen, head to Chachapoyas, your home base throughout the journey. Hike to the Mausoleum of Revash, followed by a visit to Musuem Mallqui, which is home to more than 200 preserved mummies. Then, take a day trip to discover the Kuélap ruins for a day of exploration. The grand finale includes a scenic hike to one of the highest waterfalls in the world—Gocta Waterfall—before flying to Lima for your departure.

Chan Chan
Map of Archaeology & Culture in Northern Peru: From Trujillo to Chiclayo - 8 Days
Archaeology & Culture in Northern Peru: From Trujillo to Chiclayo - 8 Days

Explore the culture and archaeology of Northern Peru on this eight-day adventure. Discover La Ruta Moche, the “road” along the northern coast of Peru, which includes the kingdoms of Moche, Chimu, and Lambayeque, with impressive archaeological sites that are among the most famous in South America. See a horse show, take a city tour, and visit the temples and Chan Chan in Trujillo. Then, check out the Archaeological Complex and the Museum of the Lady Cao in El Brujo. Spend time learning about Sican culture, and head to Túcume to enjoy traditional activities after visiting the iconic pyramids.

Fortress of Kuelap, picture Audrey Courtan
Explore Northern Peru: Trujillo, Chiclayo, Chachapoyas, & More - 12 Days

Discover the intriguing remains of the Chachapoya culture on this colorful tour of northern Peru. Visit archaeological sites, see hundreds of mummies in Leymebamba, then take a break and hike to Gocta Waterfall, one of the world's highest cascades. Find out how to manage your time with this 12-day trip plan.

The fortress of Kuélap under clear skies, (c) JYB Devot
Introduction to Northern Peru - 4 Days

Embark on this adventure through Northern Peru, an area filled with impressive ruins and unforgettable natural beauty. Travel back in time as you visit Kuélap, an ancient citadel built in the mountains, immerse yourself in the magic of Gocta waterfalls, and discover Chachapoyas, the capital of the Peruvian Amazonas Region. If you only have a limited time to visit this area, we can tailor this itinerary to fit three days instead of four.

Fortress of Kuelap, picture Audrey Courtan
Explore Northern Peru: Trujillo, Chiclayo, Chachapoyas, Cajamarca - 11 Days

This off-the-beaten-path itinerary takes you the archaeological sites of the Chachapoya culture in northern Peru. You'll visit pre-Inca ruins, see hundreds of mummies in perfect condition, hike to one of the world’s highest waterfall, and see funeral constructions built into cliffsides—and have some fun in Lima at the start and end of the trip, too.

A mountain road in Leymebamba
Map of Archaeological Tour of Northern Peru: Cajamarca, Chachapoyas, & Chiclayo - 8 Days
Archaeological Tour of Northern Peru: Cajamarca, Chachapoyas, & Chiclayo - 8 Days

In just over one week, explore the best of Northern Peru. Begin in Cajamarca and head to the archaeological site of Cumbemayo, then explore a pre-Incan cemetery. Next, drive to Leymebamba, take a woodworking class, and visit a museum that houses 200 mummies, followed by a visit to the Mausoleums of Revash. Tour the Kuélap ruins, check out the Sarcophagi of Karajia funeral statues, explore the Amazonas region of Chiclayo, and more.

View of the ancient ruins of Kuélap
Map of Northern Peru Adventure: Lima to Iquitos - 17 Days
Northern Peru Adventure: Lima to Iquitos - 17 Days

This adventure takes you through the less-visited corners of Peru. Along the way, you will connect with the history of pre-Columbian civilizations in remote archeological sites, pass through wild jungle in the Amazon Basin, and unite with the authentic spirit of the Andes in small villages.

Cumbemayo Cajamarca
Map of Discover Northern Peru: Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo & Chachapoyas - 10 Days
Discover Northern Peru: Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo & Chachapoyas - 10 Days

Go off the beaten path in northern Peru to discover some of the country's most incredible archaeological sites. Besides touring pre-Columbian temples and pyramids, you'll also visit Indigenous and Spanish-colonial landmarks in cities like Cajamarca. As a bonus, you'll hike up to one of the country's most beautiful waterfalls, tour "Machu Picchu of the North," and visit an actual mummy museum.

Citadel of Kuelap ruins
Ancient Cultures of Northern Peru: Cajamarca, Leymebamba, Trujillo & Lima - 15 Days

Explore the history of the pre-Inca civilizations that inhabited northern Peru on this thrilling 15-day tour. You will start in Lima, the coastal capital. Enjoy a cosmopolitan experience before heading north to Cajamarca to see temples and ancient graves. From here, you'll drive to the Amazonas region to visit mausoleums, mummies, and the ruins of Kuelap. Then, you'll drive to the coast for more archaeological excursions, including Caral, the oldest civilization in the American continent.

Inca fortress with terraces and temple hill in Ollantaytambo, Peru
Map of Ancient Peru: Huacas de Moche, El Brujo, Túcume, Kuélap & The Sacred Valley - 15 days
Ancient Peru: Huacas de Moche, El Brujo, Túcume, Kuélap & The Sacred Valley - 15 days

Peru is famous for the ruins of Machu Picchu to the south, but the lesser-known pre-Inca sites across the country are just as impressive. This 15-day itinerary brings you up close to some of the largest and oldest sites, like the sprawling city Chan Chan, the mysterious Moray terraces, and the imposing Kuélap fortress, as you travel from arid desert to misty cloud forest.

Catarata de Gocta is one of the highest waterfalls in the world
Best of Lima & Northern Peru - 13 Days

Steeped in history, this fascinating tour covers the most important archaeological sites of Northern Peru. Start the adventure with a few days to explore the capital of Lima. From here, fly north to Chiclayo and begin an epic road trip—by private transfer—visiting exceptional pre-Incan museums, complexes, and ruins. Over 13 days, you'll see a range of landscapes, like coastal deserts, Andean mountains, and a portion of the Amazon jungle, culminating with a hike to one of the world's highest waterfalls.

Explore the wonders of Machu Picchu and other ancient sites in Peru
Map of Peru's Ancient Civilizations & Rituals: Trujillo, Kuélap & Cusco - 15 Days
Peru's Ancient Civilizations & Rituals: Trujillo, Kuélap & Cusco - 15 Days

Traveling by car, plane, train, and foot, you'll experience Peru's ancient civilizations and customs on this active cultural adventure. Soak up the vibrant energy of cosmopolitan Lima and explore the former Inca capital, Cusco, then learn about the rituals of ancient civilizations at El Brujo. In Chachapoyas, see the mysterious Karajia Sarcophagi and learn about Peru's pyramids and engineering feats at the Royal Tombs museum. Hike to a hidden waterfall at Gocta, sleep under the stars at Waqrapukara, and stand in awe at Machu Picchu.

Remnants of round houses in an archeological site called Kuelap
Northern Peru Cultural Tour - 8 Days

This 8-day tour is perfect for history buffs with a sense of adventure. Starting from the desert coast, make your way to where the Andes meets the Amazon, stopping to see some of Peru's best archaeology sites. Here you will find the impressive ruins of Kuélap (the Macchu Picchu of the north), the incredible sarcophagi of Karajia, painted mummies in Leymebamba, and a spectacular waterfall. Back to the coast, pay a visit to a museum with elaborate artifacts from the Moche civilization.

An adventure on Peru's Amazonian waterways
Northern Amazon Jungle, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain - 11 days

Beginning your Peruvian odyssey in cosmopolitan capital Lima, this 11-day itinerary sees you first travel to jungle metropolis Iquitos. You then embark on a trip along the main source of the River Amazon, the River Marañón, using a lodge near Pacaya Samiria Reserve as a base for jungle adventures including rainforest hikes and meeting indigenous communities. You next travel up into the stunning Andes, to ancient Inca capital Cusco. You will then spend two days in the Sacred Valley, seeing archaeological marvels like Moray and Ollantaytambo: a journey culminating in a visit to the ultimate Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. You end this itinerary by exploring another of Peru's geological wonders: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.

Taking the slow boat through the Peruvian Amazon
Amazon Jungle & Machu Picchu - 8 days

Beginning your Peruvian odyssey in the cosmopolitan capital of Lima, this 8-day itinerary will see you first travel to jungle metropolis Iquitos before embarking on a trip down the Amazon river. You will use a jungle lodge as your base for jungle adventures including night-time rainforest hikes and meeting indigenous communities. You will next travel up into the stunning Andes, to ancient Inca capital Cusco, before venturing into the Sacred Valley: a journey that culminates in the ultimate Inca citadel, Machu Picchu.

Check out the Inca sites of Moray and Maras via quad bike during a guided tour
Map of Discover Lima, Northern Peru & the Andes - 12 Days
Discover Lima, Northern Peru & the Andes - 12 Days

During this 12-day tour in Peru, you'll experience the culinary highlights, incredible ruins, and gorgeous nature of this dynamic country. Start by taking a walking food tour in the capital of Lima, then head to the northern city of Chachapoyas. This is where you'll ride a cable car up to the "Machu Picchu of the North," Kuélap, and take a six-hour hike to see one of the world's tallest waterfalls, Gocta. From there, transfer to Cusco to explore Inca ruins, local markets, and the iconic Machu Picchu itself.

Spend your last night of the trip in Huacachina, a desert village surrounded by sand dunes
Map of Ultimate Peru: Deserts, Rainforests, Ruins & Wildlife - 16 Days
Ultimate Peru: Deserts, Rainforests, Ruins & Wildlife - 16 Days

Uncover Peru's natural and cultural wonders on this comprehensive 16-day trip. Begin in the north-coast desert, where you'll discover archaeological sites and ancient pyramids, then spot endangered wildlife on a four-night cruise through the Amazon Rainforest. Next, tour Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley, including UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, before heading south to witness marine life in Paracas National Reserve, camp among the Huacachina dunes, and fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines.

Exploring the Amazon by boat
Amazon Jungle, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain - 10 days

Beginning your Peruvian odyssey in cosmopolitan capital Lima, this 10-day itinerary sees you first travel to jungle metropolis Iquitos. You then embark on a trip along the main source of the River Amazon, the River Marañón, using a lodge near Pacaya Samiria Reserve as a base for jungle adventures including night-time rainforest hikes and meeting indigenous communities. You next travel up into the stunning Andes, to ancient Inca capital Cusco and the Sacred Valley: a journey culminating in a visit to the ultimate Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. You end this itinerary by exploring another of Peru's geological wonders: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.

Start your Peruvian adventure with kayaking and hiking the Amazon
Map of Peru Amazon Cruise & Sacred Valley Family Adventure - 10 Days
Peru Amazon Cruise & Sacred Valley Family Adventure - 10 Days

Family adventures don't get more exciting than this fast-paced, 10-day tour of Peru, which is best suited for older kids. After arriving in Lima, head deep into the Peruvian Amazon for a three-day cruise in the rainforest. Next, change things up in the high-altitude Peruvian Andes, where you'll stay in exclusive mountainside accommodations that can only be reached by zipline or via ferrata. Finish the trip with a tour of Machu Picchu and free time to explore Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas.

Stay overnight at a luxury hotel just outside of Machu Picchu (photo courtesy of Sanctuary Lodge)
Map of Luxury Amazon River Cruise & Machu Picchu Adventure in Peru- 10 Days
Luxury Amazon River Cruise & Machu Picchu Adventure in Peru- 10 Days

Over 10 days, combine jungle adventures on the Amazon River with excursions to Peru's most legendary sites, like Machu Picchu. Things kick off with a multiday luxury cruise along Peru's section of the mighty Amazon River, stopping for nature hikes and cultural exchanges in jungle villages. Then, fly south to the mystical highlands, where you'll visit ancient Inca archaeological sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, followed by an overnight pilgrimage to the legendary and once-in-a-lifetime Machu Picchu.

Cruise amid the Amazon jungle post your Salkantay Trail hike
Map of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu & Amazon River Cruise  - 15 Days
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu & Amazon River Cruise - 15 Days

While Machu Picchu is a must-see in Peru, there's more than one way to reach the iconic Inca site. During this 15-day itinerary, take on the lesser-known, more challenging Salkantay Trail on your way to the 15th-century citadel, catching stunning mountain views and visiting villages, coffee farms, and archaeological sites along the way. Once you've completed the trek, kick up your feet for a four-day cruise within the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.

Combine adventure, culture, and cuisine on this 12-day luxury tour that finishes in Arequipa
Map of Luxury Food & Adventure Tour in Peru - 12 Days
Luxury Food & Adventure Tour in Peru - 12 Days

This 12-day Peru getaway is about luxury, adventure, and cuisine. Start by sampling Lima's street food and gourmet dishes, then begin a luxury three-night cruise on the Amazon River. From there, catch sunsets from the deck and explore the smaller offshoots to see river dolphins and monkeys. Next, fly to Cusco for a traditional lunch in the Sacred Valley and a scenic train to the famous Machu Picchu. End your trip in Arequipa, the "White City," for regional specialties and beautiful architecture.

Machu Picchu shining in the sun
Experience Magic and Adventure in Peru: Machu Picchu, Kuélap, Cusco - 17 Days

Embark on a journey through Peru into the incredible world of the Incas and other Andean civilizations. You'll visit some of the most significant archaeological sites of Peru while also experiencing the unforgettable nature of the Andes. Wander through the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, feel the mists of one of the world's highest waterfalls at Gocta, taste new flavors and dishes on a unique culinary tour of Cusco, and much more.

Impress the kids with a visit to see llamas and alpacas in Peru
Map of Epic Family Adventure in Peru: Amazon Rainforest, Sacred Valley & Lago Titicaca - 14 Days
Epic Family Adventure in Peru: Amazon Rainforest, Sacred Valley & Lago Titicaca - 14 Days

Two weeks of nonstop adventure and bucket-list activities make this Peruvian itinerary the perfect choice for curious, active kids and teens. Set off from Lima for the Amazon rainforest, where you'll spot sloths and pink dolphins, take nighttime jungle excursions, and try your hand at traditional fishing. It's on to the Sacred Valley to learn about Inca astronomy, hike alongside llamas, and explore the mighty Machu Picchu. After a scenic trip by vintage-style train, end at Lago Titicaca to explore its floating islands by kayak.

Explore historic Cusco  with your family
Map of Family Exploration of Peru: Desert, Mountains & Rainforest - 14 Days
Family Exploration of Peru: Desert, Mountains & Rainforest - 14 Days

Young adventurers will love this two-week family tour of Peru that encompasses desert dunes, high Andean peaks, and the Amazon rainforest. Explore Lima's historic city center and take a food-focused bike tour, then it's off to Cusco and the Sacred Valley for rock climbing, ziplining, and the wonders of Machu Picchu. Hike up the rainbow mountain of Palcoyo, then settle into a rainforest lodge to canoe past sloths and monkeys, fish for piranhas, and seek out nocturnal frogs and tarantulas.

Gocta Falls
Northern Peru, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain - 10 days

On this 10-day journey, you will truly get to see the very best of Northern and Andean Peru. In the north, you will be based in Chachapoyas for trips to one of the world's mightiest waterfalls, Gocta Falls, and the amazing pre-Inca fortress of Kuélap. You will then begin discovering the Andean Inca heartland of Peru, seeing magical Sacred Valley ruins such as those at Moray, Pisac and Ollantaytambo before exploring the regional highlight, Machu Picchu. The trip ends with a trek to one of Peru's geological highlights, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.

Spend three days exploring Peru's Amazon region on a luxury cruise (photo courtesy of Delfin Amazon Cruises)
Map of Peru Luxury Escape: Jungles, Mountains & Coast - 14 Days
Peru Luxury Escape: Jungles, Mountains & Coast - 14 Days

Experience the natural highlights of Peru with two weeks of adventures that will take you from the Amazon River to Machu Picchu and beyond. After marveling at street art in Lima, fly north for a three-day luxury jungle cruise on the mighty Amazon, which includes wildlife spotting, visits to Indigenous villages, and a stop at a manatee rescue center. Then, head south to Cusco for hikes around the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu before enjoying resort-style fun on the desert beaches of Peru's Pacific coast.

Sit back and enjoy the Amazonian scenery while dining on a cruise (photo courtesy of Aqua Nera)
Map of Luxury Culture, Food & Nature Tour in Peru - 14 Days
Luxury Culture, Food & Nature Tour in Peru - 14 Days

This two-week holiday is packed with adventures throughout Peru, starting in the dynamic capital of Lima, with its coastal bluffs, historic Spanish-colonial center, and mind-blowing cuisine. Then, kick things up a notch on a trip to the southern highlands and imperial Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the jewel in the crown: Machu Picchu. Not to be outdone, the trip finishes with three days of nature excursions on a luxury Amazon cruise, where you'll return to the boat each night to dine in style.

Kuelap ruins in northern Peru
Map of History & Culture of pre-Inca Peru - 11 Days
History & Culture of pre-Inca Peru - 11 Days

From the coast to the mountains, explore Peru's pre-Inca cultures and ruins in this 11-day itinerary. Start in metropolitan Lima, then visit Pisco on a day trip to take a spectacular flight over the iconic Nazca lines. From here, head north up the coast to Trujillo to discover the Mochica pyramids, the mud-brick city of Chan Chan, and the Tucume pyramids of the Sican people. Drive inland through the cloud forest into the Amazonas region to see Gotca waterfall and Kuelap fortress, a walled Chachapoya structure known as the "Machu Picchu of the North". With over 5,000 years of architecture and civilization to experience, this trip is a must on any traveler's list.

Kuelap ruins in northern Peru
Map of History & Culture of Peru - 14 Days
History & Culture of Peru - 14 Days

From the coast to the mountains, explore Peru's Inca and pre-Inca cultures and ruins in this 14-day itinerary. Start in metropolitan Lima, then head north up the coast to Trujillo to discover the Mochica pyramids, the mud-brick city of Chan Chan, and the Tucume pyramids of the Sican people. Drive inland through the cloud forest into the Amazonas region to see Gotca waterfall and Kuelap fortress, a walled Chachapoya structure known as the "Machu Picchu of the North".  Next, head to Cusco to walk in the footsteps of the Incas and explore beautiful landscapes and cultures of the Sacred Valley. Top it all off by spending a day visiting the iconic Machu Picchu citadel. With over 5,000 years of architecture and civilization to experience, this trip is a must on any traveler's list.

Gotca waterfall
Map of History & Culture of Peru - 15 Days
History & Culture of Peru - 15 Days

This exploration of ancient and modern Peru starts with Lima—and a spectacular flight over the Nazca Lines. You'll then make your way north to tour the Mochica and Tucume pyramids, along with the mud-brick city of Chan Chan. Drive inland to the Amazonas region to see the "Machu Picchu of the North" before walking in the footsteps of the Incas in Cusco. Top it all off with a private tour of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins.

Sunset in Huanchaco with traditional totora reed boats
Map of Peru Cultural Tour & Short Inca Trail - 16 Days
Peru Cultural Tour & Short Inca Trail - 16 Days

Explore Peru's history from Pre-Incan cultures to the Inca empire, all the way to modern times. Start in the modern capital of Lima, then take a spectacular flight over the iconic Nazca lines. From here, head north to discover the Mochica pyramids, the mud-brick city of Chan Chan, and the Tucume pyramids of the Sican people. Then, challenge yourself on the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and enter the iconic ruins through the Sun Gate.

Other popular travel destinations in Peru
Sacred Valley · Lima · Cusco · Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu · Machu Picchu · The Amazon · Southern Peru · Puno · Arequipa & Colca Canyon · Paracas · Arequipa · Inca Trail · Iquitos · Trujillo · Chachapoyas · Colca Canyon · Chiclayo · Nazca · Tambopata · Ica · Ausangate Trek · Mancora · Ayacucho