
Huaca del Sol Trujillo
Ancient Moche adobe pyramids, Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, showcase impressive pre-Columbian art and architecture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Huaca del Sol Trujillo
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Moche adobe pyramids, Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, showcase impressive pre-Columbian art and architecture.
"The site is an impressive reminder of the high capabilities in architecture of pre-Colombian civilizations."

Book a Guided Tour
Essential for understanding the Moche culture and the significance of the site. English tours are available! :microphone:
Check Museum Hours
The museum has limited hours, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment. :clock:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Huaca de la Luna Murals
Huaca de la Luna
Vibrant, well-preserved murals depicting Moche deities and rituals, offering a glimpse into their complex worldview.

Ai Apaec Depictions
Huaca de la Luna
Discover the fearsome 'Decapitator God' Ai Apaec through intricate carvings and painted reliefs, a central figure in Moche mythology.

Moche Architecture
Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna
Marvel at the impressive adobe brick construction and scale of these ancient ceremonial and residential centers.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Huaca del Sol
Understanding Huaca del Sol & Luna
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book a Guided Tour
Essential for understanding the Moche culture and the significance of the site. English tours are available! :microphone:
Check Museum Hours
The museum has limited hours, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment. :clock:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive archaeological site. :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate and Protect Yourself
Bring water and wear sunscreen/a hat, as it can get very hot and sunny. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book a Guided Tour
Essential for understanding the Moche culture and the significance of the site. English tours are available! :microphone:
Check Museum Hours
The museum has limited hours, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment. :clock:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive archaeological site. :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate and Protect Yourself
Bring water and wear sunscreen/a hat, as it can get very hot and sunny. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Consider Donation for Guide
Guides are by donation; a generous contribution enhances their efforts. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna to be incredibly interesting and a highlight of any trip to Trujillo. The guided tours are highly praised for their informative content, and the preserved murals at Huaca de la Luna are a major draw. Some visitors experienced issues with ticket sellers and museum hours, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"Very interesting site! We had a lovely tour guide (sadly I don’t quite remember here name, Even?). The tours are free on a donation basis. They have tours in English and Spanish with the last English tour being at 3.15pm.
Only annoying and rude thing was that the ticket seller sold us museum tickets even though it was only open for 8 more min (until 4pm)! I understand that the site needs money but this is not the way to get it.
If you’re in Trujillo you should definitely check out this site!"
Flowerly
"Great to see the sun temple and be part of a tour group where the pictures / significance is explained. Some places were badly destroyed but you can see they are actively trying to keep what is left preserved."
Kara H
"So you really should come and join a guided tour (available in Spanish, English and French every hour or so), we did almost 2 hours and it was possibly the best pyramids in Peru we have visited (mostly thanks to the University that runs it). The explanations were really good, the route was nice, lots of shade and lots of conserved murals and structures to see. It's about 20 soles in an Uber from the city, 10 soles entry (+5 soles for the museum) and a guide is by donation (we gave 15 soles each)."
Matthew Beardsley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna from Trujillo by taking a 'combi' (minibus) for about 5 soles. Taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber are also available and typically cost around 20 soles from the city center.
Yes, the site is accessible from Trujillo. While Huaca del Sol itself is largely eroded, Huaca de la Luna, which is often visited in conjunction, is well-preserved and offers a rich experience.
These two sites are located very close to each other, often visited as a single complex. You can easily walk between them or take a short ride if needed.
Yes, 'combis' are a popular and affordable public transport option from Trujillo to the Moche Valley where the Huacas are located.
The Huacas are located just outside of Trujillo, making them a convenient day trip. Travel time by car is typically around 20-30 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is approximately 10 soles. There's an additional 5 soles fee for the museum.
Absolutely! Guided tours are highly recommended and are available in Spanish, English, and French. They are often included with entry or available by donation.
The site is generally open until 4 PM, but it's advisable to check the exact hours, especially for the museum, as it can close earlier.
While you can explore the site independently, a guided tour is strongly recommended to fully appreciate the history and significance of the Moche civilization.
Advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check for any special events or holiday periods that might affect availability.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Huaca del Sol was primarily a ceremonial and administrative center, built with adobe bricks, but much of it has eroded. Huaca de la Luna is renowned for its remarkably preserved murals and intricate structures, offering a more visually stunning experience.
You'll see stunning, well-preserved murals depicting Moche deities like Ai Apaec, as well as intricate architectural details and evidence of human sacrifice rituals.
While Huaca del Sol is eroded, its sheer scale is impressive and a testament to Moche architectural capabilities. Visiting it alongside Huaca de la Luna provides a complete picture of the Moche civilization.
Basic facilities are usually available at the archaeological sites, including restrooms. It's always good to carry your own hand sanitizer.
Be mindful of lighting conditions. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the colors and details of the murals. Avoid using flash photography, as it can damage the ancient artwork.
📸 📸 Photography
While Huaca del Sol is eroded, its vastness offers a sense of scale. The surrounding desert landscape and the distant views of Huaca de la Luna provide good photographic subjects.
Photography rules can vary, but generally, photos without flash are permitted in most areas. Always check for signage or ask staff if unsure.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the ruins and details of the murals. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive views.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at archaeological sites to protect the structures and ensure visitor safety. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photography, highlighting the textures and colors of the adobe structures and murals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities can be limited. Encourage kids to look for the different figures in the murals, like the fearsome Ai Apaec. The site museum also provides a good overview that can be easier for children to digest. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day to ensure comfort.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Key highlights for history buffs: Focus on the detailed explanations provided by guides, especially regarding the iconography of the murals and the architectural techniques used. The museum at Huaca de la Luna is a treasure trove of artifacts that further illuminate Moche life. Don't miss the chance to learn about Ai Apaec and the ritualistic significance of the site.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Visit during the golden hours for dramatic lighting. A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the scale of the ruins, while a prime lens can be useful for detailed shots of the murals. Be respectful of the site and avoid using flash on the ancient artwork.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Moche Civilization: Masters of the Desert
The Moche were renowned for their sophisticated irrigation systems, which allowed them to cultivate crops in the arid coastal desert, and their intricate metalwork, particularly in gold and silver. Their artistic legacy is most vividly expressed through their pottery, especially the 'huacos' (pottery vessels), which include realistic portrait huacos and erotic huacos, offering invaluable insights into their daily lives, beliefs, and rituals.
Despite their achievements, the Moche civilization eventually declined, possibly due to a combination of environmental factors like El Niño events and internal social strife. However, their cultural influence persisted, laying the groundwork for later Andean civilizations. Visiting the Huacas provides a tangible connection to this fascinating pre-Columbian culture.
Exploring Huaca de la Luna: A Canvas of Moche Beliefs
The murals at Huaca de la Luna reveal a society deeply intertwined with religious practices, including human sacrifice, which was believed to appease the gods and ensure agricultural fertility. The site's layout and the iconography found within suggest a complex ceremonial calendar and a strong priestly class. The University of Trujillo has been instrumental in the ongoing excavation and preservation efforts, ensuring that these ancient stories are not lost to time.
Visitors can walk through the different levels and chambers of Huaca de la Luna, marveling at the vibrant colors and intricate details of the artwork. The site museum further enhances the experience, displaying artifacts unearthed during excavations and providing deeper context about Moche life and beliefs.


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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit