North Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, accommodations, and local cultures of North, Lima, Peru. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide for explorers and adventurers.


North is a paradise of rich heritage and natural wonders. This region in Lima, Central Coast, Peru, is filled with archaeological sites, traditional communities, and breathtaking scenery. Travelers to North will have a unique opportunity to learn about Peruvian culture and history while enjoying outdoor adventures and delighting in exceptional cuisine. This comprehensive tour guide to North will help explorers and adventurers plan their trip, navigate transportation, and experience all that this region has to offer.

Introduction to North

North is a fascinating region located in Lima, Central Coast, Peru. It spans from the north of Lima to the border of Ecuador, covering more than 1,400 kilometers of coastline. The region is characterized by its impressive archaeological sites, which are a testament to the legacy of the ancient Moche, Chimu, and Lambayeque cultures. In addition to its cultural heritage, North is also home to natural wonders such as the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, the Huascaran National Park, and the picturesque beaches in Mancora.

List of Places to Visit in North

A trip to North provides rich experiences of Peruvian culture, history, and natural scenery. Here is a list of top places to visit in North:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipan (Sipan Royal Tombs Museum)
  • Chan Chan Archaeological Zone
  • Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and Moon)
  • Tucume Archaeological Site
  • El Brujo Archaeological Complex

Natural Attractions of North: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Huascaran National Park
  • Cordillera Blanca
  • Gocta Waterfalls
  • Paracas National Reserve
  • Mancora Beach

Hiking/Biking Routes of North

North offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in Peru. Here are some recommended routes:

  • Santa Cruz Trek
  • Huayhuash Trek
  • Cordillera Blanca Circuit
  • El Misti Summit hike
  • The Andes Peru Trail

Best Things to Do in North: Activities and Tours

North offers a range of activities and tours to suit all tastes:

  • Surfing and kite-surfing in Mancora and Lobitos
  • Whale watching in Mancora
  • ATV tours through the desert
  • Sailing and kayaking in Paracas
  • Paragliding in Lima

Week-Long Itinerary for North

Here is an example itinerary for a week-long trip to North:

Day 1 - Visit Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipan Day 2 - Explore Chan Chan Archaeological Zone Day 3 - Hike the Santa Cruz Trek Day 4 - Enjoy Mancora Beach Day 5 - Take an ATV tour through the desert Day 6 - Visit Huascaran National Park Day 7 - Fly home from Trujillo International Airport

Food and Drink Scene of North

The North region of Lima is home to a variety of traditional dishes and drinks. Here are some Must-Try Dishes and Local Beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cebiche
  • Arroz con Pato (Duck with Rice)
  • Seco de Cordero (Lamb Stew)
  • Causa Rellena (Potato Casserole)
  • Anticuchos (Beef Hearts)

Local Beverages

  • Pisco Sour
  • Chicha Morada
  • Inca Kola
  • Cusquena Beer
  • Cafecito (Coffee)

Where to Stay in North: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Here are some recommendations:

  • Casa Andina Standard Trujillo
  • Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa
  • DM Hoteles Nasca
  • Costa Norte Boutique Hotel
  • La Casa de Victor

What to Buy in North: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

North is famous for its traditional crafts, textiles, and ceramics. Here are some ideas of what to buy:

  • Alpaca scarves and ponchos
  • Traditional pottery from Quinua
  • Colorful woven bags from Chinchero
  • Handmade silver jewelry from Cusco

Local Culture and Customs of North

North is a region characterized by its rich cultural heritage. Visitors to North should keep the following in mind:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Be mindful of the environment and protect the cultural heritage sites.
  • Learn the basics of Spanish to communicate with locals.
  • Try traditional dishes and drinks to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Best Time to Visit North

The best time to visit North is from May to October. During this period, the weather is dry and sunny, and the temperature is comfortable for outdoor activities. November to April is the rainy season, which can make hiking and other outdoor activities difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of North

Visitors to North should keep the following Do’s and Don’ts in mind:

Do:

  • Explore the local culture and heritage.
  • Try the local food and drink.
  • Be respectful and mindful of local customs.
  • Protect the environment and cultural sites.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Litter or damage the environment and cultural heritage sites.
  • Engage in illegal activities, such as drug use.

Safety and Health

Safety in North

North is largely safe for travelers, but visitors should take the following precautions:

  • Avoid displaying valuables in public.
  • Use licensed taxis and avoid unmarked cars.
  • Avoid traveling alone at night.

Health in North

North is largely safe for travelers, but visitors should take the following health precautions:

  • Drink bottled water and avoid tap water.
  • Use sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Get your vaccinations up to date before traveling.

Getting to North: Transportation Options and Logistics

Travelers can access North by air or land. Here are some ways to get to North:

Airports Near North

  • Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima
  • Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport in Piura

Bus Stations Near North

  • Lima Central Bus Station
  • Trujillo Terminal Terrestre

Other Options

  • Private car services
  • Train service from Lima to Huancayo

How to Get Around in North

North is easy to navigate via bus or taxi services. Visitors can also rent cars or to get around.

Where to Go Next from North: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

North is well-connected to many other destinations in Peru. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Machu Picchu
  • Cusco
  • Nazca Lines
  • Lima
  • Huacachina Oasis

Conclusion

North is a region of Peru that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, outdoor adventure, and exceptional cuisine. From the ancient archaeological sites to the picturesque landscape, travelers to North will be immersed in culture and beauty. Use this comprehensive tour guide to North to plan your trip, navigate transportation, and experience all that North has to offer.

Ancon Harbor Ancon Harbor Panoramic view from Cerro San Cristobal Panoramic view from Cerro San Cristobal