Trujillo Archaeological Day Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore ancient Chan Chan ruins
- Visit Huanchaco's traditional fishing port
- Discover the Sun and Moon Temples
- Learn about Moche civilization
- Enjoy scenic coastal views
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Chan Chan archaeological site
- Visit to Huanchaco beach and fishing port
- Exploration of Sun and Moon Temples
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Your day trip from Trujillo starts with hotel pickup for the 15-minute drive south of town to the Temple of the Sun (Huaca del Sol) and Temple of the Moon (Huaca de la Luna), collectively known as the Temples of Moche (Huacas de Moche). When you arrive, you'll learn about the Moche people, the civilization that inhabited northern Peru from the 1st to 8th centuries and built the two temples you have come to see. Explore the site with your guide, enjoying close-up views of both temples and learning about their history and significance. Built out of adobe brick, both the Sun and Moon temples played important roles in the life of the Moche; archeologists think that the stepped Temple of the Sun was used for administrative and military purposes, while the terraced Temple of the Moon provided religious and ceremonial functions. Admire the impressive frescoes that adorn the walls of the Temple of the Moon, and marvel at the size of the Temple of the Sun, which is the bigger of the two.
Next, continue your day trip to Huaco el Dragon, the Temple of the Dragon, also known as Huaco del Arco Iris, or Temple of the Rainbow. As you enter the site, you’ll be transitioning from the Moche to the Chimú, a civilization that developed in northern Peru around 900 AD, after the Moche died out, and inhabited the region until the Incas came in the 1400s. With your guide, admire the adobe pyramid’s intricate frieze detailing before leaving for your next destination, Huanchaco, about a 20-minute drive west.
Located on the coast, Huanchaco is a fishing village and beach town known for its caballitos de totora (little reed horses), small boats made out of reed that have been used by fishermen in Peru for 3,000 years. Learn about their interesting history from your guide (there is some debate that these tiny watercraft — ridden like a horse — constituted the first form of riding waves, aka surfing), and then have lunch at a local seafood restaurant.
After lunch, head to your last stop of the day, the former Chimú capital of Chan Chan. This World Heritage-listed ancient city is South America’s largest pre-Columbian city and was the center of Chimú politics and culture from approximately 900 to 1470, when it was conquered by the Incan Empire. Tour the 7-square-mile (18-sq-km) archeological site with your guide, checking out its shrines, cemeteries, barns, reservoirs and ceremonial plazas. Learn about its structure of adobe brick and mud; marvel at its expansive, walled design; and visit the Nik-An Palace, a complex that features ceremonial courtyards and walls adorned with friezes. Your day trip ends with hotel drop-off in Trujillo.
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Confirm the meeting point and time upon booking.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated.
- Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historical sites.
Cancellation policy
0All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Traveler reviews
Nice, but incomplete
The guide, Sabrina was super enthusiastic, but also a bit too much detail driven. What we saw in chan chan and Huaca del Sol and huaca de la luna was fantastic. However, to the disappointment of many, the museum and the reed boats were skipped. This is not the first time we experience that the program we paid for was not fully completed. That is not fair.
The uncharted magic of Peru
One of the best highlights of my trip to Peru. It is a must know the HUACA of the Moon and Chan chan. It's a stunning place not everyone knows but should. Eli, our guide was wonderful, super friendly and with great knowledge. I would recommend it without thinking.
Amazing Tour - History in a nutshell
This is a long tour and totally worth it. Our tour guide Flor was amazing, very knowledgeable and with a centered perspective. Visited 4 historical sites (3 huacas and the citadel). Chana Chan is a wonder of the world. Tour included lunch which was at a restaurant called El Sombrero in Huanchaco. Food to die for, amazing service.
This place stayed in my heart ❤️. Stunningly incredible all the history that could be discovered in the future.
Excellent guide that we got!!! Learning about this culture in the way it was narrated is a delight. This place is impressive and makes you think about all the past that is in that story while you perceive everything that could be discovered in the future. 100% recommended.
Although the Temple of...
Although the Temple of the Dragon was closed, the rest of the tour was great. Everything tied together so it is impossible to pick only one. And our guide was very knowledgeable on the representations pictured on each site, how the sites were used and the history of each location.