Private Tour
Trujillo in a Day: Chan Chan, Huanchaco, Sun and Moon Temples
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
See Trujillo’s most important archeological sites on one big day trip that includes temples from both the Moche and Chimú cultures. Start at the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon, which together make up the site known as the Temples of Moche. Then see the Temple of the Dragon (aka Temple of the Rainbow), and visit the coastal town of Huanchaco for lunch. Finally, experience the biggest ancient city in South America — Chan Chan — a UNESCO World Heritage site. During it all, learn about the history and cultural significance of these sites from an experienced guide.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Lunch
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
La Huaca del Sol
Your day trip from Trujillo starts with hotel pickup for the 15-minute drive south of town to the Temple of the Sun (Huaca del Sol) and Temple of the Moon (Huaca de la Luna), collectively known as the Temples of Moche (Huacas de Moche). When you arrive, you'll learn about the Moche people, the civilization that inhabited northern Peru from the 1st to 8th centuries and built the two temples you have come to see. Explore the site with your guide, enjoying close-up views of both temples and learning about their history and significance. Built out of adobe brick, both the Sun and Moon temples played important roles in the life of the Moche; archeologists think that the stepped Temple of the Sun was used for administrative and military purposes, while the terraced Temple of the Moon provided religious and ceremonial functions. Admire the impressive frescoes that adorn the walls of the Temple of the Moon, and marvel at the size of the Temple of the Sun, which is the bigger of the two.
Huaca Arco-Iris or Huaca El Dragon
Next, continue your day trip to Huaco el Dragon, the Temple of the Dragon, also known as Huaco del Arco Iris, or Temple of the Rainbow. As you enter the site, you’ll be transitioning from the Moche to the Chimú, a civilization that developed in northern Peru around 900 AD, after the Moche died out, and inhabited the region until the Incas came in the 1400s. With your guide, admire the adobe pyramid’s intricate frieze detailing before leaving for your next destination, Huanchaco, about a 20-minute drive west.
Options
Private Full Day Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The uncharted magic of Peru
Natalia S,
Oct 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00One of the best highlights of my trip to Peru. It is a must know the HUACA of the Moon and Chan chan. It's a stunning place not everyone knows but should. Eli, our guide was wonderful, super friendly and with great knowledge. I would recommend it without thinking.
Amazing Tour - History in a nutshell
Jose B,
May 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is a long tour and totally worth it. Our tour guide Flor was amazing, very knowledgeable and with a centered perspective. Visited 4 historical sites (3 huacas and the citadel). Chana Chan is a wonder of the world. Tour included lunch which was at a restaurant called El Sombrero in Huanchaco. Food to die for, amazing service.
Although the Temple of...
Betty T,
Nov 6, 2023
- Viator
5.00Although the Temple of the Dragon was closed, the rest of the tour was great. Everything tied together so it is impossible to pick only one. And our guide was very knowledgeable on the representations pictured on each site, how the sites were used and the history of each location.
A great tour of Moche and Chimu sites
CaroleZ L,
Sep 3, 2023
- Viator
5.00My son and I had a wonderful day with Oscar. He was very enthusiastic about the history of Peru and this made for an interesting and informative tour. We highly recommend both the tour and definitely Oscar!
Good English speaking tour, lots to see!
Obie P,
Dec 11, 2022
- Viator
4.00Really enjoyed this tour, so much to learn about! Had a good English speaking guide that was pretty knowledgeable, and the van driver was excellent (important in this city). Such great sites to see! Recommended!
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Operated by VIPAC Travel