Often forgotten and far from the hype and predictability of what is commonly known as the ‘The Gringo Trail’ (the sites comprising of Cusco, Puno, and Machu Picchu), are the isolated and lesser discovered verdant Northern Highlands of Peru.
Home to many Inca and pre-Inca ruins, an Andean adventure awaits those travellers who are looking for something a little off beat.
Exploring the Temple of Pachacámac in Lima, the largest Mud City of the Americas, Chan, built by the Chimú tribes, the lush rainforest and the Fortress of Kuélap in Chachapoyas (the country’s second-most thrilling archaeological site after Machu Picchu), as well as a rare mystical cleansing Shaman experience, are just a handful of the many outstanding experiences you will have in the Kingdom of the Sun with us.
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Signature Tour 
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation.
Today is free for you to explore this buzzing city. The Peruvian capital was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizzaro. Here, you will encounter colonial richness and the vibrating vitality of an oriental bazaar. The city has melancholic winters where the fog ‘garúa’ rules and hot and humid summers. There are huge districts where poor people live but also rich quarters with comfortable, old houses and the smell of jasmine in the evening.
Overnight – Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel or similar
After having breakfast at the hotel, we will be transferred to the historical centre of Lima, the ‘City of the Kings’, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop off at the Main Square, to explore the square on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the City Hall. Then visit the Cathedral of Lima; walking through its numerous chapels, you will be transported to the past and discover various architectural styles and learn about the religious history of Peru.
Next, you will visit San Francisco Church, built in 1674, this attractive yellow church is considered the best sample of the ‘Lima Baroque’ style. It was built over a network of tunnels and catacombs. Continue to Huaca Pucllana Archaeological Centre; it was active between the 5th- 8th century AD. In this archaeological temple, you will learn more about the life and rituals of its former inhabitants. The ‘flattened pyramids’ are a unique characteristic of the pre-Hispanic sites in the coastal region of Peru. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant located within the Huaca Pucllana site, offering a unique dining experience with views of the archaeological ruins.
From here, return to your hotel to collect your luggage and you will be met and transferred to the airport for your evening flight to Trujillo, likely departing from Lima at 19:00 and arriving at Turjillo at 20:15. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B,L)
Overnight – Hotel Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro or similar
Following breakfast this morning, visit the Sun & Moon Huacas (Temple of the Sun and Moon). This excursion will take you to the south of Trujillo to visit a religious centre of the Mochica culture, built in the 5th century. Admire the temples of the Sun and the Moon that constituted the centre of the ancient Moche culture, which developed between 100AD and 900AD. Both Huacas are separated by 500m, where the urban centre that houses the Moche elite is still preserved underground. The archaeological complex includes two large pyramids, the Huaca Las Estrellas, Huaca del Cerro Blanco, the Spider geoglyph, and other buildings. You will also spend time visiting the workshop of a traditional artisan Moche family and the Huacas de Moche Museum, which compliments the visit of the Huacas with its representation of aspects of life, city, and environment of the Moche culture. It also holds an amazing collection of ceramics of great beauty.
Next, visit the Huaca Dragon (Dragon Temple), also known as the Rainbow Temple, located on the outskirts of northern Trujillo. This building was erected by the Chimú culture, a lordship contemporary of the Incas. It is an impressive religious monument and ceremonial centre which was also used for administrative purposes. Built of adobe, the walls of the premises are decorated with beautiful mural reliefs showing anthropomorphic figures and representing the rainbow.
Continue to Huanchaco, an ancestral fisherman’s cove, where it is possible to watch old reed boats known as ‘Caballitos de Totora’, with which the local population maintains its thousand-year-old tradition of artisan fishing. Following lunch in Huanchaco, you will head to Chan Chan Archaeological Complex, the largest mud city in the Americas and the most important city of the Chimú culture, which has an area of approximately 20 square kilometres. Its central area is formed by a group of 10 walled premises called ‘citadels’ and other independent pyramids. The rest of the complex is composed of several small structures, sidewalks, canals, walls, and cemeteries.
Today will involve easy walking for approx. 8km (3 hours). Most of the route is flat and certain sections must be walked on elevated ramps. In the afternoon return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B,L)
Overnight – Hotel Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro or similar
This morning you’ll depart for the Valley of Chicama, located 50km north of Trujillo, to visit the archaeological complex of El Brujo which dates back to the Mochica culture. The capital National University of Trujillo and the National Institute of Culture began a joint dig here in 1990. They have discovered the ‘Huaca Cao highlights’, pyramids reaching up to 50m in height with decorated walls and coloured reliefs that depict complex scenes, characters, and geometric designs. These are the only examples known to relate to the Moche culture. Interestingly, the site is located very close to the seashore, and it is believed that ancient maritime rituals were carried out here, although excavation is ongoing and may reveal additional uses for the El Brujo area.
Discover the mystery of the ornately tattooed 1,600-year-old mummy unearthed in the archaeological complex. Preserved for centuries thanks to a meticulous treatment and ancient ritual that included the application of cinnabar, a red mineral that inhibits decomposition of the skin and tissues.
From here, you continue to Chiclayo where you will be transferred to your hotel. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Casa Andina Select Chiclayo or similar
Begin your day with a visit to Huaca Rajada Archaeological Complex and its museum, a set of huge mud pyramids. Partially destroyed by centuries of extreme weather conditions, the complex gained special notoriety in 1987 when Dr Walter Alva, then director of the Bruning Museum of Lambayeque, became aware of the illegal excavations that had been made. What had begun as a protection plan ended with the magnificent discovery of the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, one of the most impressive, pre-Colombian burials in Peru.
Head towards Lambayeque where you will visit the Royal Tombs Museum. Due to the Lord of Sipan discovery, whose importance was shown in the complexity of its burial and apparent semi-divine status, the creation of a new museum was necessary to be in accordance with the discovery. Thus, after rescuing, investigating, and restoring all registered pieces, the museum was built, a unique place in South America.
Then visit the Brunning Museum which showcases the technological and artistic character of the region of the last 5,000 years. Afterwards, visit the brand-new Tumbas Reales Museum and discover the historical richness there. Today you can expect to be walking for approx. 3 hours (8km) on easy terrain. (B,L)
Overnight – Casa Andina Select Chiclayo or similar
This morning following breakfast, depart for the Bosque de Pomac National Sanctuary. This is one of the most important archaeological sites throughout South America. This site consists of numerous pyramids that were once the administrative and religious centre of the powerful pre-Incan Sican culture. Depending on the archaeological work being undertaken, you can visit Huaca Las Ventanas or Huaca El Loro, where archaeologists are still uncovering the secrets of the Sican people.
After this visit, you will head to the city of Ferrenafe to visit the museum at Sican. This museum displays all the everyday aspects of Sican culture. You can also see the processes of making pottery and metal crafts besides a recreation of the tombs of the Sican nobles. Most of the objects are displayed in their context that is in the same way they were used and made. The famous Winged Eye Mask is displayed in the ‘Room of Funerary Offerings’, along with crowns, necklaces, ceramics, and other ornaments.
Drive to Chiclayo and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Tucume, a vast Lambayeque archaeological complex that is over 1000 years old flanking an imposing hill, from where the extensive pre-Columbian urban site can be surveyed. With over 200 hectares, the complex has 26 buildings of monumental structures associated with lower-rank buildings: squares, walls, patios, and canals, reflecting a system of planned growth and the complicated social structure of Lambayeque. The remains of this site belong to successive cultures; the Mochica, Lambayeque, Chimú, and Inca. Spend time exploring the museum here to better understand what life was like during that period and discover the viewpoint of Cerro Purgatorio. From here you will be transferred back to your hotel for dinner.
Following dinner, drive to the village of Tucume Viejo, where you will meet one of the most renowned Shamans of the north of the region. You will meet in one of the rooms of his home, which is near the archaeological complex, appropriate for the mystical atmosphere required. At midnight, you will start to live a mystical experience with a session of quackery, where you will go through a bath of flourishing and cleansing, to expel all the negative energy through the use of natural herbs and hallucinogens. This session will last all night until dawn. After the session, you will head back to the Chiclayo.
Today you can expect to be walking for about 4 hours (12km) and it is on easy terrain. (B,L)
Overnight – Casa Andina Select Chiclayo or similar
Following breakfast, be ready for a big drive that night as we begin the 10-hour journey (paved roads and trail) to Chachapoyas traversing the magnificent Andes with stops along the way to take in the scenery and enjoy a packed lunch. The trip goes through one of the driest deserts on the planet, then climbs the Andes, descends to the Marañon River, and finally ascends via the great Utcumbamba canyon. (B,L)
Overnight – Gocta Andes Lodge or similar
After breakfast, depart for Cocachimba Town, a village inhabited by around 200 families. It is from here that you will begin your journey towards Gocta Waterfall. The hike takes approx. 5-6 hours (12km – moderate difficulty). The trail has slopes and uneven terrain, with lots of uphill and downhill in both directions. If needed you can rent a horse to ride part of the way (paid locally). The horses can travel about two-thirds of the path but the last section must be done on foot. Along the way, enjoy the great diversity of flora and fauna, and a splendid view of the waterfall.
Gocta Waterfall, locally known as “La Chorrera”, is 771 meters high and it is considered among the highest waterfalls in the world. It is the perfect habitat for toucans, monkeys, mountain lions, and Andean cocks-of-the-rock. It is located in a large cloud-covered forest, around which there are about twenty waterfalls. It offers a beautiful combination of geography and history, making it a magical place. To get to the bottom of Gocta Waterfall you will walk along 5km of a footpath of uneven terrain, through dense rainforest alive with colour and sound. After 2 ½ hours, you arrive at the falls where you can take some time to soak in the awesome beauty of your surroundings.
Then, return to the hotel for the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)
Overnight – Gocta Andes Lodge or similar
Today’s visit is to Kuélap, a majestic architectural site built by the Chachapoyas. On the way, you will pass by the Macro Archaeological site, also known as “Macro Towers “, for its characteristic design. Macro is located on the side of a hill overlooking the Utcubamba River.
On arrival in Nuevo Tingo town, you will board the bus to the Cable Car station. Once on board the modern cable cars, a short and safe trip will take you to the starting point of the visit to Kuelap. From the cable car station, it is a climb on foot or on horseback to the “Fortress”, which is built on top of the Cerro Barreta (3,000 metres). Although Kuélap was discovered 60 years before Machu Picchu, it is not recognized worldwide. However, recent discoveries in nearby areas have captured the attention of archaeologists, international magazines, and film companies.
Kuélap is a place surrounded by beautiful landscapes; at first, it seems inaccessible since it is protected by colossal walls and cliffs on three of its four sides. The fortress has three platforms, and inside they have circular buildings decorated with rhomboidal and zigzag friezes. Its complex interior architecture indicates it was a well-organized population group. The surrounding landscape and the natural scenarios make it unforgettable.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your lodge. (B,L)
Overnight – Gocta Andes Lodge or similar
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima (flight not included) (B)
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Enquire About a Private Option**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures year round.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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