Plan a trip to Northern Peru

Plan a trip to Northern Peru | While most travelers head straight for Cusco, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu in southern Peru, northern Peru remains a hidden gem for those venturing off the beaten path. In Northern Peru, you will find amazing ruins with hardly any other people around, discover unique landscapes, and learn about ancient pre-Inca cultures. “El norte” is a multicultural and colorful destination full of contrasts, with a fascinating, diverse culture, history, geography, biodiversity, and gastronomy, from the coastal lands of the capital city, Lima, up to Trujillo, across the Andes Mountain Range through Cajamarca, up to the Peruvian Amazon. Northern Peru offers a wide range of things to do and see. Let’s plan a trip to Northern Peru!

How to plan a trip to Northern Peru

Most likely, you will arrive in the capital city of Lima by plane (or cross the border when traveling overland to Peru from Ecuador. From Lima, you can take a flight to Trujillo, Chachapoyas, Chiclayo, Tarapoto, or Cajamarca (all flights of approximately one and a half hours) and start your trip in Northern Peru! There are also comfortable overnight buses (such as Cruz del Sur or Movil Bus) that connect Lima to these northern hubs.

Here is a brief overview of some of the top things to see and do in this beautiful area for you to plan a trip to Northern Peru:

What to do in Northern Peru

1. 1. Visit the ruins of Chavín de Huántar, an ancient ceremonial center and UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 1200 BC.  You can best reach Chavin de Huántar from Huaraz.
   2. Take a tour of the Tucume Pyramids, a group of 26 adobe pyramids built by the Lambayeque culture near Chiclayo.
   3. Explore the beautiful coastal city of Trujillo, known for its colonial architecture and beaches. Some of the top sights to see here include the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Trujillo, and the Chan Chan Archaeological Zone, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Read more below.
   4. Head to the city of Cajamarca in the Andes mountains, the place of the Inca emperor Atahualpa’s capture by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Cajamarca is also home to several colonial-era buildings and hot springs. Read more below.
   5. Take a day trip to the Kuelap ruins, a pre-Inca fortress in the Chachapoyas region. The fort is known for its circular stone walls and many underground tombs, and the modern cable car (teleférico) that takes you to the entrance.  Read more below.

6.    Visit the Gocta Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in the world, located in the Amazon rainforest near the town of Chachapoyas.

7. Take a boat trip on the Marañón River, one of the Amazon’s main tributaries, to see the area’s diverse wildlife. The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is a highlight for river expeditions.

When planning your trip to Northern Peru, remember that daytime temperatures can be quite high, especially in the coastal regions, so it’s best to schedule your activities for the early morning or late afternoon.

Additionally, some sites and activities, such as Kuelap and Gocta Waterfall, are located in remote, mountainous areas, so be prepared for rugged terrain and possible altitude sickness or soroche. If you have been to cities like Cusco or Arequipa, or to Machu Picchu, before traveling to the north, you should still be acclimatized. However, note that Huaraz and Cajamarca are at high altitudes, whereas Chachapoyas is at a lower elevation (around 2,335 m).

How to visit Kuélap in Peru

Kuélap is a pre-Inca fortress located in the Chachapoyas region of northern Peru. The fort is known for its circular stone walls and many underground tombs. To visit Kuélap, here are some tips:

1. Getting there: The fastest way is to fly from Lima to Chachapoyas directly (with Atsa Airlines). Alternatively, fly to Jaén, Chiclayo, or Tarapoto, then take a bus (4-8 hours, depending on the route). From Chachapoyas, it is a 1-hour drive to Tingo Nuevo, where you take the cable car (teleférico) up to the site. Check this information for updated info before you travel!
2. Best time to visit: The dry season, from April to November, is ideal for visiting Kuélap. During the rainy season, which runs from November to April, the road to the fortress can be more challenging to navigate, and the fort may be closed.
3. Entrance fee: 20 Soles ($5,80 / €5,10) for foreign adults and 10 Soles ($2,90 / €2,50) for students. Please note that the cable car (teleférico) is a separate mandatory cost of 26.50 Soles ($7,70 / €6,70) for a round trip.
4. Guided tours:  It is recommended to take a guided tour of Kuélap.    Since the 2022 wall collapse, access to the interior is restricted to specific paths and requires a helmet (provided). Booking in advance is essential as daily capacity is limited. You can arrange a tour in Chachapoyas or book a Kuélap Tour in advance through a tour agency or travel agent.
5. Altitude and Physical condition: Keep in mind that Kuélap is located at an altitude of about 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level, so you may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Make sure to take it easy, rest often, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. And also, keep in mind that Kuélap is an ancient site built on the mountain; it may need some physical effort to climb and visit the site,
6. although the cable car now covers the steepest part. There remains a 20-minute uphill walk from the cable car station to the entrance, but horses are available for rent if needed.
7. Safety: As Kuélap is located in a remote area, take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Let someone know your itinerary, and bring a fully charged cell phone and emergency contact information. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather. Additionally, always check the cable car and road access status before departing, as heavy rain can occasionally cause temporary closures.

Visiting Kuélap is a unique and worthwhile experience of your trip to Peru; you will enjoy it a lot.

What to see in Cajamarca

Cajamarca is a charming city located in the Andes mountains of northern Peru. It is known for its rich history and beautiful colonial architecture.

Here are some of the top sights to see while visiting Cajamarca:

1. Plaza de Armas: This is the city’s main square and a great place to start your visit. The square is surrounded by beautiful colonial-era buildings, including the Cathedral of Cajamarca and the San Francisco Church. 
2. Ransom Room (Cuarto del Rescate): This is where the Inca emperor Atahualpa was held captive by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Inside the room, you can see the famous “Ransom Room,” where the legendary Inca gold and silver were kept to secure the release of Atahualpa.  Note: This is the only Inca stone structure remaining within the city.
3. Baños del Inca: This ancient Inca bath complex is still in use today. The hot springs here are believed to have healing properties, and you can take a dip in the pools while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. You can rent private thermal cabins for a relaxing soak.
4. Cajamarca’s archaeological sites: There are a few Inca and pre-Inca ruins around the city, such as the Ventanillas de Otuzco and Cerro Santa Apolonia.
5. Conjunto Monumental Belén: This beautiful complex is located in the city’s heart and is a great place to see some of Cajamarca’s colonial architecture. The complex includes a baroque church and a unique colonial-era hospital.
6. The handicrafts market: Cajamarca is known for its traditional textiles, ceramics, handicrafts, and dairy products (like cheese and manjar blanco); you can find some of the best examples at local markets, such as the famous handicraft market on Calle Real.
7. Surrounding area: The city of Cajamarca is surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes, and there are many opportunities to explore the area with one-day excursions to Cumbemayo (ancient pre-Inca aqueducts), Porcon Farm, hot springs, and more.

Cajamarca is a great place to visit, offering a variety of cultural and historical experiences. It is known for its charming colonial architecture, rich history, and beautiful scenery. There are also many great restaurants and cafes in the city where you can try local cuisine.

What to do in Trujillo and surroundings

Trujillo is a beautiful coastal city in northern Peru with a rich history and culture. Plan a trip to Northern Peru and check out  some of the top things to see and do in Trujillo and its surroundings:

1. 1. Plaza de Armas: This is the main square in Trujillo and a great place to start your visit. The square features the iconic Freedom Monument at its center and is surrounded by beautiful colonial-era buildings, including the Cathedral of Trujillo and several traditional mansions.
   2. Chan Chan Archaeological Zone: This is the largest pre-Columbian adobe city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 20 kilometers west of Trujillo. The town was built by the Chimu culture and is known for its intricate adobe structures and carvings.  Visit the Nik An palace to see the best-preserved sections. Note: You will need to show your original passport at the entrance.

1. 1. Huaca del Sol y la Luna: These are two ancient Moche pyramids outside Trujillo. The Huaca del Sol is the most extensive adobe construction in the Americas. The Huaca de la Luna is known for its intricate, colorful murals. While Huaca del Sol is closed to the public, Huaca de la Luna offers a spectacular tour.
   2. The Royal Tombs of Sipan: This world-class museum is located in Lambayeque (near Chiclayo), a few hours north of Trujillo. It is where the tombs of the Moche elite have been uncovered, and it is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in South America. It is a must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts who want to see the legendary gold and silver treasures.
   3. El Brujo Archaeological Complex: This site is located about 70 kilometers northwest of Trujillo and was built by the Moche culture. It contains several pyramids, plazas, and murals. It is also famous for its Lady of Cao, a Moche mummy found here. She was the first known female ruler of Peru, and her remarkably preserved remains and tattoos are on display in the onsite museum.
   4. Peruvian Beaches: Trujillo is known for its beautiful beaches, like Huanchaco, the famous surfing spot, and the nearby beaches like El Estero wetlands, to see the traditional reed boats or simply go for a relaxing day in the sun.

1. The Historical Centre of Trujillo: while it is on the UNESCO tentative list, it remains a rich and beautiful place to explore, with plenty of colonial architecture, traditional houses, and churches.
2. Local Peruvian Food: Trujillo is known for its seafood and ceviche, especially the famous “ceviche de conchas negras” (black shells ceviche) and other traditional dishes like “arroz con pato” (rice with duck) and “chanchito al horno” (oven-roasted pork).

Trujillo offers a great variety of things to do and see, from ancient ruins and colonial-era architecture to beautiful beaches and delicious local cuisine. The city and its surroundings are rich in history and culture, and there’s plenty to explore for enthusiasts of history, archaeology, and culture.

Overall, northern Peru offers a wide variety of cultural and natural experiences, from ancient ruins and colonial-era architecture to beautiful beaches, hot springs, and waterfalls.

Do you need help planning your trip to Northern Peru? We’d love to help you plan a trip to Northern Peru!

Feel free to contact Dos Manos Peru Travel. 

Wil je dit artikel liever in het Nederlands lezen?
Plan een reis naar Noord-Peru