Shore Excursion from Salaverry: Moche and Chimú ruins

Walk through three Moche and Chimú sites in one port call

A shore excursion from Salaverry port that visits the Sun and Moon Huacas (Moche temples), Huaca Arcos Iris (a Chimú temple), and Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian adobe city in the Americas. The tour runs about five hours with an English or Spanish-speaking guide, small-group transport, and return to the port timed to your ship's departure. The operator adjusts the start time if your ship arrives late, and confirms any changes by phone or text before the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit major archaeological sites near Trujillo

• Begin tour at Salaverry port 9:15am
• Drive to The Sun and Moon Huacas
• Explore Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna temples
• Visit Huacas de Moche Museum
• Continue to Huaca Arcos Iris (Rainbow Temple)
• Explore Huaca Arcos Iris platforms and carvings
• Visit Chan Chan archaeological complex
• Return to Salaverry port

The experience

Your ship docks at Salaverry port and you have a few hours ashore. This tour departs at 9:15am (or later if your arrival is delayed) and takes you to three major archaeological sites that span two civilizations. The route moves through the Moche empire's religious and administrative centers (the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, massive adobe pyramids built over centuries as each generation of rulers was sealed inside and a new platform added on top), then to the Huaca Arcos Iris, a Chimú temple built around 1200 AD with carved adobe panels and niches that once held ritual objects.

The tour ends at Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian adobe city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between 30,000 and 60,000 people once lived in this Chimú capital, which sprawled across courtyards, terraces, palaces and gardens. You walk through the site with your guide before returning to Salaverry port in time to rejoin your ship. Along the way you also visit the Huacas de Moche Museum, which holds ceramics, artifacts and tombs from the Moche period.

What’s included

• Small-group transport from Salaverry port.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide.
• visits to the Huaca del Sol, Huaca de la Luna, the Huacas de Moche Museum, Huaca Arcos Iris and Chan Chan.
• return to the port timed to your ship's departure.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 23

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by JD ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Is this one for you?The five-hour window fits inside a typical port call and leaves time to explore the sites without rushing back early. If your ship arrives later than 10am, the operator adjusts the departure to match, so you don't miss the tour.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna?

The Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna are two massive adobe pyramids built by the Moche empire. The Huaca de la Luna served as a religious complex while the Huaca del Sol was an administrative center. Both were constructed over roughly 700 years, with each new generation of rulers sealed inside and a fresh platform built on top, creating the stepped pyramid form you see today.

Is Chan Chan really the largest pre-Columbian adobe city in America?

Yes. Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimú empire and is the largest pre-Columbian adobe city in the Americas. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and once housed 30,000 to 60,000 people across its courtyards, terraces, palaces and gardens.

What happens if my ship arrives at Salaverry after 9:15am?

The tour is flexible and the operator moves the start time forward to fit your arrival. You will still visit all three sites and return to the port in time to rejoin your ship. The operator confirms any time changes by email or text message, so keep your phone on and check for updates.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes transportation in a small group vehicle, an English or Spanish-speaking guide, and pickup and drop-off at Salaverry port. Entrance fees to the sites and food or drinks are not included.