The northern coast of Peru is a privileged place. It is well known for the quality of its food, the warmth of its people and the richness of its archaeological heritage, some of which is displayed in magnificent museums.

One of the principal ancient civilisations of Peru, the Moche, governed by warrior priests and whose territory included almost half of the Peruvian coast from the beginning of the Christian era to the 18th Century, had its centre between the modern cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo.

This society achieved a high degree of artistic development, especially in ceramic sculpture, which showed not only its deities but also a variety of scenes from daily life. Today visitors can discover the mysteries of this civilisation through the architecture of its “huacas" or ceremonial centres, admiring the beautiful polychromatic murals found there, as well as the gold artifacts discovered in the many tombs, including that of the Lord of Sipan.

But not everything in northern Peru is Moche, there are also vestiges of other important civilisations: the Lambayeque and Chimu who built the largest mud brick city in the world: Chan Chan.

Alongside these important archaeological remains you will find colonial houses, beautiful scenery, farms, picturesque beaches and a living culture with its own identity that will ensure a memorable experience for any traveler.

Imprescindibles

Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum: In 1987 a small team of Peruvian archaeologists led by Dr Walter Alva found the tomb of an important Mochica governor at a place called Huaca Rajada: the Lord of Sipan.

Within the Mochica culture the Lord of Sipan was considered a demigod. he was buried after complex rituals and sacrifices and was accompanied by eight others. In order to house such an important find a magnificent museum was built, which also serves as the Lord of Sipan′s mausoleum. Its design recalls traditional Moche architecture. This museum is considered among the most important in the Americas and is known as the "Museum of the 21st Century".

The Sol and the Luna Huaca: These two “huacas” or temples form part of the same complex that was once the capital of the Mochica culture. Huaca El Sol, possibly the administrative centre is approximately 20 m high and can be seen from the outside but cannot be entered. Huaca La Luna consists of temples superimposed one upon the other according to the different stages of the development of Mochica power. Some walls are adorned with beautiful polychromatic murals showing the deities Aia and Apaec. In the temple archaeologists have found a tomb containing more than 40 sacrificed warriors.

Tucume:Built around 700 B.C. and founded, according to legend, by Collac, a descendent of Naylamp the mythical hero of the Lambayeque culture. Tucume or the Valley of the Pyramids, consists of 26 mud brick pyramids or "huacas" almost 40 m high. The structures date from different periods and had political, administrative, social and religious functions. Local shamans and faith healers come here for their ceremonies, as they believe it has special powers.

Trujillo Main Square: Trujillo is the third largest city in Peru. The strong Spanish influence can be seen in its Main Square, surrounded by impressive colonial town houses.

Chan Chan: This pre-Hispanic urban centre is the largest mud brick city in pre-Colombian America. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu Kingdom and originally covered more than 20 km2. Archaeologists estimate that it once housed more than 100,000 people. It contains open spaces, houses, stores, workshops, streets, walls and pyramid-shaped temples. Its immense walls are profusely decorated with geometric figures, stylised animals and mythical beings in relief.

TOURS IN TRUJILLO AND CHICLAYO