Northern Peru Itinerary Extension

Escape the conventional travel path in Chachapoyas

This four-day itinerary brings travelers deep into the heart of the cloud forest, within the Amazonas Region of Peru. Chachapoyas is engulfed by lush forests and offers stunning natural scenery. The landscapes are characterized by green mountains, deep canyons, and a variety of flora and fauna and is home to the ancient Chachapoya civilization.

We've designed this itinerary extension as an add-on to any Peru itinerary. Chachapoyas can be combined with Machu Picchu, the Amazon, or southern Peru, or it act as a stand-alone destination for those looking for an immersive northern Peru itinerary.

Who is a luxury Northern Peru Itinerary Extension best for?

This area of Peru appeals to a wide variety of travelers: those seeking a spiritual and physical reset with a stay filled with hiking, waterfalls, fresh cloud forest air, and farm-to-table, 80 percent plant-based dining; families with active children; those who love trekking and birding; and cultural travelers interested in the archaeology and ancient history of the area.

Day-to-day itinerary

Northern Peru Itinerary Extension trip highlights

Fly from Lima to Jaén, the gateway to the Chachapoyas region. The Gocta Natura Reserve eco-lodge is centrally located within the region's biggest draws, including the Kuelap Fortress, an archaeological site that predates the Inca Empire and is known for its massive stone walls and circular buildings. The site offers a glimpse into the advanced architectural and engineering skills of the Chachapoya people, and is often referred to as an alternative to Machu Picchu. Explore countless ruins (both discovered and unexcavated) from the Inca and pre-Inca Chachapoyas people, and visit the Sarcophagi of Karajia nestled into the mountainside and the Revash Mausoleums built into the cliffs.
Retreat to your mountainside cabin, with views to the incredible Gocta Waterfall—the tallest in Peru and among the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the world.
Spend your days exploring the ruins on foot or horseback with knowledgeable local guides who can point out ancient mountainside cities hiding in plain sight. The area is also well known for birding due to the high endemism and variety of hummingbirds.

When is the best time to travel to northern Peru?

Chachapoyas' peak season is its dry season, which aligns with travel through the rest of Peru, between April and November. Thanks to its location in Peru's cloud forest, the weather is fairly stable, but rain showers can occur at any time. We recommend avoiding peak rainy season which falls between January and March.

Northern Peru map

Easy extensions

Fly south to explore more of Peru's indigenous history and culture. Move forward in history by exploring Incan culture, architecture, and ruins in Cusco and Machu Picchu, or tread deeper into the Amazon rainforest.

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