📍 Peru

NORTHERN PERU: ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS BENEATH ANDEAN GIANTS

Glacial peaks guarding forgotten temples, cloud forests concealing stone citadels, waterfalls thundering through ravines. Northern Peru, a journey through time.

≈ 10
Days
1418
Km
7
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Approach Caral and its ancient remains, then reach Huaraz at the foot of glacial peaks. Explore Chavín and its underground galleries, reach Kuélap perched in the forest, then let Gocta surprise you with its dizzying fall. A less obvious Peru, made of powerful sites, mountains and jungle as backdrop.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Caral

americas oldest city whispers across five millennia

Caral - Photo 1Caral - Photo 2Caral - Photo 3Caral - Photo 4Caral - Photo 5Caral - Photo 6Caral - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the archaeological site of Caral, the oldest city in the Americas, UNESCO World Heritage listed.
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration of the coastal desert of Supe and observation of the remains of pyramids and ceremonial plazas.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 182 km
Travel time: 4h
2
Day

Huaraz

glacial cordillera blanca crowns andean adventures

Huaraz - Photo 1Huaraz - Photo 2Huaraz - Photo 3Huaraz - Photo 4Huaraz - Photo 5Huaraz - Photo 6Huaraz - Photo 7Huaraz - Photo 8Huaraz - Photo 9Huaraz - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the spectacular landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca and Huascarán National Park.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike to Llanganuco lagoon and observation of Mount Huascarán, Peru's highest point.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 326 km
Travel time: 6h
3
Day

Chavin De Huantar

underground labyrinths guard jaguar stone carvings

Chavin De Huantar - Photo 1Chavin De Huantar - Photo 2Chavin De Huantar - Photo 3Chavin De Huantar - Photo 4Chavin De Huantar - Photo 5Chavin De Huantar - Photo 6Chavin De Huantar - Photo 7Chavin De Huantar - Photo 8Chavin De Huantar - Photo 9Chavin De Huantar - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the archaeological site of Chavín de Huántar, pre-Inca religious center listed by UNESCO.
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration of underground galleries and observation of monumental lithic sculptures.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 110 km
Travel time: 2h30
4
Day

Caraz

valley orchards beneath huascarán frozen summit

Caraz - Photo 1Caraz - Photo 2Caraz - Photo 3Caraz - Photo 4Caraz - Photo 5Caraz - Photo 6Caraz - Photo 7Caraz - Photo 8Caraz - Photo 9Caraz - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Journey on the spectacular Cañón del Pato road, carved into the mountain above the Santa River.
🎯

Activities

→
Photo stops in the tunnels carved directly into the rock and panoramas of the Andes.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 85 km
Travel time: 5h
5
Day

Trujillo

moche pyramids rise from coastal desert sands

Trujillo - Photo 1Trujillo - Photo 2Trujillo - Photo 3Trujillo - Photo 4Trujillo - Photo 5Trujillo - Photo 6Trujillo - Photo 7Trujillo - Photo 8Trujillo - Photo 9Trujillo - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Huaca de la Luna temple, ceremonial center of the Moche civilization.
🎯

Activities

→
Guided visit of the polychrome frescoes and pyramids of the Moche Route.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 250 km
Travel time: 6h
6
Day

Kuelap

chachapoya citadel floats above cloud forest canopy

Kuelap - Photo 1Kuelap - Photo 2Kuelap - Photo 3Kuelap - Photo 4Kuelap - Photo 5Kuelap - Photo 6Kuelap - Photo 7Kuelap - Photo 8Kuelap - Photo 9Kuelap - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the pre-Columbian citadel of Kuélap, perched in the clouds at 3200 m altitude.
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of the cyclopean walls and circular dwellings of the Chachapoyas.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 420 km
Travel time: 9h
7
Day

Gocta

waterfall thunder echoes through jungle green depths

Gocta - Photo 1Gocta - Photo 2Gocta - Photo 3Gocta - Photo 4Gocta - Photo 5Gocta - Photo 6Gocta - Photo 7Gocta - Photo 8Gocta - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Hike to Gocta waterfall, one of the highest in the world, in the heart of the cloud forest.
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of tropical fauna and relaxation in high-altitude cabins with views of the falls.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 45 km
Travel time: 1h

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

EXTREMADURA: CACERES, MÉRIDA, TRUJILLO, GUADALUPE AND MONFRAGÜE.

📅 6 days 🛣️ 328.6 Km

MEDIEVAL VILLAGES OF THE SIERRA DE FRANCIA AND SURROUNDINGS

📅 11 days 🛣️ 291.20000000000005 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Peru

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (May-September): Peak tourist season with minimal rainfall, clear skies, and excellent conditions for Machu Picchu and highland trekking. Highest prices but best weather.

Shoulder Season (April, October): Good weather with moderate crowds and prices. Excellent balance of conditions and value, still dry enough for most activities.

Wet Season (November-March): Higher rainfall, especially in highlands, but lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Inca Trail closed in February, coastal areas remain accessible.

Regional Variations: Coast has minimal rainfall year-round, highlands have distinct wet/dry seasons, Amazon rainforest hot and humid with variable precipitation.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Peru?

Incan heritage with Machu Picchu, Amazon rainforest, and incredible cuisine. Experience ancient civilizations, traditional cultures, and natural beauty. The country offers cultural immersion with adventure activities and culinary excellence. Peru provides transformative experiences with historical significance and natural wonders. ⚠️ SAFETY NOTE: Peru is generally safe in tourist areas with good infrastructure along main tourist routes. Exercise standard precautions regarding petty crime in cities, avoid displaying valuables, use official transportation, and stay in established tourist zones. Some remote areas and certain Lima neighborhoods should be avoided.