Days 1-3
Lima / Chiclayo / Royal Tomb of Sipan
We fly to the coastal city of Chiclayo to see the treasures of the incredible Lord of Sipan tomb, the richest unlooted tomb ever excavated in the Western Hemisphere.
Days 4-8
Chachapoyas / Karajia / Kuelap
In the remote Chachapoyas region high in the Andes, we explore and hike among the dramatic sarcophagi of the Chachapoya, including Karajia, a spectacular funerary site in a cliff wall. One of our hikes follows a paved Inca trail above the Utcubamba River valley, with stunning views of the pre-Inca walled citadel of Kuelap. Another day’s hike brings us up to the cliff mausoleums of Revash, tucked into ledges of limestone cliffs and colorful with their red pictographs. Overnights are in simple lodges.
Days 9-15
Leymebamba / Chachapoyas Trek
On our trek among the cliff tombs of the Chachapoya, we hike across high valleys and below massive cliff walls, at times following stone-paved Inca trails that ascend to remote ruins. The amazing chullpas (cliff tombs) of the Chachapoya are sometimes located 500 feet up the face of sheer rock walls, leaving us to ponder how the Chachapoya scaled these heights to first build the tombs and then worship their mummified ancestors. Among the sites we explore are the extensive ruins of Papamarca (11,580') and magnificent Vira Vira (13,173'), high above Lake Huayabamba. Vira Vira was lifted from obscurity by explorer Keith Muscutt in his book Warriors of the Clouds. Overnights are in camp, with Wilderness Travel’s full-service camping amenities.
Days 16-18
Cajamarca
Driving through beautiful farmlands, we head to the colonial city of Cajamarca. Our restful hotel is a spa with hot baths, a steam room, and lovely grounds. Depart via Lima on Day 18.
This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description,
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