5-Day The Empire of Mochicas Journey: Chiclayo & Trujillo  

5 days

Easy

Sun, color and joy await us. The Peruvian North offers impressive ancient sites in inhospitable places, it breathes magic in pyramids and memorial tombs and bedazzles us with golden treasures in museums and archaeological sites.


  

DAY 1: LIMA

Arrival in Lima, meet and greet at the airport, transfer to your hotel. Free rest of the day to explore the city. Stayt in Lima.

DAY 2: LIMA/CHICLAYO

In the morning e will take an exclusive and immersive tour of Lima's Historic Center will allow us to discover and admire the architectural relics that form part of this ancient Lima, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Convent of Santo Domingo marks the beginning of this magnificent experience. Its construction began during the founding of Lima, and it was the site where the University of San Marcos, the oldest in the Americas, was established. Inside the convent, time seems to have stood still. The choir stalls, the oldest in the country, and the library, with 25,000 books belonging to the Dominicans, some printed in the 15th century, are of inestimable historical value. The Convent of Santo Domingo was frequented by the saints of Lima, and today the remains of Saint Martin de Porres, Saint John Macias, and Saint Rose of Lima rest there. Afterward, we will walk toward the Cathedral of Lima, crossing the Plaza Mayor and passing by the Government Palace and the City Hall. We will enter the Cathedral, a jewel of religious art and a key part of Lima's history. Inside, the artwork will transport us to Lima's past. Afterward, we will head to the Larco Museum, located 30 minutes from downtown Lima. The museum was recognized by TripAdvisor's Traveller's Choice Award as one of the 25 best museums in the world. Throughout the museum's various galleries, visitors can appreciate the beauty of ancient Peruvian cultures. The storage area is particularly impressive due to the sheer number of artifacts, representing faces, objects, fruits, birds, and other items that were part of daily life.

In the evening, transfer to the airport and departure to Chiclayo. Arrival and welcoming reception. Stay at Chiclayo.

DAY 3: CHICLAYO

The tour starts with a visit to Huaca Rajada, archaeological site in which the Lord of Sipan remains were found. Then it’s off to the Pyramids Valley in Tucume, an impressive urban center and the most important of its time, located at only 33kms from Chiclayo. The legend of the Naylamp god and the Cetemi queen, who came from the sea, still lives strong among the settlers. We´ll have lunch at one of the restaurants in the area for a chance to try the best traditional local cuisine: a varied and spiced arrange of flavors for our palate. To end the day, a visit to the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, known also as the 21st Century Museum. It was built as an exact representation of the original tomb and it is home to amazing gold, silver and precious stones treasures. An incredible experience you will never forget. 

DÍA 4: CHICLAYO/TRUJILLO

Departure on private transportation to Trujillo. It is a three hour ride to enjoy the beauty of the valleys. When we reach Casa Grande sugar hacienda we’ll take a detour towards the Brujo Archaeological Complex and Museum, named after the polychrome friezes on its walls. In the surrounding areas a pre-Inca cemetery to be discovered. Then we will visit the Lady of Cao Complex in which we could see this well preserved mummy, discovered a few years ago, and possible ruler of the Moche culture. Transfer to the hotel and free rest of the afternoon to explore the city. Stay in Trujillo. 

DAY 5: TRUJILLO/LIMA

We shall start the day visiting the Temple of the Moon, at only 5 kms far from town. This Huaca holds beautiful treasures in its polychrome and overexposes friezes and its urban architecture. In the afternoon, 

and after visiting the Temple of the Dragon, we will arrive at the largest mud city in South America: Chan Chan, capital of the Chimu Empire. The tour continues with a visit to the Huanchaco fishermen’s cove, famous for its totora reed boats called Totora Horses. Lunch time at one of the best seafood restaurants in the area. Transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Lima to connect with international flights. 

 

What's included?

    Guided tour of ancient Moche sites in northern Peru

    Admission fees

    Accommodation for 4 nights

    Breakfast

    Lunch on days 3 and 5

    Pickup from Jorge Chávez International Airport on Day 1

    Drop-off at Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport on Day 5

    Live tour commentary provided in English

    Exclusions

      Meals and beverages not listed as Inclusions

      Flights tickets need to be buy by the passenger

      What to bring

        Confirmation will be received at time of booking

        Not wheelchair accessible

        Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants.

        When booking your flight Chiclayo, it must be in the afternoon.

        Upon time of booking, please provide flight itinerary for international flights and domestic flights

        You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

        Pickup is available from Jorge Chávez International Airport serving Lima. Please arrange pickup when you call to confirm your reservation.

        You should wear comfortable clothing and shoes.