Trujillo Day Tour: Chan Chan, Huanchaco & Moche Temples

Summary

Visit Ancient Temples and Chan Chan from Trujillo

If you want to see ancient temples, coastal villages, and South America’s largest pre-Columbian city—all in one day—this tour covers it. You'll get real stories from local guides, taste fresh seafood in Huanchaco, and walk through places most people only read about.

What’s the experience like?

There’s something about stepping out into the early morning light in Trujillo—air just a bit cool, with that hint of sea breeze. We hopped into the van, and barely fifteen minutes later, we were standing at the base of the Temple of the Sun. Our guide, Rosa, pointed out the faded but still visible handprints in the adobe bricks. You could almost picture the Moche workers shaping these massive temples centuries ago. The Temple of the Moon sits nearby, its walls covered with old murals—reds and ochres that somehow survived all this time. Inside, it’s quiet except for the crunch of gravel underfoot and a few birds darting overhead.

Next up was the Temple of the Dragon. It’s smaller than the others, but those carved friezes really pop when the sun hits them just right. Rosa explained how this spot marked a shift from Moche to Chimú culture—honestly, I’d never realized how much history was packed into such a small area. After snapping a few photos, we made our way toward the coast.

Huanchaco’s got a different vibe—salty air, fishermen hauling in their catch, and those reed boats lined up on the sand. We watched a couple of guys paddling out on caballitos de totora, balancing like pros. Lunch was at a tiny seafood place where you could smell garlic and lime before you even walked in. The ceviche here? Super fresh and just spicy enough to wake you up after a morning of ruins.

Chan Chan was our last stop. You can’t really grasp how big it is until you’re walking between those tall adobe walls, dust swirling around your shoes. The Nik-An Palace has these long corridors and courtyards decorated with fish and pelican motifs. Our guide shared stories about Chimú rituals and daily life—it made everything feel less like ruins and more like echoes of a real city. By late afternoon, we were back in Trujillo, tired but with that good kind of tired you get after seeing something special.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trujillo Archaeological Sites Tour

• Visit Temples of Moche (Sun and Moon)
• Explore Temple of the Dragon (Huaco el Dragon)
• Lunch and learn about Huanchaco fishing boats
• Tour ancient city of Chan Chan

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, it’s designed for all fitness levels. There’s some walking at each site but nothing too strenuous.

What should I bring for the day?

Comfortable shoes are best since you'll be walking on uneven ground. A hat, sunscreen, and water help too—the sun can get strong by midday.

Is lunch included? Can I choose what to eat?

Lunch at a local seafood restaurant is part of the tour. There are usually options for different tastes or dietary needs—just let your guide know ahead of time.

Will we have an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your guide speaks English and knows a lot about the area’s history and culture.

What’s included

Your hotel pickup and drop-off are covered, so no need to worry about transport. A knowledgeable local guide leads you through each site. Lunch at a seafood spot in Huanchaco is included too—just bring your curiosity (and maybe an appetite for ceviche).