Trujillo: Huacas, Chan Chan & Huanchaco Full Day Tour

Summary

Ancient temples, Chimu ruins and Huanchaco’s surf spirit in one day

You’ll walk ancient temples near Trujillo with a local guide who brings Moche stories to life, wander through vast adobe ruins at Chan Chan, then watch surfers and fishermen at lively Huanchaco Beach—all in one day with transport included. Expect laughter, real history under your feet, and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it: I almost bailed when I saw how early the pickup was. But by the time we rolled out of Trujillo, our guide Julio had everyone laughing about his grandma’s cooking (he swears she invented ceviche). The morning air was chilly but sharp, with that dry dust smell you only get near old ruins. First stop was the Temples of Moche—Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna. Standing in front of those massive adobe walls, you kind of feel like an ant. Julio pointed out faded murals—reds and ochres still clinging on after centuries—and told us how the Moche people built layer over layer, like time itself stacking up. I tried to imagine what this place sounded like when it was alive. There’s a little museum too; I lingered by a cracked pot with a face painted on it, wondering who made it.

Chan Chan was next—a short drive but it felt like stepping into another world. The city just sprawls out in sand and silence, bigger than I expected (Julio said it’s the largest adobe city anywhere). We wandered through ceremonial plazas where you can still see fish and pelican carvings along the walls. My shoes filled with dust but I didn’t care. Some kids from Lima were there too, trying to guess which animal each carving was—one thought a pelican looked like a chicken and we all cracked up. The sun got stronger as we walked; everything shimmered a little bit.

By afternoon we reached Huanchaco Beach. You could hear waves before you saw them—loud and steady, mixed with shouts from surfers wiping out (I counted three wipeouts in five minutes). The “caballitos de totora” boats lined up along the sand look sort of fragile but apparently they’ve been used for fishing here forever. A fisherman let me touch one; it felt rough and damp, smelled faintly sweet from the reeds. Someone handed me chicha morada in a plastic cup—cold, purple, just sweet enough—and I sat watching teenagers drag their boards down to the water while old men fixed nets nearby.

I didn’t expect to feel so small and so connected at the same time. Maybe it was Julio’s stories or maybe just standing where so many people have stood before—either way, I still think about that view at Huanchaco when the sun started dipping low. If you’re curious about Trujillo’s history (or just want to eat fresh fish by the sea), this day trip is worth every dusty step.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore ancient temples and coastal town

• Visit Temple of the Sun overview
• Tour Temple of the Moon and museum
• Explore Chan Chan archaeological site
• Visit Chan Chan museum
• See Huanchaco Beach and boats

Top questions

How long is the full day tour from Trujillo?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with morning pickup and afternoon return.

Are entry fees included for Huacas de Moche and Chan Chan?

Yes, entry fees for all main sites are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No lunch is included; however, you’ll have free time at Huanchaco Beach where food is available for purchase.

Is hotel pickup available in Trujillo?

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport; public transportation options are also nearby if needed.

Can people with limited fitness join this tour?

This tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to operator information.

What sites are visited on this day trip?

You’ll visit Temples of Moche (Huacas del Sol y de la Luna), Chan Chan archaeological site and museum, plus Huanchaco Beach.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

A knowledgeable local guide leads each part of the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned vehicle transport between Trujillo and all sites visited—Temples of Moche (Huacas del Sol y de la Luna), Chan Chan archaeological site with museum entry—and ends at colorful Huanchaco Beach before returning in the afternoon.