Peru's Lost Civilisations & the Nazca Lines

During your stay at Kentitambo's Hummingbird Inn, you'll have the opportunity to  observe the several species of hummingbird and other bird varieties on dedicated hikes in the forests of Leymebamba, including the marvelous spatuletail, endemic to the region, gray-breasted mountain toucan, and speckle-faced parrot.

For those interested in the cultural history of the region, the lodge is conveniently situated across the road from Museo Leymebamba, displaying over 200 mummies from the Laguna de los Cóndores archaeological site. We also recommend including a visit to the Revash Mausoleums during your stay; an ancient funerary centre that experts estimate dates back to the 14th Century, these mausoleums provide an insight into the ancient Chachapoya culture, with the small stone tombs impressively constructed on a steep cliff side. 

Cocachimba is a gateway to the Chachapoyas civilisation; whilst here, make sure to visit the Sarcophagi of Carajía, known to have often been the final resting place for ancient nobility. Standing at an incredible eight feet tall, these larger-than-life statues are perched on a cliff edge, looking out across the sweeping valley below. Archaeologists believe that the differences between each statue are indicative of each mummy that was once buried there. 

For a further glimpse into the world of the Chachapoyas, head to Kuelap Fortress, an ancient, pre-Inca ruin that, at the time, would have housed more than 5,000 inhabitants. Accessed by cable car, the fortress benefits from spectacular views across the Andes, and is larger and up to 900 years older than the much-visited Machu Picchu. 

A stay in the region also provides the opportunity to visit Gocta Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Flowing onwards into the Cocahuayco River, the waterfall is steeped in local legend, with stories that the falls are home to a beautiful mermaid who protects a pot of gold.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before meeting your driver once more to start towards Trujillo. Although the journey is lengthy (eight hours in total), it will be broken up by a visit to El Brujo, a fascinating archaeological complex from the Moche period.

Situated near Trujillo on the coast of Peru, El Brujo is one of the most important religious sites of the Moche culture. It consists of two adobe pyramids; Huaca El Brujo and Huaca Cao Viejo. The term 'brujo' translates to 'wizard' or 'witch doctor', and refers to the Shaman rituals that were once performed here.

You'll visit the Chan Chan complex, once the capital city of the Chimu civilisation. Considered to be the largest city in pre-Colombian America, the site was added to Peru's UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1986. 

Throughout the day you'll explore the nine large complexes, which once housed dwellings, temples, and storehouses as well as funeral platforms and reservoirs. Many of these buildings, constructed from adobe, are decorated with fascinating motifs depicting humans and animals.

Built by the Moche and also boasting a spot by Trujillo, the Sun & Moon Huacas (or Huaca del Sol & Huaca de la Luna) rise up from the desert. These temples were originally used as a religious complex and administrative centre, and were built over a staggering 700-year period in a series of platforms. When a Moche ruler died, the people would cover their body with a new platform, thereby adding to the height of the pyramid.

The Ballestas Islands are the habitat for a host of birds and other wildlife such as seals, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions; Peruvian pelicans can also be spotted as they dive towards the water's surface in pursuit of their next meal. During your stay you'll enjoy a boat tour of these islands, where you'll have the opportunity to spot the variety of bird life who live here, and potentially dolphins if you're lucky. 

Later in the day, you'll board a light aircraft in Pisco for a flight over the Nazca Lines. Situated in the the deserts of Peru's lowlands, this impressive archaeological site is thought to have originated at some point between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500 (during the Chavin period) when they were likely used for astronomical rituals. Enjoy spectacular views of these vast etchings, spotting monkeys, fish, and hummingbirds that span an incredible space.