Huacas del Sol and la Luna in Trujillo
The Huacas del Sol and la Luna are the most important archaeological complex of the Moche culture (100–800 AD), located in the Moche Valley, near Trujillo. These imposing adobe constructions were the political, religious, and ceremonial centers of one of the most influential civilizations of ancient Peru.
🌄 History and Significance
The Huaca del Sol was the administrative and military center of the Moche, built with more than 130 million adobe bricks, forming a 40-meter-high pyramid. During the colonial era, much of it was destroyed by the Spanish, who diverted the Moche River to plunder its treasures.
The Huaca de la Luna, meanwhile, was the religious epicenter. Its polychrome murals, which are still preserved, depict scenes of human sacrifice, rituals, and representations of the god Ai Apaec, the principal Moche deity. This temple was built in several phases, creating seven architectural layers that narrate the cultural and religious evolution of the Moche.
Archaeological studies begun in the 1990s have revealed ceremonial platforms, courtyards, elite enclosures, and advanced drainage systems. In addition, more than 70 human burials have been found, evidencing complex ritual practices.
📍 Location and how to get there
- Address: Campiña de Moche, Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru.
- Distance from Trujillo: 5 km south of the historic center.
- Transportation Options:
- Taxi: Approx. 20 minutes | Cost: S/20–S/25.
- Combi or colectivo: “Sol y Luna” or “Mochica Chimú” companies, approx. S/3 per person.
- Organized Tours: Includes transportation, entrance fees, and a specialized guide.
⏰ Hours and Prices 2025
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last entry: 3:30 p.m.).
- Closed Mondays.
- Admission:
- Huaca de la Luna: S/10 adults, S/5 university students, S/1 school children.
- Site Museum: S/5 adults, S/3 university students, S/1 school children.
- Free admission: First Sunday of each month for Peruvians (Huaca de la Luna only, museum not included). Please present a physical ID.
Tip: Bring cash in soles; cards are not accepted.
🏛 What to See and Do in the Complex
1. Santiago Uceda Castillo Site Museum
Before touring the huacas, visit this museum, which exhibits:
- Mochica ceramics with scenes of war and rituals.
- Gold and silver jewelry pieces.
- Virtual reconstructions of the original murals.
- Funerary contexts and replicas of real burials.
2. Huaca de la Luna
- Old and New Temples: Shows seven superimposed construction phases.
- Polychrome murals: Retain original colors of red, yellow, black, white, and blue.
- Ceremonial Patio: Site where human sacrifices were performed.
- Ai Apaec friezes: Depiction of the Moche god with fangs, a mane of snakes, and symbols of power.
3. Huaca del Sol
Although entry is not permitted, from the outside, the magnitude of this construction, which was the largest adobe pyramid in the Americas, can be appreciated.
🌦 Climate and best time to visit
Trujillo has a subtropical desert climate with pleasant temperatures almost year-round:
- Summer (Dec–Mar): 23°C to 27°C.
- Winter (June–September): 17°C to 21°C.
- Best season: April to November, when there is less cloud cover and almost no rain.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water.
🎟 Recommended activities
- Official guided tour of the Huaca de la Luna.
- Photography of murals and friezes (no flash).
- Moche Route Circuit: combines the Huacas del Sol and la Luna, the Cao Museum, and Chan Chan.
- Gastronomic tour of the Moche Countryside to try typical dishes.
🍽 Local cuisine
Trujillo cuisine combines Moche and Creole traditions:
- Shambar: an emblematic soup, served only on Mondays.
- Grouper ceviche: prepared with fresh fish from the north coast.
- Seco de cabrito with beans: a typical dish of the region.
- Causa Trujillo and Teologia soup, colonial heritage.
We recommend restaurants like El Mochica, Squalo’s, and Big Ben in Huanchaco.
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Trujillo
- Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro (★★★★) – Ideal for its location across from the Plaza de Armas.
- Casa Andina Standard Trujillo Plaza (★★★) – Excellent value.
- Wyndham Trujillo (★★★★) – Located in a quiet area, perfect for families.
🧭 Suggested Itinerary (Half Day)
- 9:00 AM – Visit to the Site Museum.
- 10:00 AM – Guided tour of Huaca de la Luna.
- 11:30 AM – Panoramic view of Huaca del Sol.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at a restaurant in the Moche countryside.
- 1:30 PM – Transfer to Trujillo or connection to Chan Chan.
💡 Travel Tips
- Book your tour in advance during peak season.
- Wear light clothing, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
- Do not touch the murals or cross restricted areas.
- Combine your visit with other attractions such as Chan Chan, Huanchaco, and the Cao Museum.