15 days / 14 nights
DAY 01: LIMA / CARAL / HUARAZIn private car transfer Lima-Huaraz. On the way we stop at the Sacred City of Caral a 5,000 year-old city of pyramids in the Peruvian desert, with its elaborate complex of temples, an amphitheatre and ordinary houses. The urban complex is spread out over 150 acres (607,000 m²) and contains plazas and residential buildings. Caral was a thriving metropolis at the same time that Egypt's great pyramids were being built. Caral is composed of 32 impressive buildings with outstanding truncated pyramids. The Pirámide Mayor covers an area nearly the size of four footballs fields and is 18 m tall. Caral is the largest recorded site in the Andean region with dates older than 2000 BCE and appears to be the model for the urban design adopted by Andean civilizations. The Caral constructors use bags were carry the stones that were used for the construction of the pyramids. Among the artifacts found at Caral are knotted textile pieces that the excavators have labelled a quipu, 32 flutes made of condor and pelican bones and 37 cornets of deer and llama bones. Ongoing archaeological work at Caral suggests that this pre-ceramic site is one of the most ancient cultures and architectural complexes of Peru. From Paramonga we drive up the buttress of the Andes until we reach Conococha Lake (4080m). We continue to Huaraz (3100m), the "Capital of Mountaineering and International Friendship". Lunch Included
Overnight at Andino Club hotel***.
DAY 02: HUARAZ / CHAVIN / HUARAZWe traverse the Cordillera Blanca to visit Chavín de Huántar (1300 to 4000 BC), South America's oldest and most advanced culture, and one of the six independent centers of civilization in world prehistory, predating the Incas by about 2000 years. Chavín's monumental granite pyramids and ceremonial plazas are linked by colossal carved stone staircases and platforms. Subterranean chamber complexes, known as galleries, are built in a most sophisticated architectural engineering style. In the Old Temple we visit the Lanzón Gallery with its supreme deity of Chavín, a large stone idol of 4.5 m carved with human, Jaguar, Anaconda, and Harpy Eagle iconography. The New Temple, (The Castillo) is built in 3 platforms, constructed between 500 and 200 B.C., is a high structure that is honey-combed with waters courses is also based on a gallery and plaza design and contained many relief sculptures. Sophisticated carved keystone heads, horizontal and vertical ventilation wells, friezes, cylindrical columns, and astronomic representations are a puzzle. The walls of Chavín were decorated with carved heats, set deep into stone. Some of the carved heads have mucus pouring from the nose, something that happens when hallucinogenic snuff is snorted Rare Ecuadorian shells are often found in tombs of the Chavín era, as the precious lapis lazuli from Atacama desert in Chile. Chavín de Huantar has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Huaraz.
DAY 02: HUARAZ / CHAVIN / HUARAZWe traverse the Cordillera Blanca to visit Chavín de Huántar (1300 to 4000 BC), South America's oldest and most advanced culture, and one of the six independent centers of civilization in world prehistory, predating the Incas by about 2000 years. Chavín's monumental granite pyramids and ceremonial plazas are linked by colossal carved stone staircases and platforms. Subterranean chamber complexes, known as galleries, are built in a most sophisticated architectural engineering style. In the Old Temple we visit the Lanzón Gallery with its supreme deity of Chavín, a large stone idol of 4.5 m carved with human, Jaguar, Anaconda, and Harpy Eagle iconography. The New Temple, (The Castillo) is built in 3 platforms, constructed between 500 and 200 B.C., is a high structure that is honey-combed with waters courses is also based on a gallery and plaza design and contained many relief sculptures. Sophisticated carved keystone heads, horizontal and vertical ventilation wells, friezes, cylindrical columns, and astronomic representations are a puzzle. The walls of Chavín were decorated with carved heats, set deep into stone. Some of the carved heads have mucus pouring from the nose, something that happens when hallucinogenic snuff is snorted Rare Ecuadorian shells are often found in tombs of the Chavín era, as the precious lapis lazuli from Atacama desert in Chile. Chavín de Huantar has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Huaraz.
Overnight at Andino Club hotel***.
DAY 03: CALLEJON DE HUAYLAS VALLEY / LLANGANUCO LAKESYou set out for the heart of Huascarán Biosphere Reserve, driving along the magnificent Callejón de Huaylas Valley watered by the Santa River and located between the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra mountain ranges. On the way, you visit picturesque towns such as Mancos and Carhuaz and Yungay. Turning east the mountain scenery becomes increasingly spectacular as you ascend the slopes of the Cordillera Blanca. Exacting peaks such as Huandoy (21,000 feet) and Huascarán (22,400 feet) above sea level form the granite walls of this U-shaped glacial-eroded canyon with its two turquoise Llanganuco lakes. This is a giant natural history laboratory where you learn about high tropical Andes species and ecosystems. Forests of silk-paper-barked Queñua and Quishuar trees cover the canyon floor. Colorful bromeliads, orchids and cactus, among other plant species, grace the granite boulders and cliffs.Lunch included
DAY 03: CALLEJON DE HUAYLAS VALLEY / LLANGANUCO LAKESYou set out for the heart of Huascarán Biosphere Reserve, driving along the magnificent Callejón de Huaylas Valley watered by the Santa River and located between the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra mountain ranges. On the way, you visit picturesque towns such as Mancos and Carhuaz and Yungay. Turning east the mountain scenery becomes increasingly spectacular as you ascend the slopes of the Cordillera Blanca. Exacting peaks such as Huandoy (21,000 feet) and Huascarán (22,400 feet) above sea level form the granite walls of this U-shaped glacial-eroded canyon with its two turquoise Llanganuco lakes. This is a giant natural history laboratory where you learn about high tropical Andes species and ecosystems. Forests of silk-paper-barked Queñua and Quishuar trees cover the canyon floor. Colorful bromeliads, orchids and cactus, among other plant species, grace the granite boulders and cliffs.Lunch included
Overnight at Andino Club hotel***.
DAY 04: HUARAZ / SECHIN / TRUJILLOEarly this morning we descend to the coastal valley of Sechin to visit the Sechin Temple (1500 years BC). Sechin's outside walls are covered with bas-relief carvings representing warriors and captives, human bodies in various positions, and human body parts. Some of these figures, more than 12 feet high, are gruesomely realistic, revealing a strong society struggling against the domination of the Chimú Culture. After lunch we continue driving across the lands of Nepeña and Pañamarca archaeological sites. Late this afternoon we arrive at the colonial city of Trujillo, where we overnight. Lunch included.
DAY 04: HUARAZ / SECHIN / TRUJILLOEarly this morning we descend to the coastal valley of Sechin to visit the Sechin Temple (1500 years BC). Sechin's outside walls are covered with bas-relief carvings representing warriors and captives, human bodies in various positions, and human body parts. Some of these figures, more than 12 feet high, are gruesomely realistic, revealing a strong society struggling against the domination of the Chimú Culture. After lunch we continue driving across the lands of Nepeña and Pañamarca archaeological sites. Late this afternoon we arrive at the colonial city of Trujillo, where we overnight. Lunch included.
Overnight at Los Conquistadores Hotel***.
DIA 5: TRUJILLO / HUACA DEL SOL Y LA LUNA / CHAN CHAN
Depart at 9:00am to start our adventure to discover the interesting culture of Chimu. We will start with the colorfull walls ot the Huaca del y la Luna, here you will appreciate the intense colors is well conserved across time. Then visit to Chan Chan, the ancient Capital of the Chimu Kingdom is a "must" for all visitors; is considered to be the largest mud-brick city in the pre-Hispanic Latin America, its higher development were reached between the XII and XIV centuries, then it was conquered by the Incas and finally abandoned before the arrival of the Spaniards. From the remains of this immense complex, we can deduce that the Chimu people were excellent engineers and architects. Then Huanchaco, which is a fisher's village where you will have an opportunity to watch "Caballitos de Totora" or reed boats returning from morning fishing duty. Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at Los Conquistadores Hotel***.
DAY 6: TRUJILLO / VISIT TO LA HUACA EL BRUJO & THE SEÑORA DE CAO /TRF CHICLAYO
Breakfast at the hotel.Pick from your hotel to visit the mysterious archaeological site “El Brujo complex” which belongs to the Mochica civilization. This important Mochica Complex has an area of 2 square kilometers. The discoverie include reliefs that represent scenes of the magical and religious world of the Mochicas. It is a damaged, stepped pyramid with a central court that was probably used primarily for religious ceremonies. This pyramid is undoubtedly the most impressive Moche site in the Chicama Valley and is nowadays more often referred to "EL BRUJO" ("The Sorcerer"). This current name is due to the common practice of shamans of the North coast, to hold some of their healing ceremonies at prominent hills or prehispanic ruins, which they consider to be places of power.
This huaca or "ancient place" lies very near the sea, close to the small fishing village Santiago de Cao, on the right hand margin of the Chicama River. Then we will continue to Chiclayo city to discover the Lord of Sipan. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at Inti Hotel***.
DIA 5: TRUJILLO / HUACA DEL SOL Y LA LUNA / CHAN CHAN
Depart at 9:00am to start our adventure to discover the interesting culture of Chimu. We will start with the colorfull walls ot the Huaca del y la Luna, here you will appreciate the intense colors is well conserved across time. Then visit to Chan Chan, the ancient Capital of the Chimu Kingdom is a "must" for all visitors; is considered to be the largest mud-brick city in the pre-Hispanic Latin America, its higher development were reached between the XII and XIV centuries, then it was conquered by the Incas and finally abandoned before the arrival of the Spaniards. From the remains of this immense complex, we can deduce that the Chimu people were excellent engineers and architects. Then Huanchaco, which is a fisher's village where you will have an opportunity to watch "Caballitos de Totora" or reed boats returning from morning fishing duty. Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at Los Conquistadores Hotel***.
DAY 6: TRUJILLO / VISIT TO LA HUACA EL BRUJO & THE SEÑORA DE CAO /TRF CHICLAYO
Breakfast at the hotel.Pick from your hotel to visit the mysterious archaeological site “El Brujo complex” which belongs to the Mochica civilization. This important Mochica Complex has an area of 2 square kilometers. The discoverie include reliefs that represent scenes of the magical and religious world of the Mochicas. It is a damaged, stepped pyramid with a central court that was probably used primarily for religious ceremonies. This pyramid is undoubtedly the most impressive Moche site in the Chicama Valley and is nowadays more often referred to "EL BRUJO" ("The Sorcerer"). This current name is due to the common practice of shamans of the North coast, to hold some of their healing ceremonies at prominent hills or prehispanic ruins, which they consider to be places of power.
This huaca or "ancient place" lies very near the sea, close to the small fishing village Santiago de Cao, on the right hand margin of the Chicama River. Then we will continue to Chiclayo city to discover the Lord of Sipan. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at Inti Hotel***.
DAY 7: CHICLAYO / VISIT TUCUME / ROYAL TOMBS OF SIPAN
Breakfast at the hotel.You will continue your exploration by going to huacas Valley of Tucume, where you will have a nice viewpoint of a part of territory the Mochica culure Then, we will visit the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum which was inspired by the Mochica pyramids. This new museum was inaugurated in November 2002 and is rated one of the most outstanding archaeological museums in South America. Here you can find a reconstruction of the tomb of Sipan, dubbed the "Tutankhamen of the Americas" because of the golden splendor of his tomb. Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at Inti Hotel***.
DAY 8: CHICLAYO / BAGUA GRANDE / CHACHAPOYAS
Breakfast at the hotel.Morning at leisure to explore the Chiclayo city and taste its delicious food.
Aproximately at 19:30 hrs, transfer to the bus station to take your comfortable half bed seat bus.
Overnight at the bus.
DAY 9: CHACHAPOYAS
Arrival to Chachapoyas city tour. Reception at 04.30 AM from the bus station and transfer to hotel.
At 12:00 p.m. we will start our city tour in Chachapoyas, visit Central Market.
At 12:30 p.m. we will have a typical lunch.
01:30 PM .- Guided tour of ethnohistorical and Religious Museum in Santa Ana, the viewpoint of Luya Urco strategic place to appreciate the city of Chachapoyas in its entirety, continuing the tour we will travel to Pueblo pottery Huanca, there we will visit the workshops of traditional and modern pottery, craft shops, finally observe the river canyon Sonche of over 1000 meters deep, return to Chachapoyas to visit the Casona tour of the Roses one of the oldest and most traditional of Chachapoyas. Transfer to hotel.
Overnight at La Casa Vieja Hostel***.
DAY 10: CHACHAPOYAS/ KUELAP / CHACHAPOYAS.8:30 am. Our adventure will start visiting the fortress of Kuelap, travel by car by 2:30 hrs until archaeological complex of greater significance for the Chachapoyas, built from the sixth century AD and discovered in 1843, impressive stone walls up to 20 meters high, which protect more than 500 round houses, many of them are decorated with zigzag friezes and rhomboids, distributed over seven hectares, tour , lunch, return, night in Chachapoyas.
Overnight at La Casa Vieja Hostel***
DAY 11: CHACHAPOYAS / REVASH / LEYMEBAMBA / CHILLO.
Breakfast at the hotel.
We will start the tour, crossing the river valley Utcubamba after 2:30 hours of trip we arrive to the site called "Wit" will begin a walk there from 1:30 pm to the Mausoleums of Revash, Chachapoyas burial site located on inaccessible cliffs, guided tour, lunch box luch, then we will move to Leymebamba to visit the Museum Center which displays 219 mummies Mallqui Chachapoyas perfectly preserved and more than 2000 objects rescued from the mausoleums of the Lake of the Condors. Dinner.
Overnight at La Estancia el Chillo***.
DAY 12: CHILLO / COLCAMAR / CHACHAPOYAS / CHICLAYO.
Breakfast at hotel.
9:00 hrs. Transfet with our vehicle to Colcamar town, one of the oldest and most traditional villages, which still continues its old ways, it is also famous for its shamans and medicine men, over 200 mills (machines for craft squeeze the cane and make molasses, cane juice, brandy) guided tour, lunch box lunch.
4:00 PM .- Return to Chachapoyas. And on 5:45 PM Arrive at Chachapoyas, rest of afternoon free for personal activities.
7:00 pm.-Transfer to Mobile Tours bus station, return to Chiclayo.
Overnight at the comfortable half bed seat bus.
DAY 13: CHICLAYO / LIMA
Breakfast at hotel.
Arrival, assistance and transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima.
Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Faraona Hotel***.
DAY 14: LIMA / CITY TOUR AND VISIT TO THE LARCO MUSEUM
Arrival, assistance and transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima.
We will pick you from your hotel to start the most complete City tour. We will start with a panoramic view from the Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent ceremonial and administrative center of Lima Culture, built in the 4th century AD, and considered by the Incas as ñaupallaqta, a "sacred village".
Then, we will show you the Historical Center. During this tour you will visit many points of interest such as the Main Square (Plaza Mayor) founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of Peru, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and the House of El Oidor. We continue the tour with a visit to San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. The construction of San Francisco church was consecrated in 1673. It has stood up to numerous earthquakes, and has a majestic stone facade and an interior with admirably carved choir seats in Nicaraguan cedar, vaults and columns decorated with plastered Moorish style reliefs.
Lunch at the Rosa Nautica Restaurant and your visit to the amazing Larco museum. This museum houses in a unique colonial residence dating back to the XVII century, built on top of a VIII century pyramid, this fabulous museum includes the exquisite Collection of Peruvian Gold and Silver from the olden days, and the Pre-Hispanic Erotic Art Salon. Its pieces have toured major world museums. Larco is among only a few museums around the world opening their vaults to the public, with over 45,000 archaeological pieces that have been classified by renowned specialists and scholars. The Larco Museum exhibits the largest private collection of pre-Colombian Peruvian art in the world.
Overnight at the Faraona Hotel.
DAY 15 LIMA / HOME
Breakfast at your hotel.
Transfer to the airport to take your international flight.Arrival and transfer to your hotel.www.munaykiperu.com
