El Brujo Archaeological Complex and Lady of Cao Museum
Travel to the Chicama valley to discover El Brujo, with its reliefs of Moche warriors, and then the Lady of Cao Museum, dedicated to the first known female ruler of ancient Peru.
The legacy of a Moche ruler
Summary
The El Brujo Archaeological Complex, in the Chicama valley, is one of the most important sites of the Moche culture. Its main temple, the Huaca Cao Viejo, preserves polychrome murals showing processions of warriors, prisoners and deities.
In 2006, archaeologists discovered in this temple the tomb of the Lady of Cao, a woman of the Moche elite who ruled the region about 1,700 years ago. Her tattooed body was found alongside jewelry, weapons and objects of power, which changed the view of the role of women in pre-Hispanic societies.
At the Lady of Cao Museum, you can see her remains and her funerary offerings, in one of the most striking archaeological exhibitions in northern Peru. You can complement the trip with the Huaca de la Luna and Chan Chan.
Highlights
Itinerary
08:30 - 09:00
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 drive to the Chicama valley by tourist transportation.
09:00 - 10:30
Transfer to the Chicama valley
Drive among sugarcane fields until we reach the complex.
We drive north of Trujillo through the Chicama valley, with vast sugarcane fields, until we reach the El Brujo Archaeological Complex, near the sea.
10:30 - 12:00
Huaca Cao Viejo
Polychrome murals and the tomb of the Lady of Cao.
Then we explore the Huaca Cao Viejo, with its reliefs of warriors, prisoners and deities, as well as the place where the tomb of the Lady of Cao was found.
12:00 - 13:00
Lady of Cao Museum
Remains and funerary offerings of the Moche ruler.
Later, we visit the Lady of Cao Museum, which displays her remains, her jewelry, weapons and ritual objects, along with other finds from the complex.
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch in Magdalena de Cao
Free time for lunch in the village before the return.
Then we transfer to the village of Magdalena de Cao, where you have free time for lunch and to try the area’s traditional chicha de jora.
14:00 - 15:30
Return to Trujillo
Return by tourist transportation 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 El Brujo Archaeological Complex and site museum
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Lunch
- 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.
Operating days
Some museums on the northern coast have a weekly closing day, so we coordinate the tour date when you book.
Recommendations
Photography of the remains of the Lady of Cao is not allowed inside the museum. Also, the complex is near the sea and it can be windy, so bring a light jacket.
Gallery
FAQ
Who was the Lady of Cao?
She was a woman of the Moche elite who ruled the region about 1,700 years ago. Therefore, her tomb, found in 2006, is that of the first known female ruler of ancient Peru.
Can her body be seen?
Yes. At the Lady of Cao Museum, her remains are displayed under controlled conservation conditions, together with her funerary offerings.
How long is the drive from Trujillo?
About an hour and a half each way, so it is a half-day excursion.
How demanding is the tour?
It is an easy tour, because the walks are short and on flat ground.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The Lady of Cao Museum tour is educational and family-friendly, 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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