9 DAYS ANCIENT SECRETS OF NORTHERN PERU

Transfer: Airport to Hotel

You would be met and transferred to your accommodation for the night.

Gastronomic Lima
Experience authentic Lima starting from Surquillo Market, where you will discover traditional ingredients and flavors. Savour a delicious lunch at a local huarique and enjoy a walking tour through Barranco, the city’s bohemian district filled with art, history and coastal views. Unwind with coffee at Ciclos Cafe and delightful dessert tasting at Kennedy Park.

Transfer: Lima to Caral with Sightseeing

You will be transferred from Lima to Caral with sightseeing along the way.

Ancient Coastal Kingdoms of Peru

Rise early and follow the coastline northwards into Chancay, where we ease into the day with a classic pan con chicharron paired with a freshly brewed coffee. A further drive of 30 minutes brings us into Bandurria, one of America’s oldest archaeological sites and a contemporary of the famed Caral civilization. Accidentally discovered in 1973 when flooding revealed ancient remains, Bandurria’s pyramids now rise beside the serene Paraiso Wetland which teems with birdlife. At Vichama Archaeological Site, you will be accompanied by the resident archaeologist to uncover a remarkable ceremonial centre full of exquisitely preserved clay reliefs depicting human figures, sacred animals, fertility symbols and ritual scenes.

Sacred Pyramids of Caral

A short drive of 25 minutes leads us to the remarkable Caral (UNESCO) with its seven monumental pyramids and sunken circular plazas. Their carefully engineered design created remarkable natural acoustics—an interesting fact as the Caral inhabitants had a special connection with music, evidenced by discovery of bone flutes and horns at the site. In a feat that amazes even modern architects, the Caral builders were able to create earthquake-resistant architectures by utilising shicras (woven plant-fiber bags filled with stones).

Penico: Rethinking the Dawn of Americas

Discovered only in July 2025, Penico is a remarkable find that is rewriting the history and our understanding of early America civilizations. Dating to around 1000 BC, Penico reveals a unique early society’s worldview with architectures that respond to natural challenges such as earthquakes, climate shifts and environmental pressures without relying on warfare. Its 18 structures comprise of temples, ceremonials plazas and residential areas which is considered to be as significant as Caral.

Transfer: Caral to Trujillo

You will be transferred along the Pan-American North Highway for approximately 7 hours, travelling through coastal desert landscapes and towns along the way.

Echoes of Moche & Chimu Civilizations

Explore the imposing Pyramid of the Moon, a great power center of the ancient Moche civilization which flourished long before the rise of the Inca. Within its adobe walls, one can find vivid frescoes that unravel the extraordinary world of Moche ritual and mythology. You will also visit Huaca Dragon Temple of the Rainbow), a ceremonial shrine built by the later Chimu civilization. You will also visit the iconic Chan Chan (UNESCO) which servedas the capital of the Chimu Empire, and if time permits, the Huanchaco Beach.

Transfer: Trujillo to Chiclayo with Lunch Stop

You will be transferred approximately 4 hours to Chiclayo, making a lunch stop along the way.

Local Lunch with Horse & Marinera Exhibition

Enjoy a traditional Trujillo lunch while witnessing a delightful display of Peruvian Paso horses and the “marinera” dance of courtship.

Secrets of Sipan & Lambayeque Pyramids

Venture into the monumental mud-brick platform of Huaca Rajada, where the legendary tomb of the Lord of Sipan was unearthed. Visit the extraordinary complex of 26 Lambayeque pyramids at Tucume. Conclude at the Royal Tombs of sipan Museum, a breathtaking treasure trove designed in the form of a Pre-Columbian pyramid, where the dazzling gold and intricate artifacts were found from the tomb of a Moche lord in 1987.

Transfer: Accommodation to Airport

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.