Northern Highlands
The Northern Highlands stretch from the western foothills of the Andes across the mountains and down to the Amazon jungle. For those who want to venture off the beaten path, this region contains gorgeous national parks, one of Peru's most spectacular pre-Columbian ruins, and one of the world’s tallest waterfalls.
Cumbe Mayo
The ancient aqueducts of Cumbe Mayo continue to baffle archaeologists. Set outside the town of Cajamarca in Peru’s Northern Highlands, Cumbe Mayo is an utterly fascinating place to visit.
Explore PlaceKuntur Wasi
The oldest forged gold in the Americas was found at the archaeological site of Kuntur Wasi. Set within Peru’s Northern Highlands, this site was one of the most important ceremonial centers in the region during the Formative Period (2,500–50 B.C.).
Explore PlaceVentanillas de Otuzco
The Ventanillas de Otuzco (Small Windows) are set just outside the town of Cajamarca. The site is made up of some 200 small windows carved into a cliff. The windows are actually old tombs from the Cajamarca culture.
Explore PlaceCajamarca
Cajamarca is a charming city in northern Peru. Set within the Andes at an elevation of about 9,000 feet (2,750 m), Cajamarca is one of the best destinations in the Northern Highlands. Despite rapid growth due to the gold mining industry, Cajamarca still retains a historic feel. Villagers stroll down cobblestone streets in traditional attire, passing by old churches and colonial houses as they make their way towards the Plaza de Armas.
Explore PlaceChachapoyas
The indigenous population of the city of Chachapoyas has a reputation for being some of the most friendly and hospitable people in Peru. While in Chachapoyas, which is famous for its cloud forests, visitors can delve into the rich history of the “cloud people,” including visits to an immense stone ruin known as the “Machu Picchu of the North,” and also see some of the most impressive mummies in Peru.
Explore PlaceTarapoto
Tarapoto is a large town in Peru’s Northern Highlands. Tarapoto acts as a gateway to the northeastern high jungle and is a short, one-hour flight from Lima. This area has good food, lovely landscapes, and unique birds.
Explore PlaceMoyobamba
Moyobamba is an off-the-beaten-path jungle destination in northeastern Peru. It’s surrounded by cloud forests that harbor an array of plants and animals.
Explore PlaceMore about Northern Highlands
The Northern Highlands are home to many Incan and pre-Incan ruins, as well as some spectacular scenery, making a perfect alternative destination for those seeking something less touristy than the area around Machu Picchu and Cusco.
The Northern Highlands attract visitors from all over the world to experience the particular northern diversity, from cities such as Cajamarca in the High Sierra to Tarapoto and the High Jungle at the beginning of the Amazon Basin. Divided into different sections, the west is known for its fertile valleys, verdant highlands and deep canyons, whereas the east has humid cloud forests and subtropical valleys with orchids and bromeliads.
Each zone has its particular attractions. For history buffs, the amazing plazas of cities like Cajamarca offer traditional architecture, food and even Incan thermal baths. Chachapoyas is a friendly place at the center of a region full of archaeological treasures, the mysteries of which are only just being uncovered: this includes the Kuelap Fortress (or Cuélap), a walled city high above the Utcubamba Valley. Wild roads carry the adventurous visitor over cloudy mountains to Gocta Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world —a great day activity when explored by foot or horse.
This region doesn't see as many tourists as other destinations in Peru, which gives it an authentic feeling, but is still packed with different cultural delights amidst the changing landscape. The Northern Highlands are filled with tiny, colorful villages hidden in hills and valleys, where tourists can feel a part of daily Peruvian life, as well as adventure with mountain hikes, mountain biking or horse treks.
