Magpie
4.3(3 reviews)

El Brujo Archaeological Tour with Lady of Cao

From$109
4.5 hours
Trujillo, Peru

About this activity

Discover the ancient Moche civilization at El Brujo Archaeological Complex, including the tomb of the Lady of Cao, with a guided tour from Trujillo.

Highlights

  • Explore ancient Moche civilization ruins
  • Visit the Lady of Cao's tomb
  • Discover pre-Incan artifacts
  • Learn about ancient burial practices
  • Enjoy guided tour with expert insights

Full description

Step back in time to the ancient Moche civilization with a guided tour of the El Brujo Archaeological Complex. Located near Trujillo, Peru, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-Incan history. Explore the impressive ruins, including the tomb of the Lady of Cao, a remarkable discovery that sheds light on ancient burial practices and artifacts. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this half-day tour provides a convenient and enriching experience for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Included / Excluded

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Entrance tickets to El Brujo Archaeological Complex
  • Professional guide
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Itinerary

1

After picking you up at the hotel located in the city of Trujillo, we are going to departure towards the Chicama Valley, located about 33 kilometers north of Trujillo, to visit El Brujo archaeological complex, which belongs to the Mochica culture. In 1990 the excavations began and discovered the Huaca Cao Viejo, pyramid that reaches the 46 meters of height, counts on walls decorated with friezes and reliefs of colors that portray complex scenes and geometric figures. This ancient site has three main monuments: Huaca Prieta, Huaca Cao Viejo and Huaca Cortada.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

We will explore the Museum of Cao, in addition to admiring incredible objects of ancient time, we invite you to discover the mystery of the mummy unearthed in this fantastic complex, The Lady of Cao, which is circa 1,700 years old. The mummy has been preserved practically intact during all the time, due to an ancestral ritual.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
3

After this incredible experience, we are going to make a last stop at the small town of Magdalena de Cao, located 5 kilometers of El Brujo complex and taste a traditional drink known as Chicha de Jora. The fermentation process lasts 1 year under ancestral methods. After the visit, we will take you back to the city of Trujillo and drop you off at Plaza de Armas.

Duration: 40 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • Hotel pickup is available from centrally located downtown Trujillo hotels.
  • The tour duration is approximately 4.5 hours, including travel time.
  • Entrance tickets to the archaeological complex are included in the price.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infants Required On Laps

Good to know

  • Children 1 and younger are complimentary
  • You should bring comfortable clothes and shoes, camera, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, cash for personal expenses

Traveler reviews

4.3
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Guided tour way too fast!

The museum is very good (high quality objects, clear and English presentation, modern and pleasant building, free toilets) BUT the guided tour is horrible in the sense that you can see everything at a rush; absolutely not a minute to appreciate the contents. I had to do the whole tour a second time alone afterwards!

Xavier BMay 6, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Don't miss El Bruno!

We had a great guide, Luis, who gave us an interesting and comprehensive tour. We loved seeing the temple, the gravesite, and visiting the museum. A fabulous tour all around!

CaroleZ_LSep 3, 2023VIATOR

Additional information

Children 1 and younger are complimentary You should bring comfortable clothes and shoes, camera, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, cash for personal expenses
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