Moche Culture tour Trujillo: Chan Chan and pyramid temples

Walk through three millennia of Moche and Chimú palaces and temples

A full-day guided tour of Trujillo's major archaeological sites covers the Huaca Arco Iris, the Temples of the Sun and Moon, and Chan Chan's royal palace with its carved reliefs of birds and fishing nets. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, entrance fees, and lunch at Huanchaco. Groups stay under 15 people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Temple of the Dragon40m · entry included
2. Chan Chan1h · entry included
3. Temples of the Sun and Moon40m · entry included

Explore Moche and Chimú archaeological sites

• Visit original Chimu reliefs
• Tour Chimu religious temple
• Observe Chimu culture models and pieces
• Explore Nik Ann Palace reliefs
• Lunch and observe reed boats
• See original Moche culture pieces
• Visit Moche religious temple

The experience

The tour starts with the Huaca Arco Iris, a Chimú religious temple shaped like a truncated pyramid, where you see original reliefs carved into its walls. From there you move to Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America, and walk through Nik Ann Palace to observe walls decorated with birds, fish and fishing nets: the intricate designs that defined Chimú craftsmanship. The guide explains what each carving meant and how the palace functioned as a royal residence.

After Chan Chan, you visit the Temples of the Sun and Moon, where original Moche artifacts and pieces are displayed. The afternoon includes free time in Huanchaco, a fishing village on the coast where you can watch traditional reed boats and have lunch. The whole day runs eight hours with an air-conditioned vehicle handling the transport between sites, so the walking and standing happen at the ruins themselves, not on the road.

Groups max out at 15 people, which keeps the pace manageable and the guide able to answer questions at each stop. The guide speaks English and Spanish, and all entrance fees are included in the price.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport between all sites.
• English-speaking guide.
• entrance fees to Huaca Arco Iris, Chan Chan, and the Temples of the Sun and Moon.
• free time in Huanchaco for lunch and to observe traditional reed boats.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 01:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 7.15

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Trébol tours & viajes

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you prefer a guided group experience where the guide can pause and answer questions at each site, rather than moving quickly through multiple locations.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What exactly is the Huaca Arco Iris and what will I see there?

The Huaca Arco Iris is a Chimú religious temple built in the shape of a truncated pyramid, and you'll see original reliefs carved directly into its walls: the decorative carvings that survived from the pre-Columbian era.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. You have free time in Huanchaco to eat at a restaurant of your choice, and the tour gives you time to explore the village and watch the traditional reed boats.

How much walking and climbing is involved at the archaeological sites?

The tour involves moderate walking and some climbing on uneven terrain at the ruins, which is why it's recommended for travelers with at least moderate physical fitness. The guide will point out accessible routes at each site.

Will the guide explain the history and meaning of what I'm seeing?

Yes, the guide speaks English and Spanish and explains the history and cultural significance of each site: the Moche and Chimú civilizations, how the palaces and temples were used, and what the carved reliefs represent.

What's included in the tour price besides the guide?

Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees to all three archaeological sites, and the guide are included. Lunch in Huanchaco is separate.