The journey
Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley hog most of the attention, but Peru’s northern reaches take visitors even further back in time in their thrilling collision of ancient civilizations and natural beauty—without the crowds of the country’s better-known regions. Take the coastal route from the city of Trujillo, picking up the trail of pre-Inca civilizations like the Moche, Chimu, and Chachapoya through millennia-old architecture, excavation sites, and museums. After a brief immersion in the contemporary bustle of Lima, dive into the wonders of the Amazon, traveling through thick swathes of cloud forest along tributaries of the Amazon River. There, alongside breathtakingly diverse wildlife, you’ll connect with modern-day Indigenous communities while also encountering additional archaeological clues to the evolution of the species.
Day 1
A soft landing in Lima
You’ll be greeted at Jorge Chávez International Airport and walked to the Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport, an upscale airport accommodation with high-tech rooms, a heated swimming pool, and multiple dining options, where you can decompress before your journey north the next day.
Day 2
The story begins
A short flight north brings you to the city of Trujillo and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chan Chan. Once the largest adobe city in the Americas, the late capital of the Chimú civilization once housed as many as 50,000 people. Explore its palaces, ceremonial plazas, and intricately carved reliefs, all evidence of the Chimú’s urban planning acumen.
Day 3
Buried secrets
Visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, which contains the tomb of the Lord of Sipán, a Moche ruler buried with 451 objects made of gold, silver, copper, and turquoise. The Royal Tomb of Sipan is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the Americas.
Day 4
Into the wild
Leave the coast for the serenity of the cloud forest via a private charter flight to Chachapoyas. This inland town was the beating heart of the Chachapoya people, often referred to as the Warriors of the Clouds, who flourished between 800 and 1470 CE before falling to the Inca Empire.
Day 5
What lies beneath
Outside the picturesque town of Leymebamba, the renowned archaeologist and bioanthropologist Dr. Sonia Guillén will introduce you to the mummies of Laguna de los Cóndores. The more than 200 specimens at the community-run Leymebamba Museum provide insights into Chachapoya burial rituals, health, and social structure. You will also be able to see examples of the Incas’ quipus, or “talking knots,” re
Day 6
A journey back in time
Exploring the cloud forest, you will find Kuélap, a legendary citadel perched 3,000 meters above sea level. Sometimes referred to as the Machu Picchu of the North, the vast stone fortress, which has roughly 400 circular stone structures and paths that wind between walls as tall as 20 meters, was built around 6 CE. In Cruzpata, a short, scenic hike leads to the Karajía Sarcophagi––eight Chachapoyan
Day 7
Drink like a Limeño
Fly to Lima for a quick return to modernity, spending the night at Belle Époque boutique Hotel B in the neighborhood of Barranco. In the evening, head to Sastería Martinez in Miraflores, a clandestine spot that makes bespoke suits by day and tailor-made cocktails by night. The bartenders will teach you their tricks of the trade, serving gourmet tapas alongside signature drinks.
Day 8
Cultural capital
Begin your morning with a spirit-lifting performance by Afro Peruvian musician Javier Lazo, who will combine music and storytelling at Lima’s Andrés del Castillo Mineral Museum. Lunch will be at Isolina, which has a spot on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Walk it off with a stroll through Barranco, led by photographer Christian Declerc, who will share his own Lima secrets. Finish the tou
Day 9
An Amazon adventure
Take a short flight to Iquitos before traveling deep to Nauta, a remote village on the banks of the Marañón River, where you’ll meet your river guide. Embark on the brand-new boutique riverboat Pure Amazon, an Worldway Travels x A&K Sanctuary. Kick off the trip in the Explorer’s Lounge with a briefing on the next day’s activities, followed by a dinner featuring innovative Amazonian cuisine.
Day 10
Eyes to the sky
Rise at dawn for a bird-watching adventure. Your skiff will traverse Nauta Caño, a creek known for its dense vegetation and mirrorlike black water, which offers endless opportunities for wildlife spotting. In the early morning, you might spot black-collared hawks, flamboyant tanagers, and oropendolas.
Day 11
Still waters run deep
Today you might spot a pink dolphin, an endemic species found only in South America. Perhaps you’ll go fishing for voracious red-bellied piranha from a skiff. Learn more about local life by setting off early to Nueva Arica, a riverside village, and spend the morning learning how residents adapt to the seasons. Swim or kayak in the calm waters before setting out on a guided walk to the Samiria Rive
Day 12
Local Market Visit
After a final breakfast onboard Pure Amazon, disembark in Nauta. Here you gain insight into the daily life in the region, beginning with a visit to the local market where you see the vibrant array of exotic fruits and vegetables on offer. Continue with a visit to the Museum of Indigenous Amazonian Cultures to explore its rich exhibits of the traditions and histories of Amazonian communities. From
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