Viajar magazine invites readers to join one of the remarkable expeditions led by Viajes Azul Marino to uncover Peru’s rich treasures. From October 1 to 14, 2023, travelers embark on a journey through history, wandering through forests and deserts while exploring ancient pre-Columbian civilizations.
The expedition will be guided by Josep María Palau, editor of VIAJAR magazine. A photographer, journalist, and university professor, his lifelong passion has always been to travel the world. In his early years, he served as a special envoy in conflicts such as Algeria and the Balkans. He later collaborated with leading travel publications, directed TV series and documentaries, and offered a geographer’s perspective on life and travel. He has also received the travel prize from the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, twice, and published several guides focused on alternative and solidarity journeys like Other Worlds (Oxfam).
Colonial Heritage
The journey begins in Lima, the capital where a colonial footprint is woven into its architectural fabric. Travelers will explore Plaza San Martín and its historic Hotel Bolívar, stroll through Plaza Mayor with its famed colonial mansions, and visit the Lima Cathedral, a premier example of colonial Baroque. Time is set aside for culture, especially ancient numismatics, at the Larco Museum, which houses an outstanding collection of pre-Columbian gold and silver coins and the renowned Mochica erotic ceramic collection. A culinary interlude in Lima offers Creole dishes and a chance to learn traditional regional dances at historic, award-winning restaurants in the city.
The most legendary Peru is celebrated again in the new VIAJAR Expedition.
Adobe Wonders
Trujillo stands out as a must on this route, home to the Huacas del Sol y la Luna archaeological complex and the vast mud-brick pyramids of the Moche valley. The Chan Chan site, crafted from sun-dried bricks, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the largest mud-brick fortress on Earth. At its height, it housed over 100,000 residents, marking a milestone in its era. In Trujillo, a detour to the Huanchaco hot springs, the city’s most visited site, introduces travelers to the cradle of ceviche, a Peruvian dish that locals prize. From Chiclayo, a region rich in history and home to the Royal Tombs at the National Museum of Sipán, the itinerary proceeds to the Túcume archaeological enclave with its 26 pyramids and significant ancient structures.
The legend continues with a visit to the Huacas del Sol y la Luna and the surrounding Moche heritage, where travelers witness extraordinary adobe architecture and an enduring connection to the region’s past.
The most legendary Peru is celebrated again in the new VIAJAR Expedition.
Inca Treasures
A southbound inland flight drops the group into Cuzco, a city brimming with sights. One can admire panoramic views from the Sacsayhuamán ruins, wander through the San Pedro Central Market, and pass the impressive Cuzco Cathedral, completed in 1654 on the site of an Inca palace. The Renaissance-style cathedral houses a notable collection of 16th and 17th-century paintings. Beyond, Tambomachay showcases the Incas’ hydraulic mastery at 3,600 meters above sea level, while Qori Kancha, or the Temple of the Sun, reveals Inca construction methods. Visitors can engage with the Amaru community in the Sacred Valley to experience local traditions and participate in natural dye production using leaves and flowers. An added highlight is Ollantaytambo fortress, another jewel of Inca engineering.
In the Sacred Valley, the journey offers a chance to observe daily life and learn about textile dyes, then continue to Ollantaytambo, a fortress residence that embodies Inca resilience. The expedition culminates with Machu Picchu, the famed Inca fortress acknowledged as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site captivates with temples, subterranean canals, and springs, all set against a dramatic mountain backdrop—a monumental achievement in ancient architecture.
Some travelers may opt for a spectacular side excursion to the Ballestas Islands to witness a sunset over the Paracas Dunes and observe sea lions, shorebirds, and Humboldt penguins. For others, a flight over the Nazca lines offers a flight of geoglyphs that continue to intrigue researchers and visitors alike.
The most legendary Peru is celebrated again in the new VIAJAR Expedition.
A Tribute to Great Journeys
Peru becomes a fresh destination for VIAJAR’s storied expeditions, guided by historians, archaeologists, and travel writers who share a passion for exploration. Myanmar, India, Tanzania, Argentina, Thailand, Lapland, and Peru are among the destinations featured in 2023, each offering a window into history and tradition. Details on flights, accommodations, pricing, itinerary, and the full schedule can be found on the VIAJAR expeditions page. Those seeking more information can contact VIAJAR’s expedition team through the appropriate channels or by inquiry through the official channels of VIAJAR. The experience is designed for travelers who crave authentic discovery and meaningful cultural exchange.