Peru Northern Peru

Overview

The Pacific coast and Andean heartland of northern Peru is unfairly neglected by visitors in favour of the treasures of the south. The region is absolutely choc-a-bloc with vestiges of bygone civilisations, often as inspiring as the Inca. The untouched mountain landscapes and little-seen archaeological delights well reward travellers who make the sometimes long journeys to discover them.  The attractive colonial towns of Trujillo and Cajamarca, 2,750m, have preserved much of their character, and are excellent bases for visits to the adobe pyramids of Chan Chan, and Inca baths and aqueducts respectively. Kuelap, one of the continent’s most dramatic temple fortresses is accessible via Chachapoyas, 2,335m, from the port of Chiclayo.