Northern Sierra Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Northern Sierra in Peru with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Northern Sierra

Peru’s Northern Sierra region is a must-visit destination for those interested in history, culture, and outdoor activities. This region is known for its diverse landscape, including towering mountains, deep canyons, and fertile valleys. Northern Sierra is home to many important archaeological sites and museums that tell the story of the region’s history and culture.

In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Northern Sierra in Peru, including a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, must-try dishes, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Sierra

Here are some of the most popular places to visit in Northern Sierra:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chavin de Huantar: This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the remnants of an ancient Andean culture that existed over 3,000 years ago.
  • Kuelap: This 8th-century ancient fortress, also known as the Machu Picchu of the North, was built by the Chachapoyas people.
  • Leymebamba Museum: This museum houses a collection of more than 200 mummies and their burial artifacts found during the excavation of the Laguna de Los Condores.

Natural Attractions of Northern Sierra: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gocta Waterfall: This waterfall is one of the tallest in the world, and it’s accessible via a scenic hiking trail.
  • Huascaran National Park: This park is home to Peru’s highest peak, the Huascaran mountain, as well as glacial lakes and diverse flora and fauna.
  • Marañón Canyon: This deep canyon is ideal for rafting and kayaking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Sierra

For those looking for outdoor adventures, Northern Sierra offers various hiking and biking routes. Here are some of the best:

  • Santa Cruz Trek: This iconic trek near Huaraz takes about four days and offers stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.
  • Cordillera Huayhuash Trek: This is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in Peru, taking 10 to 12 days to complete.
  • Cajamarca to Celendin Bike Route: This downhill bike route takes riders through stunning landscapes, from the Andes to the Amazon.

Best Things to Do in Northern Sierra: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, Northern Sierra offers various activities and tours. Here are some of the best:

  • Hot Springs: There are various hot springs in Northern Sierra, where you can relax after a long day of hiking or biking.
  • Visit Local Markets: Northern Sierra is known for its vibrant markets, where you can buy handmade textiles, ceramics, and other souvenirs.
  • La Candelaria Festival: This festival, celebrated annually in the first week of February, is a colorful celebration of Andean culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Sierra

Here’s a sample itinerary for exploring Northern Sierra in one week:

Day 1: Arrive in Cajamarca and explore the colonial city center and the Ransom Room Museum.

Day 2: Take a day trip to the Cumbe Mayo archeological site and the Ventanillas de Otuzco.

Day 3-4: Visit Kuelap and Gocta Waterfall.

Day 5-6: Hike the Santa Cruz Trek or explore Huascaran National Park.

Day 7: Relax in the hot springs or take a tour of a local market before departing.

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Sierra

Peruvian cuisine is world-renowned, and Northern Sierra offers its own unique dishes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pachamanca: This traditional dish involves cooking meat, potatoes, and corn in an underground oven.
  • Chicha de Jora: This is a fermented corn beverage, often served with roasted guinea pig, another delicacy.

Local Beverages

  • Café Pasado: This is a traditional style of coffee made by boiling freshly roasted beans with cinnamon and cloves.
  • Anisado: This is a sweet, anise-flavored liquor that pairs well with dessert.

Where to Stay in Northern Sierra: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Northern Sierra has various options for accommodations, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostel and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  • Hotel Costa del Sol Cajamarca: This hotel offers modern amenities and has a prime location in Cajamarca.
  • Casa Alquimia: This guesthouse in Huanchaco offers a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful ocean views.
  • Hostal Antigua: This budget-friendly hostel in Chachapoyas offers clean, comfortable rooms and a friendly staff.

What to Buy in Northern Sierra: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Textiles: Northern Sierra is known for its high-quality textiles, including alpaca wool sweaters, scarfs, and hats.
  • Ceramics: The region is known for its colorful ceramics, often depicting Andean motifs.
  • Coffee: Northern Sierra is a major coffee-producing region in Peru, and there are many coffee plantations where you can buy high-quality coffee beans.

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Sierra

The indigenous Andean culture is prevalent throughout Northern Sierra, with its own unique traditions, music, and food. Visitors should respect this culture and seek to learn from it.

Best Time to Visit Northern Sierra

The best time to visit Northern Sierra is during the dry months of May through September, when the weather is mild and sunny. Keep in mind that the climate can vary depending on the altitude and location.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Sierra

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Stay hydrated and acclimatize if you’re not used to the altitude.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Ignore safety precautions when hiking, biking, or participating in other outdoor activities.
  • Disrespect archaeological sites or take artifacts.
  • Wear revealing clothing in conservative areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Northern Sierra

Northern Sierra is a safe place to visit, but visitors should always take precautions to keep themselves and their belongings safe. It’s recommended to take precautions when hiking or participating in other outdoor activities, such as hiring trusted guides.

Health in Northern Sierra

Visitors to Northern Sierra should be aware of altitude sickness, which can affect people who are not used to high altitudes. It’s recommended to acclimatize slowly and drink plenty of water to avoid sickness.

Getting to Northern Sierra: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Northern Sierra

  • Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM): Located in Lima, this is the main international airport in Peru.
  • FAP Captain Carlos Martinez de Pinillos International Airport (TRU): Located in Trujillo, this airport is closer to Northern Sierra’s coastal cities.

Bus Stations Near Northern Sierra

  • Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte: This terminal in Lima offers buses to various destinations in Northern Sierra.
  • Cruz del Sur: This is a reputable bus company that offers comfortable, long-distance buses to Northern Sierra.

Other Options

  • Private transport: Many tour operators offer private transport to Northern Sierra and surrounding areas.
  • Rental cars: It’s possible to rent a car in Lima and drive to Northern Sierra.

How to Get Around Northern Sierra

Public transportation is available in Northern Sierra but can be unpredictable. Buses and taxis are the most common forms of transportation.

Where to Go Next from Northern Sierra: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Peru is a diverse country with many other destinations to explore. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Trujillo: This colonial city is home to many archaeological sites, such as the Huaca de la Luna and Chan Chan.
  • Chiclayo: This city is known for its delicious seafood and the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum.
  • Lima: Peru’s capital city has a vibrant food scene and is home to many museums and historical sites.

Conclusion

Northern Sierra is a unique region of Peru, offering a blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities that will leave visitors with unforgettable memories. Plan your trip well and take your time exploring all that this region has to offer.



    Cajamarca
    Celendín
    Cordillera Blanca
    Jaén (city, Peru)