The pyramids of the Sun and Moon, just south of Trujillo, are the largest structures ever constructed in South America, and are second in size in the Western hemisphere only to the Pyramid of Cholula, Mexico. They formed the spiritual centre of the Moche Empire, a highly sophisticated yet mysterious culture that pre-dated the Incas by nearly 1,000 years. It is quite certain that the Moche Indians had contact with other American cultures, and there is good reason to believe they may have also been influenced by Asian ocean-going voyagers. The Pyramid of the Moon contains a central, vaulted chamber and the mountain directly behind, Cerro Blanco, appears to have been shaped by humans into a pyramid form as well.
Despite their achievements in architecture, metal working, and ceramics, the Moche were very militaristic, and scenes from their pottery depict ritual bloodletting and torture. They may have evolved a system of black magic that aided them in their conquests of neighbouring peoples.
Huanchaco is a fishing town where reed boats are still used by the local inhabitants, who venture into the cold currents of the Pacific in these precarious-looking boats. The massive adobe city of Chan Chan, really a series of royal compounds built by the Chimu, was a major source of gold for the Incas.
Contacts between Chan Chan and the Asian continent have never been proven, but there are tantalising hints. Pottery figures depict Asiatic men with beards and turbans and even the name "Chan Chan" seems to be Chinese in origin. Don't miss the famous 'honeycombs', where strange acoustic effects allow visitors to whisper to each other over long distances inside the intricate adobe structures!
Day 1
Arrive Chiclayo
On arrival into Chiclayo you will be met and taken to your hotel for two nights.
Day 2
Chiclayo
Today you will visit the impressive necropolis of Huaca Rajada, where several tombs have been recently uncovered, the most famous being the Lord of Sipan, dating from the 5th Century. This tomb was only discovered in 1988 and is considered to be of great significance.
From here it is on to the Bruning Archeological Museum for an introduction to the Lambayeque Culture. The museum houses a very interesting collection of jewellry, ceramics and textiles from this period.
You will also visit the Tumbas Reales Museum, which contains the gold masks, sceptres, jewellry, and other objects of the royal tomb of the Lord of Sipan. Following the visit you will be returned to your hotel. (B)
Day 3
Chiclayo / Trujillo
After breakfast you will be taken through the desert to Trujillo for a one night stay. In the afternoon you will be taken on a tour of Trujillo that includes the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and some Colonial mansions. (B)
Day 4
Depart Trujillo
This morning you will visit the beautiful Moche Sun and Moon Temples, continuing on to the beach for a relaxing lunch in the town of Huanchaco.
Afterwards you will be taken to the capital of the Chimu Empire - Chan Chan. Built in the 13th Century, this citadel is the world's largest adobe city. In its splendour Chan Chan measured 19 square kilometres with 250,000 inhabitants. It flourished until it was conquered by the Incas in 1460.
Late today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (BL)
Inca Tours does not own any of the hotels, lodges or service providers utilised in making up the tours. As a result Inca Tours is only acting as an agent for the operators and as such does not accept responsibility for any negligence, omissions, errors or differences in standard experienced by passengers when utilising the operators' products or services. Please Note: for full booking terms and conditions please see the back of our booking form.
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Tour Extensions
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TOUR DATES
Departs daily, as a tailor-made tour.
COUNTRIES VISITED
Peru
COMFORT LEVEL
Tourist / Superior
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Local English speaking Expert Guide
Necropolis of Huaca Rajada with Tomb of Lord of Sipan
Bruning Archeological Museum depicting Lambayeque Culture
Tumbas Reales Museum with Lord of Sipan artifacts
Trujillo
Moche Sun & Moon Temples
Chan Chan - the world's largest adobe city
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Chiclayo (2 nights)
Trujillo (1 night)
It is possible to add extra nights at the beginning or end of this tour package to extend the experience.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Economy-class group airfares as described in the tour.
Accommodation in Superior or Tourist-class hotels or lodges & private facilities.
All tours and excursions with English speaking specialist local guides.
All admission fees on such tours.
Mostly private transfers and tours.
Meals throughout as indicated (B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner).
All transportation as described.
NOT INCLUDED
Airfares to the starting point and from the ending point of the tours.
