Northern Kingdoms of Peru | Spiced Destinations

Destinations / Latin America / Peru / Northern Kingdoms of Peru

Peru’s northern desert coast holds some of the most remarkable archaeological treasures in the country. This short journey takes you into the world of ancient civilizations, including the Moche, whose artistry and burial traditions have survived for more than a millennium. Discover tombs containing beautifully preserved mummies, intricate metalwork, ceremonial objects, and everyday tools. Explore towering adobe pyramids and walk through Chan Chan, the largest adobe city ever built, offering a rare window into the sophistication of these long-vanished cultures.

Chiclayo & Trujillo

Daily arrival in Chiclayo; year-round

Private Journey

3 Days / 2 Nights

Highlights

Stroll at Shaman’s (healer) Market of Chiclayo
Visit the Museum of Lord of Sipan, the 2nd Largest Cache found in the 10th Century
Enjoy the sunset at the 26-pyramides complex of Tucume
Explore the Adobe City of Chan Chan & the Sun & Moon Pyramid in Trujillo
Drive through the colorful Colonial Center of Turjillo

Included

2 nights in Chiclayo at the Casa Andina Select Chiclayo Hotel (Moderate Category)
All touring, transfers and sightseeing by private car with private English-speaking guide
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
Visit to the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum
Daily breakfast at the hotels
2 lunches in local restaurants
All taxes

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Arrival in Chiclayo

Upon arrival in Chiclayo, transfer to the hotel in Chiclayo

Welcome to Northern Peru at the Peruvian Coastal Plain! The area region combines arid zones, rich valleys, and dry forests. Chiclayo, bordered by fertile valleys and very close to the ocean, is the capital of the department and the commercial nexus among the three Peruvian regions: coast, highland, and jungle. Then transfer to your hotel

Day 2 - Ancient Treasures of the Northern Desert and the Royal Tombs of Sipán

A day exploring healer traditions, world-class museums, the Royal Tombs of Sipán, and the vast pyramids of Túcume.

Begin the day at Chiclayo’s Witch Doctor’s Market, where healers and shamans offer herbs, tonics, amulets, and traditional remedies. Continue to the region’s leading museums to explore exceptional Chimu and Moche artifacts, including pottery, metalwork, and textiles. Visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, showcasing the spectacular gold pieces uncovered in the famous 1987 discovery. Enjoy a traditional lunch before ending the day at sunset with a panoramic view of the vast 26-pyramid complex of Túcume. (b,l)

Day 3 - Ancient Cities of the Chimú and Mochica

A journey from Chiclayo to Trujillo to explore Chan Chan’s adobe kingdom and the monumental temples of the Sun and Moon.

We travel south from Chiclayo to Trujillo on a scenic drive of about 3 hours to explore Chan Chan, the vast adobe capital of the Chimú kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through its mud-brick walls and geometric friezes before continuing to the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, two remarkable Mochica temples over 1,500 years old, known for their murals and ceremonial past. After lunch, enjoy a short drive through Colonial Trujillo before heading to the airport for your flight back to Lima. (b,l)