Port
Salaverry (Trujillo), Peru
Activity Level
Moderate
Excursion Type
City Tour,Local Sightseeing,All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$159.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
Meals Included
Meals included
Visit the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna -- the Temples of the Sun and Moon -- at the Mochica archaeological site on the northern coast of Peru. The mysterious Mochica culture was centered here from AD 100 to 900. The Temple of the Stars and the White Hill Temple pyramids are also located here, along with the renowned spider geoglyph lurking on the hillside nearby. The Moche Temples cover an area of 148 acres and are separated by an esplanade 500 yards wide, under which lies the urban center where the Moche élite lived. Interestingly, the Mochica era ended because El Niño brought tropical rains and floods to the northern coast of Peru.
Next, you'll head to the city of Trujillo and stop at the main square. Beautiful colonial buildings found here include the cathedral, City Hall, the offices of the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, and the beautiful houses of the patrician families, as well as the Hotel El Libertador.
Later, visit the Citadel of Chan Chan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the stunning ancient capital of the Chimu Empire, with unbelievably sophisticated utility systems. You will see the Tschudi Palace, known for its elaborate friezes and decorations.
Finally, you will visit the picturesque fishing village of Huanchaco to see the famous caballitos de totora. These 'little reed horses' are a type of high-prow boat that the local fishermen essentially ride like horses over the crest of each wave. They have been used by Peruvian fishermen for millennia and seem to work quite handily despite their rather insubstantial appearance.
Taste delicious Peruvian food with lunch at a local restaurant.
Please note:
On Sundays, museums and colonial houses in downtown Trujillo are closed; the visit to the city will be a panoramic drive only. Wear comfortable shoes; bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Your guide will do his/her best to speak English, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure of Trujillo is part of the city's charm, and bear with any language difficulties he/she may encounter. Buses and other forms of transportation in Trujillo may be somewhat basic in comparison with those offered in some other ports of call.