Unesco World Heritage Treasures
Unveil archaeological gems
15 days
LIMA | CARAL | HUARAZ | CHANKILLO | TRUJILLO | CAO | CHICLAYO | CAHUACHI | NASCA
This immersive itinerary is designed for travelers passionate about heritage, archaeology, and the grandeur of Peru’s ancient past. A deep exploration of its most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient civilizations. You’ll uncover the mysteries of Caral, the oldest known civilization in the Americas; walk through the ceremonial heart of Chavín de Huántar; and marvel at the colossal adobe ruins of Chan Chan, once the largest city in pre-Hispanic America. Discover the solar alignments of Chankillo, the intricate artistry of the Moche at Huaca de la Luna and El Brujo, and the breathtaking geoglyphs of the Nasca Lines from above. Along the way, you’ll explore the high-altitude beauty of Huascarán National Park, and sacred sites like Pachacamac and Cahuachi.
Highlights:
- NUNESCO sites: Lima Historic Center, Caral, Chavín de Huántar, Huascarán National Park, Chankillo, Chan Chan, and the Nasca Lines
- NThe Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum and the Lord of Sipán’s burial site
- NLady of Cao Discovery, unique example of ancient women rulers.
- NLandscapes ranging from the The Paracas National Reserve and Pacific coast to the snow-capped Andes.
Starting at (base 10):
$2561
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima – 154 masl), we will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Miraflores. You’ll have free time to relax and begin acclimatizing at your own pace.
Overnight in Lima – Hotel Mariel
Day 2: Discovering Lima (B)
We begin the day with a meeting at the hotel to go over the travel plan and deliver your travel documents. Then we head out to explore some of Lima’s most impressive cultural treasures. We’ll visit the Larco Museum, known for its magnificent collection of pre-Columbian art; the Mateo Salado archaeological site, a ceremonial center of the Ichma culture; and Lima’s Historic Center—declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988—with highlights including the Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, and Santo Domingo convent.
The afternoon is free to explore Miraflores at your leisure.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 3: Northbound: Áspero, Caral, and Huaraz (B)
We depart early to the north to discover unique archaeological sites. At Áspero, you’ll explore a fishing and ceremonial center connected to the ancient Caral civilization. Then we visit the Sacred City of Caral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2009) and the oldest civilization in the Americas, dating back over 5,000 years.
We continue our journey into the Andes to reach Huaraz (3,020 masl).
Overnight in Huaraz
Day 4: Chavín de Huántar (B)
Today we explore the incredible archaeological complex of Chavín de Huántar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985). Once a ceremonial center for the Chavín culture (900–200 BCE), it features subterranean architecture, iconic “cabezas clavas” (stone heads), and the mysterious Lanzón Monolith. En route, we’ll enjoy views of Lake Querococha and pass through the impressive Cahuish Tunnel at 4,516 masl.
Overnight in Huaraz
Day 5: Nature in Callejón de Huaylas and Andean Lakes (B)
We pass through charming towns such as Carhuaz and Yungay, then enter Huascarán National Park—declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Natural Heritage Site in 1985. You’ll be amazed by high Andean ecosystems and breathtaking peaks like Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru. There’s an optional walk along the María Josefa trail and time to enjoy the turquoise waters of Lake Chinancocha.
Overnight in Huaraz
Day 6: Sechín, Chankillo, and Heading to Trujillo (B)
Today we head toward the northern coast. We visit Sechín, one of the oldest monumental complexes in Peru with carved stone reliefs of warriors and rituals. If time allows, we’ll stop at Chankillo, the oldest solar observatory in the Americas (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021), known for its thirteen aligned towers used to track the solar calendar.
Overnight in Trujillo
Day 7: Trujillo, Huaca de la Luna, and Chan Chan (B)
Our day begins at Huaca de la Luna, a Moche ceremonial temple adorned with colorful murals and dedicated to the deity Ai Apaec. We continue to Chan Chan, the capital of the Chimú kingdom and the largest adobe city in pre-Hispanic America—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Later, we travel to Chiclayo.
Overnight in Chiclayo
Day 8: El Brujo and the Lady of Cao (B)
We explore the El Brujo complex, where the Lady of Cao—a female Moche ruler from the 4th century CE—was discovered. Her well-preserved mummy and tattoos revealed the political and religious roles women held in ancient Peru. We visit the museum that showcases her story and artifacts.
Overnight in Chiclayo
Day 9: Chotuna, Sipán, and Huaca Rajada (B)
We begin the day at the ceremonial site of Chotuna-Chornancap, linked to the myth of Naylamp and Chornancap Priestess. Next, we visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, considered one of the finest museums in Latin America and home to the lavish burial treasures of the Lord of Sipán. We will also visit Huaca Rajada, the archaeological site where this elite Moche tomb was found.
Overnight in Chiclayo
Day 10: Brujos Market and Free Afternoon (B)
Before today’s flight, we will stop at Chiclayo’s Healers’ Market, where you’ll find ritual items and traditional medicine. Back in Lima, you’ll have the afternoon free to visit the Amano Museum, LUM, or check out temporary exhibitions around the city.
Overnight in Lima
Day 11: Pachacamac and Journey to Paracas (B)
We follow the coast southward. First stop: Pachacamac, a major pilgrimage site in pre-Hispanic times that was sacred to several cultures including the Lima, Wari, and Inca. Then we head to Paracas to explore the Paracas National Reserve and the Julio C. Tello Museum, which houses artifacts of the Paracas culture—famed for its funerary bundles and intricate textiles.
Overnight in Paracas
Day 12: On the Road to Nasca (B)
As we journey to Nasca, we stop at viewpoints in Palpa and Nasca to glimpse geoglyphs etched into the desert. In the afternoon, we explore the Cantalloc Aqueducts—an ancient underground water system still in use—and visit the Antonini Museum to learn more about the Nasca civilization.
Overnight in Nasca
Day 13: Cahuachi and the Chauchilla Necropolis (B)
We visit Cahuachi, the ancient ceremonial capital of the Nasca, with its adobe pyramids and sacred plazas. Later, we explore Chauchilla, a pre-Inca necropolis with mummies remarkably preserved in desert tombs.
Overnight in Nasca
Day 14: Nasca Lines and Return to Lima (B)
Optional: Take a scenic flight over the Nasca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1994). These massive geoglyphs—shaped like a hummingbird, monkey, spider, and more—are believed to have ritual and astronomical significance. In the afternoon, we return to Lima on a VIP bus.
Overnight in Lima
Day 15: Farewell to Peru (B)
At the scheduled time, we’ll transfer you to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your flight home. We hope you take with you unforgettable memories of your journey through ancient Peru!
Where is your trip?
Hotels (*)
Tourist Category
- Lima: Hotel Boutique Mariel – Standard room
- Huaraz: Family-run Hotel Churup
- Trujillo: Tierra Viva Hotel
- Chiclayo: Costa del Sol Wyndham Chiclayo – Standard room
- Paracas: Hotel El Emancipador
- Nasca: Casa Andina – Superior room
Comfort Category
- Lima: Hotel Boutique Mariel – Superior King room
- Huaraz: Hotel Andino – Garden view room
- Trujillo: Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro – Standard room
- Chiclayo: Costa del Sol Wyndham Chiclayo – Superior room
- Paracas: Hotel San Agustin – Standard room
- Nasca: Casa Andina – Superior room
Know before you book
Included
- Accommodation in selected hotels or similar, based on double rooms with breakfast.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- All private services unless otherwise stated (see itinerary details).
- VIP bus ticket Nasca–Lima (160° reclining seats).
- Ground transport in shared or private tourist buses as indicated.
- Entrance fees to all archaeological sites, monuments, national parks, and museums listed (unless otherwise noted).
- Professional local guides (private or as specified).
- Private guide or driver from Lima to Huaraz (depending on option chosen).
- Private guide escort for Huaraz–Sechín–Chankillo–Trujillo route.
- From Lima to Pachacamac–Paracas: driver only (local guides in Pachacamac).
- From Paracas to Nasca: accompanying guide at your disposal.
- Ongoing assistance by phone and coordination from our Lima office and local partners.
- 24-hour emergency contact number.
Not Included
- Nasca Lines overflight (optional)
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in the program