From Cajamarca: Markahuamachuco the 'Machu Picchu of the North'.
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Discover the "Machu Picchu of Northern Peru". Marvel at an impressive pre-Inca architectural construction.
Highlights
- You will explore the Markahuamachuco Architectural Complex.
- Considered the 'Machu Picchu of the North'.
- Markahuamachuco is the largest archaeological site in northern Peru.
- The excursion is done privately.
- The tour is conducted with a tour guide in Spanish or English, according to selection.
Description
At 05:00 hrs. we will pick you up at your accommodation and depart to the town of Cajabamba.
08:00 hrs. Arrival to Cajabamba, time for breakfast (at passenger's expense) and continuation of the trip to the city of Huamachuco.
10:30 hrs. Arrival to the city of Huamachuco and transfer to the Markahuamachuco Complex.
11:00 hrs. Arrival and visit to the Archaeological Complex of Markahuamachuco, a complex of pre-Inca architectural constructions still little explored, considered by archaeologists as 'The Machu Picchu of the North'.
This archaeological complex located on a plain on the mountain that bears the same name, is located 9.5 km northwest of the city of Huamachuco (capital of the province) at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level, the construction of this place began in the year 500 to 700 BC, with an area of 5 kilometers, its buildings exceed 10 meters and are the largest in the northern highlands of Peru.
From the top of Markahuamachuco you can see the Condebamba valley, in addition to the Chicama river, on the hill where Markahuamachuco is located, you can see three elevations: (1) El Castillo Hill, a double-walled circular fortress with a large plaza and galleries that would have served various functions, (2) Las Monjas Hill, composed of seven circular buildings and (3) Los Corrales Hill, occupied by different types of architectural structures, such as remains of rounded fortress, rectangular structures, among others.
Archaeological studies show that Markahuamachuco was once the most important political, economic and military center in northern Peru, before being conquered by the Inca empire, the function of the site although not entirely clear, was that of a Ceremonial Oracle, as well as a religious and political center, even being able to become a burial place in its later stages. Its social gravitation extended throughout the north of Peru and the south of contemporary Ecuador. It is possible that this importance was based on trade with its neighbors, the Mochicas to the west, the Recuay culture to the south, Cajamarca culture in the north and lesser known cultures of the Marañon between 650 and 700 AD.
After having toured this impressive archaeological complex we start our return trip.
14:00 hrs. Return to the city of Huamachuco.
14:30 hrs. Arrival to Huamachuco and lunch (at passenger's expense).
15:30 hrs. Return to Cajamarca.
21:00 hrs. Arrival to Cajamarca and return to lodging.
Includes
Pickup and drop-off service to and from the hotel.
Transportation Cajamarca - Markahuamachuco - Cajamarca
Local tour guide
Driver
Entrance fees
Important Information
- The children's rate applies as long as 02 adults book.
Children who do not pay, travel on their parents' lap and under their responsibility.
The activity is done with a tour guide in Spanish or English (choose the option).
Spanish speaking guide option: In the transfer Cajamarca - Huamachuco - Cajamarca, you will be accompanied by the driver, in Markahuamachuco a tour guide will be waiting for you.
English speaking tour guide option: The tour guide will accompany you from the beginning to the end of the activity.
It is recommended to bring water and/or snacks for the tour.
The activity requires a minimum of 02 adult participants, in case of being only 01 adult, choose the option 'Individual'.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund