The North of Peru Trujillo and Chiclayo

The largest Pre-Columbian city in South America, Chan Chan is an archaeological site located in the Peruvian region of La Libertad, five km west of Trujillo. Covering an area of approximately 20 km², Chan Chan was constructed by the Chimor (the kingdom of the Chimú), a late intermediate period civilization which grew out of the remnants of the Moche civilization. The vast mud city of Chan Chan was built between c.850 and c.1470 and was the imperial capital until Chimor was conquered by the Inca in the 15th century. It is estimated that 30,000 people lived in the city of Chan Chan. The city is composed of ten walled citadels which housed ceremonial rooms, burial chambers, temples, reservoirs and some residences. Each of these citadels has a rectangular configuration with a north-facing entrance, high walls, and a labyrinth of passages.

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum , Sipan's treasures show us the Moche culture's ability with several metals: gold, silver, copper and precious stones in fine quality and a mastery in metallurgy unrivaled in the Americas.

Sipán is located in the northern part of Peru, close to the coast, in the middle of Lambayeque Valley, 35 km east of Chiclayo. Four tombs have been found in Sipán's Huaca Rajada, the huaca is a mausoleum built by the Moche culture that ruled the northern coast of Peru from around 1 AD to 700 AD, centuries prior to the Incas.

The tomb of the Lord of Sipan is located a short distance away from Chiclayo, in the town of Lambayeque. A total of two pyramids and one platform were excavated, and one of the most famous pre-Columbian tombs was unearthed, completely untouched. The Lord of Sipan was a warrior priest (a Moche descendent) who died around 250 AD. In his tomb were found 1200 pieces of gold and precious stones; two young concubines, two guards armed with shields and breastplates, and a guardian of the tomb, whose feet were mutilated to symbolize his eternal obligation to keep watch. Also found were ceremonial goblets, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, noseplates, wristplates, rattles, and ceremonial knives, all encrusted with precious stones.

Our Trujillo & Chiclayo Programs

We offer the following treks through the Trujillo, Chiclayo and Chachapoyas and Cajamarca in the North of Peru.