Northern Peru Special Adventure (VIR)

14 days/13 nights

Start Lima/Chiclayo, end Cajamarca or Lima

Northern Peru is an explorer’s paradise. Compared to the south of Peru the north is off the beaten track, yet there are many jewels to be discovered. The trip starts on the coastal plain and we will see remains of the Sican, Lambayeque and Moche cultures, the latter of which has been described as the Andean Greeks, due to the level of art they achieved in their metalwork and ceramics. Then we drive to the Chachapoyas region of the Andes, a rugged terrain of deep canyons and the richest archaeological area in the world. After a couple of days acclimatization we start our trek in to the mountains, seeing various archeological sites on route to the magical site of Vira Vira – a Chachapoya site overlooking a round lake. At the end of the trek we drive to the city of Cajamarca.

Vira Vira and its highlights

Vira Vira is a highlight on the trek. No other site - not even the world-famous nearby citadel of Kuelap - can match the sheer scale of mystery shrouding this summit city in the clouds.

En route, there are many highlights. You stay at the delightful town of Chachapoyas, gaze at Gocta Waterfall - the third highest in the world and only discovered in 2006 - explore Kuelap, see cliff-top mummies and pre-Inca ruins.

Vira Vira itself is quite the metropolis with more than 200 Chachapoya roundhouses enclosed by a defensive wall.

We spend a day exploring Vira Vira from our base camp by the sacred Huayabamba Lake - itself an archeological site ringed with cliff tombs. We then travel to the historic city of Cajamarca, site of the first battle between Spaniard and Inca over 450 years ago.

Background

Chachapoyas is the capital of the department of Amazonas, situated in the northeast of Peru. It is a remote area of sub-tropical valleys, half way down the eastern slopes of the Andes with vegetation typical of ceja de selva (eyebrow of the jungle). The jungle is impenetrable, dense with low trees, bromeliads, bamboos, orchids and mosses.

Despite its remoteness Chachapoyas is becoming increasingly popular with travellers. They come to see the archaeological remains of Kuélap, and the other amazing remains from the prehispanic Chachapoya culture. They have somehow survived in apparently unsuitable surroundings.

Cliff top living

Amazonas was the seat of the Chachapoya culture. It later became a part of the Inca Empire under Inca Túpac Yupanqui, and was then conquered by the Spanish.

The Chachapoya culture developed in this area around AD800. There is evidence that people lived in villages of up to several hundred people, in circular houses.

Archaeologists have found tombs on inaccessible cliff tops, and ancient agricultural terraces. The Chachapoya lived in small independent groups, fighting each other for resources. They built their cities on ridges in the cloud forest, and put their dead in cliff top mausoleums together with ceramics, textiles and other objects from their culture.

We also offer a short Tajopampa trek, or a stunning trek on the fabled Qapaq Ñan Inca Highway.

You could extend your trip by trekking the Inca Trail or visiting the Amazon.

Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.