Program Overview
The Northern region of Peru has amazed the world with fabulous archaeological discoveries that date back to pre-Incas times. The fortress of Kuelap speaks by itself and has thrilling stories to tell us about life in ancient times. Some experts refer to it as “the Machu Picchu of the North”. Historical Cajamarca, on the other hand, will delight you with pre-Inca, Inca and colonial reminders of the past and will delight your eyes, likewise, with the view of breathtaking landscapes that spread along mountains, valleys and rivers up in the Andeans.
Nature makes its way in this region of Peru in a fascinating way, too. Nature lovers will feel like in Heaven in this region of diverse ecosystems that host bird species and orchids ,some of them ,only found here.
Rejoice at the contemplation of nature while listening to thrilling stories told by the witnesses of the past.
Itinerary
Day 01: Lima
Arrival in Lima and transfer to the chosen hotel.
Day 02: Lima – Cajamarca
Early arrival in Cajamarca and transfer to the selected hotel. In the morning you will have a city tour to get to know the beautiful town Cajamarca. It is situated in the wonderful and fertile valley of the northern Andes and is one of America’s historic and cultural heritages. Cajamarcas’ buildings stem from the colonial time and reflect this era. The influence of the Spanish architecture can be seen in the cathedral, the San Francisco, and Belen church.
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 03: Cajamarca – Leimebamba – El Chillo
A 15 hours journey traveling across two cordilleras and several different habitats, such as cloud forest, agricultural land, desert-like areas and the Marañon Canyon. The journey from Cajamarca to Leimebamba, passing by the Marañon Canyon, is one of Peru’s most spectacular drives, offering astonishing scenery. The Marañon River forms one of the world’s deepest canyons, and you will descend through different ecosystems from over 3000 m to the town of Balsas at 850 m. After crossing the river you then ascend back through the various habitats to nearly 3200 m. Boxed-lunch on the road.
Afternoon visit to the Mallqui Institution Museum in Leimebamba. The Mallqui Institution has taken charge of recovering and restoring more than 200 Chachapoyan mummies found in the cliffs near the Lake of the Condors, a mystical site located in the cloud forest a day’s walk from Leimebamba.
Dinner and lodging at Hotel Estancia El Chillo.
Day 04: Kuelap – Chachapoyas
Full day excursion to Kuelap. Three hours hike from El Tingo Viejo (1800 m) to the fortress of Kuelap (3000 m). Kuelap is an ancient fortress built on the knife edge of a precipitously steep ridge. It was an important political, religious, administrative, and military center for the pre-Incan Chachapoya culture. The fortress is surrounded by an immense and impressive wall almost 2,000 feet in length. The gates, or main entrances, are uniquely constructed resembling narrow walled passageways that continue to narrow as they reach upwards and into the fortress. This brilliant design served to funnel and narrow any column of attackers down to just 2 men wide, so they could easily be killed as they tried to enter, effectively making Kuelap insurmountable to its enemies. Lunch in camping nearby Kuelap, the transfer by car to the city of Chachapoyas.
Dinner and lodging at the selected hotel in Chachapoyas.
Day 05: Chachapoyas – Abra Patricia
Transfer to Chachapoyas in prívate transportation. Then we head for Abra Patricia which is located at 2300 meters a.ms.l. On the way we will have the opportunity to observe different bird species. Once we reach our destination, a cozy Bungalow will be ready for us. It is time to take a well deserved rest.
Day 06: Abra Patricia
At dawn we will start our birdwatching activities in the sorroundings of the lodge where mixed flocks are common. It is also likely to see the Yellow-tailed Woolly monkey and other mammals. In the evening and at night birds can be observed within the reserve and in the different pathways it is very likely to hear the Long Whiskered Owlet. Dinner and night stay.
Day 07: Moyobamba – Tarapoto – Lima
Transfer in prívate transport from Abra Pagtricia to the Capital of the Orchids in Peru with more tan 2,800 varities. We will visit the nursery of Wakanki wich has a great diversity of orchids such as Anguloa,Brassia, Cataseum, Cattleya, Bollea, Coryanthes, Lycaste, Masdevallia and many others. The most representative is the Cattleya, locally referred to as «Golondrina» (swallow).
Transfer to Tarapoto and from there we will board a flight back to Lima.
The price includes
- Booking for Hotel based on double occupancy.
- All scheduled land, lake and air transportations.
- All transfers.
- All scheduled excursions with local guides and interpreters.
- All entrance fees.
- Meals and domestic flight airfares as specified in the itinerary.
B=Breakfast; L= Lunch; D=Dinner.
The price doesn´t include
International airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages and items of personal nature.
Note
Essentials:
- Vaccinations: It is highly recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever.
What to bring?
- Binoculars, Camera and film ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest.
- Warm clothing (in case of a cold front), long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton)
- 100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)
- Insect repellant (at least 50% Deet), sunscreen lotion
- Hiking shoes and sandals
- Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs
- Wide brim hat (for sunny days), sun glasses
- Towel, swimming suit, personal medicines and/or supplies (liquid for
- contact lenses, for example).
- Day pack, and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage per person
- One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags.
Travel to Peru