Moche Sanctuaries Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna
Our Huaca de la Luna tour discovers the great temples of the Moche culture, with the polychrome reliefs of the Huaca de la Luna and the collection of the Huacas de Moche Museum, at the foot of Cerro Blanco.
The colors of the Moche gods
Summary
The Moche culture flourished on the northern coast of Peru between the 1st and 8th centuries and left some of the most impressive artistic expressions of the Andean world. Its main ceremonial center is located a few kilometers from Trujillo, at the foot of Cerro Blanco.
On the Huaca de la Luna tour, you visit the Temple of the Moon, made up of successive superimposed constructions whose walls preserve polychrome reliefs depicting the god Ai Apaec, the decapitator, and ritual scenes. From there, you also see the monumental Huaca del Sol, or Temple of the Sun, one of the largest adobe structures in the Americas.
Finally, the tour includes the Huacas de Moche Museum, with ceramics, metal pieces and ritual objects found during excavations at the complex. You can combine it with Chan Chan; also, in Lima, Pachacamac shows another great coastal sanctuary.
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 to the Moche countryside by tourist transportation.
09:30 - 10:30
Huacas de Moche Museum
Ceramics and ritual objects of the Moche culture, especially from the excavations.
First, we tour the Huacas de Moche Museum, which displays pieces found during excavations and explains the social organization, religion and art of the Moche.
10:30 - 12:00
Huaca de la Luna
Temple with polychrome reliefs, as well as its plazas.
Then we visit the Huaca de la Luna, while we walk through its plazas and passageways to see its polychrome reliefs and the technique of building temples on top of one another.
12:00 - 12:30
Huaca del Sol viewpoint
View of the largest Moche structure, then the return.
Later, from the complex, we see the Huaca del Sol, a gigantic adobe structure that served as a political and administrative center.
12:30 - 13:00
Return to your hotel
Transfer back to Trujillo when the tour ends.
Finally, we return to Trujillo and drop you off at your hotel.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Trujillo
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance to the Huaca de la Luna
- Entrance to the Huacas de Moche Museum
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Meals
- 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 thanks to the dry climate of the northern coast. However, morning departures avoid the hours of most intense sun.
Recommendations
The Huaca del Sol is not open to the public, so it is viewed from outside. Also, inside the Huaca de la Luna, stay on the marked paths to protect the reliefs.
Gallery
FAQ
Can I enter the Huaca del Sol?
No. The Huaca del Sol is not open to the public for conservation reasons; however, it can be clearly seen from the complex.
Who was Ai Apaec?
He is the main deity depicted in Moche art, known as the decapitator, while he is associated with sacrificial rituals and fertility.
How demanding is the tour?
The Huaca de la Luna tour is easy, with short walks and some ramps inside the temple.
Can I combine it with Chan Chan?
Yes. It is common to do the Huaca de la Luna tour in the morning and Chan Chan with Huanchaco in the afternoon, or vice versa.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. It is an educational, family-friendly tour, especially for children interested in history.
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.
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