Chiclayo - PIURA - MANCORA 9-Day Itinerary

• Archaeology, local culture, wildlife & relaxation on northern Peru's Pacific coastline.

• Pre-Columbian sites such as Tucume & Sipan. 

• Beaches at Santa Rosa, Pimentel & Vichayito.

• Traditional artisanship at Monsefu & Catacaos.

• Staying at 3 and 4* hotels in vibrant cities, renowned for culture & cuisine. 

• Private tours and transport. Daily departures.

With the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes mountains to the east, Peru’s coastal region is a narrow strip 2,500 km (1,554 miles) long, but only 19 to 42 km (12 to 62 miles) wide.

It is mainly arid, but there are 52 river valleys that are arable at least some of the year, and it is here that many of Peru’s pre-Columbian cultures arose, such as the Nazca-Paracas, Chimu, Moche and Sican.

Two of the nine days are spent visiting some of the most notable monuments of these civilisations, at a measured pace: Sipan and Tucume.

But it is not just about archaeology. We visit beaches in Pimentel and Vichayito … where there is the chance to swim with sea turtles.

We enjoy a couple of modern Peruvian cities, with their Colonial vestiges; and we visit villages renowned for their craftsmanship.

The food in this part of Peru is renowned, and not surprisingly focuses on the rich ingredients to be found in the Pacific ocean: ceviches, parihuelas, causas, tiraditos and other classic seafood dishes . 

Peru’s Northern Coast Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Arrive Chiclayo. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Chiclayo.
Day 2: Tucume & Huaca Las Balsas. Overnight in Chiclayo.
Day 3: Santa Rosa & Pimentel Beach; Monsefu. Overnight in Chiclayo.
Day 4: Huaca Rajada & Tumbas Reales Museum. Overnight in Chiclayo.
Day 5: Transfer to Piura. Overnight in Piura.
Day 6: Piura City Tour; Catacaos. Overnight in Piura.
Day 7: Transfer to Mancora. Overnight in Vichayito.
Day 8: Free Day in Vichayito. Overnight in Vichayito.
Day 9: Swim with Turtles; Transfer to airport.

For a longer North Coast exploration, that includes Trujillo, have a look at our 13-day itinerary.

Prices below are per person, based on double occupancy.

Includes all land transport, private guided excursions, entrance fees, breakfasts & some lunches.

Single occupancy rooms are available. Ask us for pricing.

9-Day Chiclayo - Piura - Mancora Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chiclayo (-)

You will be welcomed at the airport on arrival in Chiclayo and taken, by private transport, to your centrally-located hotel.

The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy your new surroundings.

Overnight at Costa del Sol Wyndham Chiclayo Hotel, or similar.

Day 2: Tucume Pyramids & Huaca las Balsas (Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast, we set off to Tucume, an impressive archaeological site consisting of 26 pyramids constructed by the Sican culture.

One of the most interesting pyramids is Huaca Las Balsas, at the southwest end of the site, which was built in several distinct phases, and thought to have been a residential sector as evidence of a kitchen, bedrooms and a farmyard have been discovered.

Its walls are decorated with well-preserved murals and bas-reliefs which give an insight into Sican life and beliefs.

Tucume’s Site Museum gives greater explanation of Sican civilisation, including the founding legend of Naylamp, a half-man / half-bird demigod.

We return to Chiclayo after lunch.

Overnight at Costa del Sol Wyndham Chiclayo Hotel, or similar.

Day 3: Beaches & Monsefu (Breakfast & Lunch)

Chiclayo is near the coast, but not on the coast, so today, after breakfast, we visit the nearby beaches of Santa Rosa and Pimentel.

We then go to the town of Monsefu which is known for its traditional handicrafts: weaving with cotton and straw; embroidery with gold and silver thread.

We return to Chiclayo at the end of the visit.

Overnight at Costa del Sol Wyndham Chiclayo Hotel, or similar.

Day 4: Huaca Rajada & Tumbas Reales Museum (Breakfast & Lunch)

This morning we visit Huaca Rajada, an adobe Moche pyramid where the tomb of the world-famous Lord of Sipan was discovered.

After lunch, we visit the award-winning Royal Tombs Museum in Lambayeque, which houses many of the ornaments and treasures found buried with the Lord of Sipan.

We return to Chiclayo at the end of the visit.

Overnight at Costa del Sol Wyndham Chiclayo Hotel, or similar.

Day 5: Chiclayo - Piura (Breakfast)

Today, after breakfast, we make the road journey in a private vehicle from Chiclayo to Piura. This will take approximately three hours.

After checking in to your Piura hotel, the rest of the day is free for personal exploration and relaxation.

Overnight at Casa Andina Standard Piura Hotel, or similar.

Day 6: Piura City Tour & Catacaos (Breakfast)

Today, after breakfast, we visit the main attractions of Piura, which was the first city founded by the Spanish Conquistadors when they arrived in 1532.

We drive around the Main Square to admire the Cathedral, then visit the Vicus Museum, and the well-known Casa Museo del Almirante Miguel Grau, the former home of Peru’s celebrated naval hero from the War of the Pacific (1879 - 83).

We continue 12 km (7.5 miles) to the south of Piura, to Catacaos, a picturesque, traditional town renowned for its artisanship. Here locals work with gold and silver, as well as straw, wood, leather, clay and cloth, to produce high-quality goods.

Furthermore, we visit St. John the Baptist Church, known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Piura’ on account of its paintings and murals.

We return to our Piura accommodation at the end of the visit.

Overnight at Casa Andina Standard Piura Hotel, or similar.

Day 7: Piura - Mancora (Breakfast)

Today, after breakfast, we make the road journey in a private vehicle from Piura to Vichayito, a tiny beach resort just south of Mancora. This will take approximately three hours.

After checking in to your Vichayito hotel, the rest of the day is free for personal exploration and relaxation.

Overnight at Vichayito Bungalows & Tents, or similar, in a Superior Bungalow.

Day 8: Vichayito: Free Day  (Breakfast)

Today, the day is free to enjoy the magnificent beaches of the area, arguably the best in the whole of Peru. 

Overnight at Vichayito Bungalows & Tents, or similar, in a Superior Bungalow.

Day 9: Swimming with the Giant Turtles; Transfer to airport (Breakfast & Lunch)

Today, after breakfast, we make the short drive to the pier at Los Organos, where we board a motorboat to take us to El Ñuro. Here we can interact with sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Snorkelling equipment (mask, wetsuit & fins) and lifejacket are provided, along with a safety briefing. There is a buoy to hang on to, if you are not a confident swimmer.

After lunch, we transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and beyond. The nearest airport is at Talara, but there are also regular flights to Lima from Piura and Tumbes.

NB. If you would like more days at Vichayito, to enjoy the beach, this can certainly be arranged.