006 Archaeological Tour of Northern Peru

CAJAMARCA, CHACHAPOYAS, CHICLAYO

7d/6n

Fixed departure dates for 2006:
January 7 & 21 February 11 & 25 March 11 & 25 April 8 & 22 May 13 & 27 June 10 & 24
July 8 & 22 August 12 & 26 Sep 9 & 23 Oct. 14 & 28 Nov. 11 & 25 Dec. 9 & 16

Private departures available.

Pizarro’s tiny band of conquistadores and horses marched to Cajamarca, the city of destiny. Here they captured the world’s largest empire, and in the Inca’s cell, they filled it 3 times with gold and silver.

We cross the main trunk Amazon where it leaves the world’s 2nd highest mountains to enter the domain of the Chachapoyan Cloud People. This newly accessible zone was the Andes most fortified and mysterious with the highest density of ruins. On a high mountain, Fortress Kuelap is the largest building of the Americas.

We end our tour in Chiclayo where America’s most advanced civilization lived on the world’s driest desert. Here a “Nile River” with 260 pyramids is a mirror image of ancient Egypt. The Lord of Sipan was recently discovered in a pyramid that was America’s richest gold-filled tomb.

Day 1 Cajamarca - Celendin

Flight from Lima to Cajamarca, the city of destiny. Pizarro marched his tiny band of 270 Spaniards here to capture Inca Atahualpa and the world’s largest empire. We will see the cell where the Inca was held captive. It was filled 3 times with gold & silver for his ransom before he was executed. Afterwards we go by private transportation to Celendin for the night. (D)

Day 2 Celendin - Leymebamba

Our bus climbs the sweeping cold cordillera and descends into an oven dry valley deeper than the Grand Canyon to cross the main trunk Amazon River. Here a coastal Chimu Colony uses their irrigation skills to grow exotic tropical fruits in a micro ecological system. The Cordillera a mile above has over 100 inches more rain per year, than the dry river valley. We go up to Leymebamba to stay the night at a local hostel. (B, BL, D)

Day 3 Leymebamba - Choctamal

Now we get to see Peru's brand new Centro Mallqui Museum that the Austrians donated for this unique 1998 discovery at Lake of the Condors (you have seen on the Discovery Channel). The 219 mummies are here along with many artifacts being investigated by Peruvian Dr. Sonia Guillen, (the world’s best mummy authority). She has also set up the advanced new laboratory in Cairo for the Egyptians. On the way to Choctamal we will see the Revash Ruins. Night in our Choctamal Marvellous Spatuletail Lodge (gateway to Kuelap and Gran Vilaya), and have a well-deserved soak in the hot tub. (B, BL, D)

Day 4 Kuelap - Chachapoyas

We will spend the day at Fortress Kuelap known as "the Machu Picchu of the North". Kuelap has over 400 buildings inside 3 levels of walls, and is the largest stone structure of the Americas. Orchids and bromeliads cover the walls and trees inside this fortress. On the way to Chachapoyas we will observe the platforms of Macro located on a cliff overlooking the Utcubamba River. Overnight in a restored Colonial Mansion, 3 star hostel. (B, L, D)


Day 5 Chachapoyas - Karajia on steep cliff

We will go to the spectacular 8-foot high funeral sarcophagus of Karajia on a cliff, resembling statues of Easter Island and continue with our route of the condors with 30 newly discovered sarcophagi. Night in Colonial Mansion. (B, BL, D)

Day 6 Chachapoyas - Chiclayo

On the way to Chiclayo the river canyon is spectacular, we will stop at a waterfall for some pictures and visit the pyramid complex of Tucume. This valley was irrigated by a river like the Nile and ruled by mighty “Pharaohs”. There are 260 pyramids, and the most advanced culture (Moche) of the Americas. Night in 3 star hotel. (B, BL. D)

Day 7

Transfer to airport for your early flight to Lima. (B)

Single supplement: US$210

THE TOUR INCLUDES:
All entrance fees
Transfers to airport or bus station
Meals where noted in the program
Accommodations and taxes
All transportation specified in the program
Snacks, water bottles
Bilingual Guide

NOT INCLUDED:
Airport taxes
Gratuities
Alcoholic beverages
Internal flights

Price:

2 - 3 pax US$ 1,169 p.p.
4 – or more US$ 986 p.p.

If you would like more information or if you would like to make a reservatoin, e-mail us at kuelap@msn.com  or phone us on1-866-3969582