Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, Huanchaco and Chan Chan

The Moche civilization left an indelible mark on Peru’s north coast, and the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon stand as testament to their architectural prowess. Nearby, the lively fishing village of Huanchaco offers a glimpse into traditional Peruvian coastal life. But the true crown jewel awaits at Chan Chan, the largest adobe citadel in the Americas, where visitors can uncover the rich cultural heritage of the Chimu people. What secrets lie hidden within these ancient structures, waiting to be unveiled?

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Good To Know

This tour explores the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the fishing village of Huanchaco, and the adobe citadel of Chan Chan, focusing on Chimu culture.
The tour is priced from $65 per person for an 8-hour journey, including transportation, a Spanish-speaking guide, and travel insurance.
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with certain medical conditions, or wheelchair users, and has an overall rating of 3.8/5 from past travelers.
Highlights include visiting the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, free time for lunch in Huanchaco, and a guided exploration of the UNESCO-listed Chan Chan.
The tour is ideal for adventurous travelers interested in history, culture, and archaeology, providing an engaging experience to immerse in Peru’s rich history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, Huanchaco, and Chan Chan.

Priced from $65 per person, it’s an 8-hour journey that includes transportation, a Spanish-speaking guide, and travel insurance.

Priced from $65 per person, this 8-hour journey includes transportation, a Spanish-speaking guide, and travel insurance.

You can reserve now and pay later, plus there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Not suitable for certain medical conditions, the tour explores ancient Chimu culture and includes free time in the fishing village of Huanchaco.

With an overall rating of 3.8/5 from past travelers, this tour provides an immersive experience in northern Peru’s rich history.

Looking for more options in Trujillo? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins at the Plaza Mayor de Trujillo, where visitors board a bus or coach for the 30-minute journey to the archaeological sites.

First, they’ll explore the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, as well as the Huaca del Arco Iris (Huaca del Dragon), learning about the beliefs and traditions of the Chimu culture.

Next, they’ll have free time for lunch in the fishing village of Huanchaco, known for its traditional Caballitos de Totora.

Finally, the tour culminates with a guided exploration of Chan Chan, the largest adobe citadel in America, including its ceremonial squares, granaries, and ancient cemeteries.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes transportation by minibus or bus, along with a Spanish-speaking guide and travel insurance. Hotel pickup is also provided.

However, meals not mentioned in the itinerary and any extra expenses are excluded. Entrance fees to all the visited sites are also not included in the price.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, or wheelchair users.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, camera, jacket, cash, personal medication, and a pen.

The meeting point requires arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.

Suitable Travelers

Who’s this tour suitable for?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who want to explore Peru’s rich history and culture.

Here are 3 types of travelers who’ll enjoy this experience:

History buffs – Explore the mysteries of the Chimu civilization and their architectural marvels like the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
Nature lovers – Wander through the fishing village of Huanchaco and witness the traditional Caballitos de Totora boats.
Archaeology enthusiasts – Step back in time at the UNESCO-listed Chan Chan, the largest adobe citadel in the Americas.

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What to Bring

When preparing for this comprehensive tour, there are a few essential items travelers should bring.

Don’t forget your passport or ID – you’ll need it for entry. A camera is a must to capture the stunning archaeological sites.

Your passport or ID is essential for entry, and a camera is a must to capture the stunning archaeological sites.

Dress in layers, as the weather can be cool, and bring a jacket just in case. Some cash on hand is handy for any extra expenses or purchases.

If you take medication, be sure to pack it. And don’t forget a pen for note-taking during the guided portions.

With these items packed, you’ll be ready to fully experience the wonders of the Peruvian coast.

There's plenty more to explore in Trujillo

Meeting Point

Travelers should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time at the meeting point, which is located at Plaza Mayor de Trujillo. This central plaza in the heart of the city is an easy-to-find location for the tour’s departure.

Upon arrival, look for the tour guide or a representative holding a sign with the tour company’s name.

The meeting point offers several advantages:

Accessibility: Plaza Mayor is a prominent landmark, making it simple for participants to find.
Convenience: Nearby parking and public transportation options make it easy to get to the starting point.
Time buffer: The 15-minute arrival window ensures everyone is ready to depart on time.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to customer reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 5 reviews.

Positive feedback praises the tour’s historical insights and interesting sites. However, some travelers noted issues with guide availability and communication. One reviewer mentioned a delay in the guide’s arrival, while another said the guide’s English wasn’t clear.

Despite these concerns, most customers appear satisfied with the experience, highlighting the value for the price and the chance to explore the region’s ancient Chimu culture and landmarks like the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, Huanchaco, and Chan Chan.

Exploring the Chimu Culture

The Chimu culture, once a dominant force in pre-Columbian South America, takes center stage on this captivating tour.

The Chimu culture, once a dominant force in pre-Columbian South America, takes center stage on this captivating tour.

Explore the beliefs and traditions of this fascinating civilization as you visit their architectural masterpieces:

The Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, imposing structures that served as administrative and religious centers for the Chimu people.
The Huaca del Arco Iris (Huaca del Dragon), a temple complex that provides insights into the Chimu’s sophisticated understanding of astronomy and their connection to the natural world.
The vast adobe citadel of Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America, showcasing the Chimu’s impressive engineering and urban planning abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restrooms or Facilities at the Sites?

The tour itinerary doesn’t explicitly mention restroom facilities at the sites. However, it’s common for major archaeological sites to provide basic amenities like restrooms for visitors. It’s best to ask the tour guide about availability of facilities during the tour.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Local Crafts at the Sites?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs and local crafts at the archaeological sites. There are various vendors selling traditional Peruvian handicrafts, textiles, and other souvenirs for travelers to bring home as mementos of their visit.

Are There Any Nearby Shops or Restaurants to Visit?

The tour includes free time in Huanchaco, a fishing village with traditional Caballitos de Totora boats. Travelers can explore local shops and restaurants during this time to purchase souvenirs and try authentic Peruvian cuisine.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum Heights for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back/heart problems, or wheelchair users. There’s no minimum height requirement, but participants should be able to walk and climb steps.

Can I Extend My Visit at Any of the Sites or Explore on My Own?

The tour allows some flexibility – visitors can explore sites on their own during free time, but extending visits beyond the itinerary isn’t possible. There aren’t age or height restrictions, but the tour may not be suitable for certain medical conditions.

The Sum Up

Exploring the grand pyramids, quaint fishing villages, and the massive adobe citadel offers a captivating window into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers can enjoy the remarkable Moche and Chimu civilizations, leaving with a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of these ancient peoples. This unforgettable journey showcases the diverse wonders that await along the Peruvian coast.