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Archaeological site · Trujillo, La Libertad
Huacas del Sol y de la Luna
Two large adobe pyramids of the Moche culture, at the foot of Cerro Blanco, 5 km from Trujillo. Huaca de la Luna shows superimposed temples with murals in five colors, and a museum houses ceramics and items from the excavations.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Huacas del Sol y de la Luna
The Huacas del Sol and de la Luna lie at the foot of Cerro Blanco, on the south bank of the Moche River, about 5 km from downtown Trujillo. They were the center of the Moche capital, which occupied the valley between the 1st and 9th centuries. Between the two pyramids there was a city of houses, workshops and streets.
The Huaca del Sol, the larger, once reached about 50 meters high and was made with more than 100 million adobe bricks. In the 17th century, colonists diverted the river to remove gold objects, and much of the pyramid was lost. Today it is seen from the outside, about 40 meters high.
The Huaca de la Luna, about 500 meters away, is the temple that can be visited inside. It was built in stages: each generation covered the previous temple with a new one, and excavations have opened the layers. On the walls there are murals and reliefs in red, yellow, white, black and blue, featuring the figure of Ai Apaec, the Moche deity, and scenes of warriors and prisoners.
The site museum at the entrance brings together ceramics with portraits and scenes of Moche life, and other objects found in the excavations.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours for Huaca de la Luna (guided) and the museum.
Best time
In the morning, before the midday heat. Visits to Huaca de la Luna are usually guided in groups; check times and tickets before going.
How to get there
They are in the Moche district, south of Trujillo, about a 20‑minute taxi ride from the center. There's also a city bus to the entrance and agency tours.
Tip
Start at the museum and then take the guided tour of Huaca de la Luna. From the top of the huaca, look toward Huaca del Sol and the plain where the city once stood.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Huacas del Sol y de la Luna
Who built the huacas?
The Moche culture, which lived in the valley between the 1st and 9th centuries, before the Chimú of Chan Chan.
Can you enter Huaca del Sol?
No, it is viewed from the outside. The internal visit is at Huaca de la Luna, with the colorful murals.
What are the murals of Huaca de la Luna?
Paintings and reliefs in five colors, featuring the deity Ai Apaec and scenes of warriors and prisoners, preserved because each new temple covered the previous one.
How much time should you set aside?
2 to 3 hours for the guided visit and the museum.