What to expect
Start with the north coast's adobe sites and the discoveries from Sipán's tombs. The scenery changes on the way to Chachapoyas. Kuélap gets its own day; choose a second day for a waterfall walk. Tarapoto finishes the trip rather than starting a distant rainforest expedition.
How it fits into a journey
Suggested plan with suitable road connections: days 1–2 Lima (2 nights); day 3 travel to Trujillo and day 4 archaeology (2); day 5 Chiclayo and day 6 museum visit (2); day 7 long journey to Chachapoyas, possibly overnight; day 8 arrival/rest, day 9 Kuélap, day 10 one outing such as Gocta (3 Chachapoyas nights after an overnight bus, or 4 if arriving on day 7); day 11 travel to Tarapoto, days 12–13 nearby outings (3 nights); day 14 departure. Total: 13 nights including any bus night. If a connection does not fit, remove Tarapoto or extend the trip rather than pretending the transfer takes half a day.