Ancient Civilizations of Northern Peru

Discover the ancient ruins of Kuelap on a full day visit. Formally discovered in 1843, these ruins are among the most magnificent in all of Peru. Towering walls stretch nearly 2,300 feet around the site, which holds a commanding view over the surrounding valleys. Archaeologists estimate that the complex was once home to a population of 3,500 people, with many times that number living outside its walls. After exploring the site and learning about its hundreds of years of history, you will transfer to Leimebamba for the night.

Pay a visit to Revash, a series of colorful mausoleums dramatically set into the side of a steep cliff. The mausoleums were painted in shades of red and cream, and adorned with unique gabled roofs. This is a remarkable and seldom-visited site. Afterward, travel along the Rio Utcubamba to the Leimebamba Museum, which chronicles the history and society of the Chachapoya culture that dominated this region for centuries.

Transfer back over the Andes and down into the charming colonial town of Cajamarca, well known for its hot springs. Once a major city along the Incan highway system through the Andes, Cajamarca is of significant historical interest for being the site where the Inca ruler Atahualpa was captured by the Spanish conquistadors, ransomed for a room full of gold, and then executed, marking the end of the Inca Empire.

Today you can either return to Lima for your flight home, or continue your exploration of this area: from Cajamarca, we can easily arrange an extension to Trujillo, where you can view the monumental ruins of the Temples of the Sun and Moon (also of the Moche culture), and the adobe pyramids at Chan Chan (of the Chimu culture).

Any itinerary to this area of Peru can also be combined with a trip to the Cusco/Machu Picchu region.