Chan Chan Citadel and Huanchaco Beach
Our Chan Chan tour explores the largest adobe city in the Americas and capital of the Chimú kingdom, and then finishes at the Huanchaco beach resort, famous for its reed boats.
The largest adobe city in the Americas
Summary
Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimú kingdom, one of the most powerful civilizations of the northern coast before the Incas. Built entirely of adobe, it is considered the largest earthen city in the Americas and, therefore, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the Chan Chan tour, you explore the Nik An palace, with its ceremonial plazas, walls decorated with reliefs of fish, birds and waves, and its ancient water reservoirs. Also, you visit the site museum and the Huaca Arco Iris, decorated with figures resembling a dragon or a rainbow.
Finally, the tour ends in Huanchaco, a traditional fishing resort where caballitos de totora, reed boats of pre-Hispanic origin, still ride the Pacific waves. You can complement it with the Moche temples or the Lady of Cao Museum.
Highlights
Itinerary
09:00 - 09:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in central Trujillo before the tour.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the tour by tourist transportation.
09:30 - 10:15
Huaca Arco Iris
Chimú temple decorated with reliefs, especially its serpent-like figures.
First, we visit the Huaca Arco Iris, also called the Dragon Temple, with reliefs depicting serpent-like figures and arches related to fertility and water.
10:15 - 10:45
Chan Chan site museum
Introduction to the Chimú culture.
Then, at the site museum, you learn about the social organization, technology and daily life of the Chimú through models and archaeological pieces.
10:45 - 12:00
Nik An palace
Plazas, reliefs and reservoirs of the citadel.
Later, we explore the Nik An palace, the best-preserved sector of Chan Chan, with its ceremonial plazas, walls decorated with marine reliefs and its ancient water reservoir.
12:00 - 13:00
Huanchaco beach resort
Reed boats, then free time by the sea.
Finally, we finish in Huanchaco, where you see the reed boats on the beach and have free time to stroll along the pier or have ceviche by the sea.
13:00 - 13:30
Return to your hotel
Transfer back to Trujillo when the tour ends.
Then we return to Trujillo and drop you off at your hotel. However, if you prefer, you can stay in Huanchaco.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Trujillo
- Tourist transportation during the tour
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Combined ticket for Chan Chan, site museum and Huaca Arco Iris
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Meals
- Reed boat ride
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Light, cool clothing
Light jacket for the morning
Comfortable sneakers
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Water
Cash for personal expenses
Passport or identification document
Sun and weather
The archaeological sites of the northern coast are open and have little shade. The sun is intense, especially between December and April, so sunscreen and a hat are essential.
Best season
The tour operates all year. Huanchaco’s waves are ideal for surfing; also, between December and April days are sunnier and hotter.
Recommendations
Chan Chan’s adobe walls are very fragile, so do not touch them or walk off the marked paths. Also, in Huanchaco you can try a reed boat ride with local fishermen.
Gallery
FAQ
What is Chan Chan?
It was the capital of the Chimú kingdom, built of adobe between the 9th and 15th centuries. Therefore, it is the largest earthen city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What are caballitos de totora?
They are traditional boats made of totora, an aquatic reed, that fishermen on the northern coast have used for centuries.
Can I ride a reed boat?
Yes. Some Huanchaco fishermen offer short rides, although at an additional cost.
How demanding is the tour?
The Chan Chan tour is easy, with short walks on flat, sandy ground.
Can I combine it with the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna?
Yes. It is common to do the Chan Chan tour in the morning and visit the Moche temples in the afternoon.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.
You might also be interested in
