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| Destination Information |
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| LA LIBERTAD |
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| ► About the city |
The department of La Libertad features a varied relief, starting from the coast line, passing though the highlands (Andes) of Otuzco, Julcan, and Santiago de Chuco, and ending in the upper jungle (The Amazon Rain Forest) at the border of the Department of San Martin. The coast enjoys beaches and fertile valleys that are very important to the national agricultural production.
Trujillo, the capital of the department, is known as the city of eternal spring because of its blessed climate and festive atmosphere. The area was inhabited by two important, ancient Peruvian civilizations, the Mochica and the Chimú, and later, it became an important vice royal city. Among its uncountable archeological attractions, there is Chan Chan, the largest mud city in the Americas and ancient capital for the Chimú. UNESCO placed it on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1986.
There, you can see the remarkable huacas (pre-Incan sacred places) built by the Mochicas like the Huaca of the Sun and of the Moon, which measure more than twenty meters. Also, the El Brujo complex, decorated with inspiring figures of dancers and warriors. The city also has a splendid Colonial architecture where you will want to see the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Church of the Company of Jesus Christ, the monastery of El Carmen, and the many Colonial houses.
The Huanchaco beach resort is only fifteen minutes away from the city. It is famous for the caballitos de totora, which are lightweight boats made of totora reeds that have been used to cut through the ocean since the time of the Mochicas and Chimús. There, you can enjoy exquisite seafood or simply bask in the glory of a day at the beach. |
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| ► Useful Information |
| Altitude |
Capital:Trujillo (34 masl / 112 fasl)
Minimum: 3 masl / 10 fasl (Salaverry)
Maximum: 4008 masl / 13.150 fasl (Quiruvilca) |
| Climate |
The city of Trujillo has an arid, semi-warm climate with an average maximum temperature of 22.7ºC (72.9ºF), and a minimum of 15.8ºC (60.4ºF) with no rain throughout the year. However, when the El Niño Phenomena happens, the weather changes, the level of precipitation increases, and temperatures can rise. |
| Access Routes |
By land: Lima-Trujillo: 560 km./ 348 miles by Panamerican Highway North (8 hours by car)
By air:Regular flights from Lima to the city of Trujillo (45 to 50 minutes) |
| Distances |
Ascope (Province of Ascope) 59 km (37 miles) / 45 minutes.
Bolivar (Province de Bolivar) 382 km. (237 miles) / 24 hours.
Chepen (Province of Chepen) 139 km. (86 miles) / 2 hours.
Cascas (Province of Gran Chimu) 103 km. (64 miles) / 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Julcán (Province of Julcan) 105 km. (65 miles) / 3 hours.
Otuzco (Province of Otuzco) 75 km. (47 miles) / 2 hours.
San Pedro de Lloc (Province of Pacasmayo) 82 km. (51 miles) / 1 hour.
Tayabamba (Province of Pataz) 449 km. (279 miles) / 24 hours.
Huamachuco (Province of Sanchez Carrion) 181 km. (112 miles) / 8 hours.
Santiago de Chuco (Province of Santiago de Chuco) 183 km (114 miles) / 6 hours.
Viru (Province of Viru) 46 km. (29 miles) / 45 minutes.
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| ► Directory: |
| Airports |
Carlos Martinez de Pinillos Airport. Huanchaco Highway. Telephone: (044) 46-4013. Attention: M-SU 7:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. |
| Overland Transport |
There is no terminal, however the majority of companies are located in Avenida Del Ejercito Blocks 2 and 3, Avenida America Sur Block 28, Avenida Mansiche Blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4, and Jiron Amazonas Block 4.
Buses going towards the north of the department are located in Av. Nicolas de Pierola Block 12. |
| Health Centers |
Trujillo
- Belen de Trujillo Hospital Jr. Bolivar 350, Trujillo. Telephone: (044) 24-5281. Attention: 24 hours
- Docente de Trujillo Regional Hospital Av. Mansiche 795, Trujillo. Telephone: (044) 23-1581. Attention: 24 hours
- Huanchaco Centro de Salud Jr. Atahualpa 128, Huanchaco. Telephone: (044) 46-1547. Attention: 24 hours Ascope
- Chicama Centro de SaludCalle Grau 495, Chicama. Telephone: (044) 54-0167. Attention: 24 hours |
| Local Police |
III Región Policía Nacional del Perú (National Police of Peru III Region) Calle Bolognesi 428, Trujillo. Telephone: (044) 22-2034 / 24-3758. Attention: Mon. – Sun. 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Tourism Police Jiron Independencia 630, Trujillo. Telephone: (044) 29-1705.Attention: Mon. – Sun. 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. |
| Craft Market |
Artisans League Jiron Colon 423, Trujillo. Telephone (044) 20-0086. Attention: Mon. – Sun. 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Small Manufacturers and Artisans Association of Trujillo APIAT. Avenida España Block 18, Trujillo. Telephone: (044) 22-0627. Attention: Mon. – Sat. 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.; Sun. 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. |
| Postal Services |
Jiron Independencia 286, Trujillo. Telephone: (044) 24-5941 / 20-0052 / 24-5941 Attention: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.; Sun. 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. |
| Tourist Information |
Regional Government of La Libertad www.regionlalibertad.gob.pe
IPerú, TOURIST INFORMATION |
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| ► Trujillo and Surroundings |
Main Square of Trujillo
Following the orders of Diego de Almagro, Martin de Astete drew up this square as the center of the city. In the central part of the main square, you can see the monument of La Libertad, a Baroque marble sculpture, work of the German, Edmund Müller.
Cathedral of Trujillo
Main square. Telephone: (044) 23-5083 (Cathedral Museum). Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 7:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. Built in 1666, it stores precious works of art, specifically paintings of the Cusco School as well as sculptures.
Cathedral Museum
Located inside the Cathedral of Trujillo Here are kept objects related to liturgy, carvings, and paintings of the colonial period; among these, two canvasses stand out: "La Negación de San Pedro" (The Denial of Saint Peter) and the portrait of John the Baptist. Characteristics of this building are its ceiling ornamented with polychromatic beams and the crypt decorated with murals of the Apostles.
Iglesia Belén (Bethlehem Church)
Intersection of Calle Almagro and Calle Ayacucho
Its construction began in 1680 and ended in 1708. It was built with adobe, brick, and quincha (anti-seismic construction material). The entrance of the facade is marked by two towers with triangular pilasters. In the interior, the arches, pilasters, and pillars correspond to seventeenth century Trujillo tradition.
Plazuela El Recreo (El Recreo Square)
Jiron Pizarro, 9th Block
This old square with its impressive facade points out the road to the highlands. In 1986, it was restored, and the old fountain that once was in the Main Square is now there. You can also see the water tank that fed the lots of land in colonial time.
Monasterio El Carmen (El Carmen Monastery)
Intersection of Calle Colon and Calle Bolivar. Telephone: (044) 24-823. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Built in 1759, it is one of the best architectural complexes of the city. It consists of a temple and a two-cloister convent. The gallery maintains an important collection of approximately 150 canvases, mainly from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The canvases of the Quito and the Flamenco Schools are the main attractions.
Iglesia San Agustin (San Agustin Church)
Jiron Bolívar 508. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M – 8:00 P.M.
It dates back to the seventeenth century. The main altar is gold leafed, and the pulpit is of Baroque style.
Iglesia de San Francisco (St. Francis Church)
Intersection of Jiron Independencia and Jiron Gamarra. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
This Baroque church was built in the eighteenth century. The main altar, the polychromatic altarpieces, and the pulpit are its most important features. You can see figures of the Holy Scriptures and passages of the lives of some saints in the ornamentations. Today, the Colon Theatre is located on what used to be the convent.
Iglesia de La Merced (Mercy Church)
Jiron Francisco Pizarro 550. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 8:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Originally built in 1536, it was destroyed in 1619 by an earthquake and rebuilt in 1634. The architectural structure, unlike other churches in the city of Trujillo, was built at the center of a block and not a corner as usual for this type of monuments. Its main facade is of Baroque style and, instead of bell towers, it has a two parapets. The interior art work is of great value with pieces such as the main altar (originally belonging to the Iglesia de la Compañia) and the lateral altarpieces with paintings from the seventeenth century.
Iturregui Palace
Jiron Pizarro 668. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Constructed in the nineteenth century, it is an example of Neo-classical civil architecture. The columns, the window bars, and the Italian marble statues catch the eyes. Today it is the headquarters of Club Central.
Mayorazgo de Facala House
Jiron Pizarro 314. Visiting hours: Mon. – Fri.9:15 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. It has a large main patio and an ancient well. From the outside, you can view its corner Mudejar style balcony. In this house, a valuable money collection is kept.
Bracamonte House
Jiron Independencia 44, Main Square. Restricted visits
It represents two eras since it combines Vice royal elements of the eighteenth century with Republican elements of the nineteenth. The facade is characterized by a huge, wooden front door and traditional windows with carefully worked iron bars. Inside there are pleasant patios.
Ganoza Chopitea House
Jiron Independencia 630. Visiting hours: Mon. – Fri.9:15 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. and 2:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
For many specialists, this is the most representative house of Trujillo architectural style. The Baroque entrance uses many shades of color, and the Rococo front with the two lions (for which it is also known as the House of the Lion Facade) draws your eye. Complementing the style of the house are the Mannerist walls, Imperial windows, and the Neo-baroque balcony.
Casa del Mariscal de Orbegoso (Marshall of Orbegoso House)
Jiron Orbegoso 553. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 9:30 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
This residence preserves the traditional Vice-royal character marked by stone floors, worked doors, and halls distributed in an elevated terrace. In its rooms, important collections of furniture, silver, canvases, and mirrors are exhibited. Likewise, temporary expositions are arranged.
Casa de la Emancipación (Emancipation House)
Jr. Pizarro 610. Visiting hours: Mon – Sat.9:15 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
In this place, also known as “De Madalengoitia”, the Marquis of Torre Tagle prepared the Trujillo declaration of independence in 1820. It was the site of the First Constituent Congress and later, the house from where President Riva Agüero ruled. This house is also called Civic Sanctuary of Trujillo. It also houses exhibitions.
Calonge or Urquiaga House
Jr. Pizarro 446. Visiting hours: Mon. – Fri.9:30 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.; Sat. – Sun. 10:00 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. It is the site of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru. It is a neo-classical house and has been converted into a museum where gold ornaments of the Chimu culture, the desk of Liberator Simon Bolivar, and furniture belonging to the Vice-royal and Republican epochs are displayed.
Museo de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia de la Universidad Nacional de Trujillo (The National University of Trujillo Museum of Archeology, Anthropology and History)
Jiron Junin 682. Telephone (044) 24-9322. Visiting hours: Mon 9:00A.M. – 2:45 P.M. ; Tues. – Fri. 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.; Sat. – Sun. 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Archeological remnants related to the different pre-Hispanic cultures that developed in the department of La Libertad are displayed here. The museum is located in the Risco House, famous for its patios decorated with murals. Ceramic objects, jewelry, clothing, and feather mosaic are the highlights of the exhibitions.
Museo del Juguete (Toy Museum)
Jiron Independencia 705. Telephone: (044) 208181. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. It shows the transformation of the toy through the centuries, from the pre-Hispanic era up to the 1950’s. Toys from different parts of the world can be seen that reflect the customs, fashion, and socio-cultural parameters of the countries they come from.
Zoological Museum
Jr. San Martin 368. Visiting hours: Mon. – Fri. 8:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Different species of regional and Peruvian fauna are shown: birds, fish, reptiles, insects, and camelids.
Museo de Arqueología José Cassinelli (Jose Cassinelli Museum of Archeology)
Av. Nicolas de Pierola 607. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 9:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. A display of fine archeological objects from the Mochica, Chimu, and Recuay cultures.
Citadel of Chan Chan
5 km / 3 miles northeast of Trujillo, in the Moche Valley (10 minutes by car). Telephone: (044) 20-6304 (Site Museum). Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
This pre-Hispanic urban center represents the largest mud city in pre-Hispanic America. In 1986, it was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
Chan Chan might have been the capital of the Chimu kingdom, originally including over twenty square kilometers, from the nearby Port of Huanchaco to the Campana Hill. Archeologists estimate that it lodged over a hundred thousand people. Plazas, houses, warehouses, workshops, streets, walls, and pyramidal temples are clearly defined in its structure. Its enormous walls are profusely decorated with reliefs of geometric figures, zoomorphic stylizations, and mythological creatures. The journey through the archeological site is complemented with a visit of the Site Museum.
Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna
8 km / 5 miles south of the city of Trujillo (15 minutes by car). Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun.9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Huaca del Sol functioned as the political-administrative center, and Huaca de la Luna as the ceremonial center. The urban zone is located between the two and is composed of houses, large avenues, alleys, corridors, and squares. These components confirm the high level of political, religious, economic, and social organization of the Moches.
Huaca de la Luna is made up of temples superimposed according to the different periods of the Mochica power. In some walls, beautiful polychromatic murals can be seen, whose clearly defined figures represent the god Ai-apaec. In the temple, archeologists have discovered a tomb with more than forty sacrificed warriors. For the time being the tourist visit only includes Huaca de la Luna.
The Dragon Huaca or Arco Iris (The Rainbow)
4 km / 3 miles from the city of Trujillo (10 minutes by car) This adobe pyramid is especially important since its construction was done at the beginning of the Chimu culture and at the end of the Tiahuanuco-Wari culture between the tenth and eleventh centuries A.D. Its estimated age is 1100 years. The building has a square base and walls decorated with zoomorphic and anthropomorphic representations in high relief. The name of the Dragon cames from one of these figures, a two-headed creature with uncountable feet, similar to a dragon.
Researchers consider that one of the purposes of this place was ceremonial (it would have been linked to rituals in honor of the rainbow and other natural phenomena related to fertility).
The Emerald Huaca
3 km / 2 miles from the city of Trujillo, in the El Cortijo Production Co-op (8 minute by car) This archeological site is associated to the Chimu culture and was built linked to Chan Chan. The building has a rectangular base (65 meters / 213 feet long and 41 meters / 135 feet wide) and two platforms with central ramps. The adobe walls are decorated with zoomorphic and geometric motifs in high relief.
Huanchaco Beach Resort
13 km / 8 miles northwest of Trujillo (15 minutes by car) According to the legend, 800 years ago Prince Tacaynamo and his court disembarked in Huanchaco and founded the first Chimu dynasty. The traditional rafts called the "caballitos de totora" (little horses of totora reeds), used by the fishermen in the north coast of Peru since pre-Columbian times, still navigate these water. It is one of the most popular beaches along the coast of Peru for surfers.
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| ► Puerto Chicama and El Brujo |
Complejo Arqueológico El Brujo (El Brujo Archeological Complex)
60 km / 37 miles from Trujillo in the Chicama Valley (1 hour and 15 minutes by car). Visits previously arranged by phone: (01) 441-2201, Ext. 410 It is formed by the three following constructions: Huaca Prieta, Huaca Cao and Huaca Cortada. Researchers have found signs of occupation since the pre-ceramic period (5000 years ago). The most outstanding edifice is the huge adobe pyramid (sacrifice wall) 30 meters / 98 feet high on the walls of which the Mochicas molded extremely rich iconography. The most famous image is the “Head Slaughterer”, one of the most important polychromatic friezes. The figure of the slaughterer is also to be found in the ritual scenes represented on the pottery.
Chicama Port or Malabrigo Port
74 km / 46 miles northwest of Trujillo (1 hour and 30 minutes by car). Located on a wide and very windy beach, Chicama is known among the surfers because it has the longest left handed wave in the world. |
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| ► Huamachuco and surroundings |
Province of Sanchez Carrion
Markahuamachuco Archeological Complex
Huamachuco, capital of the Province, is located 181 km / 113 miles east of Trujillo (8 hours by bus); from there, it is another ten more kilometers to arrive at the archeological complex (30 minutes by car).
It is located 3200 masl / 10.499 fasl and features several periods of occupation. Its stone walls rise over a plateau 5 km2 / 2 miles2 with hazardous abysses seirmounted by ovoid based towers (circular) of more than 10 meters / 33 feet in height.
Wiracochapampa
This archeological site is located on a plain north of the city of Huamachuco. The highest part stands towards the south and the lowest part towards the north. On this archeological stage, the performance of the Waman Raymi is set up and shown in August. According to some investigations, this city was abandoned without being completed as shown by some unfinished walls and rooms that have cleary never been inhabited. |
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| ► Santiago de Chuco |
Province of Santiago de Chuco
Cachicadan Thermal Baths (3178 masl / 10.427 fasl)
183 km / 114 miles east of Trujillo (6 hours by car) Cachicadan, a calm and serene town, is located 2884 masl / 9462 fasl. There, on the slopes of Cerro La Botica, a hill east of the neighborhood of San Miguel, you will find two springs of water called Summer Cachicadan and Winter Cachicadan, both fed by penetrations of waters very rich in iron and magnesium. The thermal waters are red colored, and their average temperature is 71ºC (160ºF).
National Reserve and Sanctuary of Calipuy
164 km / 102 miles east of Trujillo until the city of Santiago de Chuco (8 hours by car) This bio-geographical area located between 840 and 3600 masl / 2756 and 11811 fasl, spreads over 4500 hectares. It shelters and protects one of biggest existing forests of the bromeliad, Puyas de Raimondi, along with Andean animal species like the Guanaco. Its climate is characterized by abundant rains betweenDecember and April. It is located in a wet highland moor, in the Suni Region. |
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| ► Chepén |
Province of Chepen
Cerro de Chepen and Via Crucis (Path of the Cross)
The city of Chepen is 139 km / 86 miles north of Trujillo (2 hours by car). To reach the hill from there, you must hike uphill for approximately 30 minutes.
The archeological stone complex is surrounded by a wall with two main entrances, one to the north and one to the south. The construction features niches, rooms, watchtowers, and temples. Recently, twenty-three statues representing the “Via Crucis” (Path of the Cross) and an eighteen meter image of Christ have been erected, overlooking the entire Jequetepeque River valley. |
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| ► Otuzco |
Province of Otuzco
City of Otuzco
75 km / 47 miles east of Trujillo – To reach it, take the asphalt highway and then a packed road for the final section (2 hours by car).
A picturesque city in La Libertad highlands with narrow streets and elevated houses of wide doors and tile roofs. It is surrounded by a beautiful Andean landscape, which features the Tupullo Gorge, the Pollo River, and La Ermita Hill. Otuzco is highly visited for its Virgin de la Puerta (Virgin of the Gate), patron saint of the city.
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| ► Pacasmayo and San Pedro de Lloc |
Province of Pacasmayo
Main Church of San Pedro de Lloc
82 km / 51 miles north of Trujillo (1 hour by car), in the Main Square of the city of San Pedro de Lloc. It dates back to the second half of the seventeenth century and is known for its Rococo main panel which contains a carving of Saint Peter.
Antonio Raimondi House and Museum
Jiron 2 de Mayo 432, San Pedro de Lloc. Telephone: (044) 52-8338 / 52-8646 / 962-6620 Fax (044) 528338. Visiting hours: Tues. – Sun 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. A colonial house inhabited in the nineteenth century by the Italian naturalist Antonio Raimondi, it has a permanent 120 m2 / 1292 feet2 room in which the life and work of this scientist is shown through amusing and interactive exhibitions.
Cañoncillo Forest
Located in the District of San Pedro de Lloc, on the left bank of the Jequetepeque River, this site forms part of the dry forest ecosystem of Peru. It includes dunes, mild slopes, plains, and forests of eight meter high carob trees.
Pakatnamu Complex
14 km / 9 miles from Pacasmayo (30 minutes by car) It is an enormous archeological site next to the mouth of the Jequetepeque River with fifty truncated pyramids, other complexes of rooms, plazas, fortifications, walls with reliefs, and various halls.
Pacasmayo Beach Resort
150 km / 93 miles from Trujillo (2 hours by bus) The Spanish conquistadors founded the Port of Pacasmayo in 1775, later building. docks for economic purposes. Some buildings stand out like the 1850 Grace House. You can surf and dive along its beaches.
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| ► Virú |
Province of Viru
Chavimochic Special Irrigation Project
Kilometer 508 of the Panamerican Highway North, (45 minutes by car from Trujillo). Telephone: (044) 27-1175 / 27-2286 - extension 122
This irrigation project is considered the most important on the north coast of Peru since it includes the provinces of Viru, Trujillo, and Ascope in the department of La Libertad. Its main purpose is to divert the waters of the Santa River towards the valleys of Chao, Viru, Moche, and Chicama in order to increase the amount of farmable land there and to generate electricity and drinkable water for the city of Trujillo.
It is possible to develop a series of agricultural activities. Additionally, you can sand surf or visit farming areas and participate in the harvest.
Guañape Islands
Access is limited to boats from Puerto Morin, south of the city of Trujillo (30 minutes by car), but another alternative is to get there from the city of Viru (45 minutes by car). The two islands, North Guañape and South Guañape rise 165 meters / 541 feet above the waters and host approximately 1200 South American sea lions and guanay cormorants. Some meters below the surface, hundreds of pre-Hispanic objects were found as well as bodies of decapitated maidens whose ribs and chests were covered by a thin sheet of gold.
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| ► Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna |
The countryside in the province of La Libertad was the land where the ancient Mochica culture chose to build up its most important ceremonial centres: The Huaca del Sol and the Huaca de la Luna. Located only 8 km away from the city of Trujillo, these impressive monuments are more that 1,500 years old.
The Huaca or Temple of the Sun functioned as an administrative and political centre. It is a staggered pyramid of approximately 43 meters high that was built by 250,000 men in only three days according to tradition. Around 70 million adobe bricks were used for its construction.
The Huaca de la Luna or Temple of the Moon is located 500 meters away from the Huaca del Sol. This construction was built for ceremonial purposes and it is formed by six superimposed temples built during different periods of the Mochica culture. Its polychrome big walls, on which they represented the Mochica divinity known as Ai-Apaec (Slaughterer God) are remarkable since they are very well preserved. It is thought that multiple human sacrifices were held to honour this god, rituals that have been captured in other elements of the Mochica iconography.
Other characters have been also represented on its façade: serpents, fishermen, huge spiders holding ceremonial knives, priests, etc. These would have been designed to pay tribute to the water and the fertility of the land. |
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| ► Chan Chan: the world's largest pre-Hispanic mud-brick citadel |
The ancient Chimú kingdom (700-1400 AD) founded their capital by the banks of the Moche River in the department of La Libertad and called it Jang-Jang, which in the ancient Mochica language means "sun-sun". Chan Chan, which spans an area of 20 square km, is the largest mud-brick citadel dating back to the pre-Hispanic era. To build it, the Chimú architects used clay, mud, pebbles, wood, reeds, straw and cane, materials which enable the citadel to blend in with the sandy coasts. The complex is made up of many cities within a city, each of which has its own single entrance which leads down a corridor that opens up into other passageways lining walls and buildings featuring some marvelous rectangular architecture: inner patios, residences, administrative buildings, temples, platforms and storehouses. The walls were decorated with haut-relief friezes done in geometric and animal figures. The T-shaped platform that housed the king's burial chamber was the most important construction in the complex. The citadel was surrounded by outlying quarters which housed the kingdom's producers and servants. The separate cities today have been given the names of the archaeologists who studied them (Rivero, Tschudi, Bandelier, Uhle, Tello). The Rivero city was the seat of Minchancamán, the last of the Chimú rulers, who was captured by the Incas and taken to Cuzco, according to the Spanish chroniclers.
The city was the urban center of a vast regional state which covered half of the Peruvian coast, stretching from Tumbes on the Ecuadorian border down as far south as Lima. All roads branched out from Chan Chan.
Archeological complex El Brujo (La Libertad)
Located 60 Km from the city of Trujillo in the Chicama valley. Investigators have discovered indications of occupation from the pre-ceramic period (500 years old). Prominent is a great adobe pyramid, 30 m high in the walls of which the Mochicas shaped a rich iconography, the most well known of which is the "Beheader", one of the most important polychromatic friezes. The figure of the executioner is repeated in ritual scenes in the ceramics. |
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