Essence of Peru 16d/15n (ECMIT16)
Lima - Chiclayo - Chachapoyas - Trujillo - Cajamarca - Cusco - Machupicchu

The spectacular North of Peru is rich in archaeology, history and scenic contrasts. Bounded by the cold waters of the world's most plentiful fishing grounds and the Amazon rainforest, lie the stark deserts, fertile valleys, mountains and cloud forests that gave rise to several great pre-Inca civilizations. From the 1st to the 15th Century AD the most prominent of these cultures - Moche, Lambayeque, Chimu and Chachapoyas - achieved great sophistication and skill in ceramics, agriculture, architecture, metallurgy and warfare. Their vast and mysterious citadels, tombs and temples grace the outskirts of some of the principal cities of the north - Chiclayo, Trujillo and Chachapoyas. This complete itinerary covers the most spectacular highlights of the North to finally culminate in the imperial city of Cusco and the world-famous Machupicchu.

Day 1 Arrive Lima

You are met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 Lima

Today we embark upon a full day guided tour of Lima, visiting the historical center, the Plaza de Armas and the San Francisco Monastery. We have lunch at a Victorian style restaurant by the Pacific Ocean to taste the gourmet seafood specialties, which characterize the rich Peruvian cuisine. In the afternoon, we visit the Ceremonial center of Pachacamac, which was dedicated to the most important deity on the Peruivan Coast; Pachacamac: “The creator of the World”. As Lima culture flourished, the first temples were built. The materials and arquitectural techniques used were very complex, and range from the stone walls which served as the base for great constructions, such as the “Conjunto de Adobitos” and the “Urpiwachak Temple”, to the hand built mud brick constructions in the “Templo Viejo” (Old Temple).
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Day 3 Lima - Chiclayo

This morning we get up very early, to take a flight to the city of Chiclayo, where our private transport is waiting to take us on a tour with the final destination of the colonial city of Trujillo. The first stop is at the tombs of the Lord of Sipan, considered to be one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the last century. Unveiled just a few years ago, this archaeological site is only just beginning to capture the attention of visitors from around the world. Afterwards, we visit the Tucume Pyramids, offering a panoramic view of the whole valley of the same name. After lunch we explore the Royal Tombs Museum, an excellent follow-up to our morning excursion as it houses the remains found in the tombs we visited this morning. Overnight in Chiclayo.
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Day 4 Chiclayo - Chachapoyas

After breakfast we leave Chiclayo by private transport towards Chachapoyas. On the way, we cross four different Peruvian departments: Lambayeque, south Piura, the North of Cajamarca and finally Amazonas, starting in the coast and arriving in the late afternoon in the cloud forest of Chachapoyas. Chachapoyas, which means “People of the Clouds”, is the name of a civilization that fought from high forest strongholds in resistance to Inca expansion and Spanish invasion. One of the last kingdoms to succumb to the Inca, its legacy includes one of South America's archaeological wonders - the defensive fortress of Kuelap. Overnight at Hostal El Chillo.
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Day 5 Chachapoyas

This morning we enjoy an excursion on horseback to visit the colorful funeral buildings of Revash perched upon a ledge high up on a cliff. They overlook a valley and tributary of the Utcubamba, near the town of Santo Tomas. The Cliff walls at Revash are decorated with geometric designs and figures of camelids. Some of the tombs are decorated with T and cross-shaped niches. We then continue to the town of Leymebamba to visit an amazing collection of well-preserved pre-Inca mummies discovered in the Laguna de los Condores (the Condor Lagoon).
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Day 6 Chachapoyas

This day is devoted to visiting the site of Kuelap, a spectacular pre-Inca walled city hidden atop a precipitous mountain. Perched on the shoulder of a 10,000-foot mountain, this 9th Century citadel comprises an urban complex of more than 400 stone constructions - homes, palaces and temples enclosed by a 70-foot-tall stone wall. Although Kuelap was discovered 60 years before Machu Picchu, it is not as well known to the outside world. Nevertheless recent amazing discoveries in nearby areas that relate to Kuelap and to its history have captured the attention of archaeologists, international magazines and film companies. Following our visit to Kuelap, we will return to Chillo for the night.
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Day 7 Chachapoyas - Chiclayo - Trujillo

After an early breakfast we return to Chiclayo by road and then continue on to Trujillo by private transport (3h). Arrival and accommodation at the selected hotel.
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Day 8 Trujillo

This morning we leave to visit the impressive archaeological site of Chan Chan, covering an area of approximately 20 sq km, that is presumed to have been the capital of an ancient Chimu civilization. It is made completely of adobe, making it America’s largest prehispanic mud brick settlement. From here we continue to Huanchaco Beach, where we can appreciate the totora seahorses skilfully manoeuvred between the waves by the artesanal fishermen, direct descendents of the Moche people. We enjoy a delicious lunch in front of the Pacific Ocean before we return to Trujillo for a walking city tour, visiting old colonial houses (Casa de la Emacipación, Palacio Iturregui and the Archbishops Palace), the Cathedral, San Francisco and Merced churches. Overnight in the charming colonial city of Trujillo.
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Day 9 Trujillo - Cajamarca

Today we take our private transport and drive to Cajamarca, which used to be a major center of the Inca Empire. It is famous for being the first place of contact between Pizarro and the Inca army, which he defeated in a one-sided battle shortly thereafter, and captured Atahualpa, the last of the independent Inca monarchs. Although the Inca city was razed to the ground, Cajamarca boasts many beautiful colonial buildings, as well as the Inca-era “Ransom Room”, where Atahualpa was kept as prisoner of the Spanish before being garrotted. Accommodation at the selected hotel. Rest of the day free.
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Day 10 Cajamarca

Today we enjoy a tour of the picturesque city of Cajamarca, visiting the lookout point at Cerro Apoloia, where we can appreciate the famous Inca Chair. We also visit the Plaza de Armas and the ransom room in which Atahualpa demonstrated with his outstretched arms that he would fill with two quarters of silver and one of gold in return for his freedom. We also enjoy seeing the Colonial churches, and afterwards we go to the archaeological complex of Cumbemayo, where we can explore the stone forest, the sanctuary, the aqueduct and the famous Frairs who built one of the largest Hydraulic engineering works in ancient Peru. Our last destination of the day is the “Ventanillas de Otuzco”, a pre-Inca necropolis carved out of volcanic rock. Return to the hotel.
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Day 11 Cajamarca - Lima

Today we return to Lima by plane. Upon arrival, we are transferred and accommodated at our chosen hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free.
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Day 12 Lima - Cusco

Early in the morning, we are transferred to the airport to board our flight to Cusco, where our representative meets us upon arrival before we are accommodated at the chosen hotel. In the afternoon we explore the city, starting our visit in the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), whose walls used to be covered with sheets of gold during the Inca Empire, and then became an important convent with the Spanish colonization. We then continue with a visit to the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, which houses some of the most important examples of the famous Cusco school of painting. We finally conclude in the bohemian quarter of San Blas, home to the workshops and stores of the most renowned artisans in Cusco, including Mendivil and Merida. Tonight, we enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at our favourite restaurant in a cozy atmosphere.
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Day 13 Cusco - Sacred Valley - Cusco

Early in the morning, we are driven to the Sacred Valley, visiting the archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán on the way. We also stop to learn the ancient weaving techniques used to create Andean clothing at Awanacancha, a breeding center for South American camelids. We visit Pisaq archaeological site and its colorful market, before we enjoy lunch at Casa Hacienda Orihuela, a private residence with an impressive collection of Inca and colonial art and artifacts, where the Lambarri-Orihuela family will be our hosts. In the afternoon, we visit Ollantaytambo, a still-thriving Inca village set below an ancient Inca fortress and temple with stunning views over the valley that makes us feel as if we have stepped back into the 15th century. Return to Cusco in the evening.
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Day 14 Cusco - Machu Picchu

Early this morning we board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas”. We visit the Sacred Inca citadel enjoying its main temples and hidden corners. Lunch at the Machupicchu Sanctuary Lodge, next to Machu Picchu ruins, the only hotel which enjoys this unique location. In the afternoon we can choose to visit the fabulous Inca Bridge or climb Huayna Picchu and enjoy the stunning views from this privileged spot until sunset. Accommodation at our chosen hotel in Machupicchu or Aguas Calientes.
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Day 15 Machu Picchu - Cusco

Free morning to relax in Aguas Calientes or return to Machupicchu for an optional second visit. In the afternoon, we depart by Vistadome train from Aguas Calientes arriving in Cusco in the evening.
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Day 16 Cusco - Lima

Enjoy a free morning in Cusco before you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. Continuation of your journey home or connection with another extension.
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