The moche route

Unique experiences

Architecture. Cities like Trujillo have a noteworthy Spanish influence, examples of which are the many churches, ranch houses, cobble stoned streets, and mansions built when Peru was a Spanish Colony and afterwards during its so-called Republican

All of this makes the Moche Route a one of a kind travel experience in South America.

Enjoy it using all your senses!

Ancient Michael Tweedle

Surf the world’s longest left hand wave (2 km / 1.2 mi) at Chicama beach in Malabrigo, La Libertad.

Take a tour of Chan Chan, the largest Pre-Hispanic mud city, in addition to other sacred PreColumbian sites and pyramids.

Natural

Wondrous

Go bird watching in Huamachuco, near Trujillo, or in the forests of Chaparri, or in the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge in Lambayeque and catch glimpses of endemic birds and plenty of hummingbird species.

Savor the delicious foods that chefs in Lambayeque create, prepared from traditional ingredients like butternut squash and chicha de jora (type of corn beer), or treat yourself to some of the best seafood around at Huanchaco, near Trujillo.

Alex Bryce

Adventure

Ancient civilizations of the northern coast The area we know of today as the departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad was once the birthplace of three major Pre-Columbian cultures that flourished in there during different time periods.

The Moche civilization, centered in the Moche Valley that is located in the coast of La Libertad, developed from 200 to 800 A.D., one thousand years before the Incan Empire. It gave rise to two other civilizations: the Lambayeque, also known as the Sicán, which held sway mainly over the area that is today the department of Lambayeque between 900 A.D. and 1100 A.D. and the Chimú, which occupied the same region as did the Moche, but from 1100 A.D. to 1470 A.D. While it is true that the Peruvian

coastline is an arid strip of land, the Moche greatly expanded their power through taking advantage of two natural features: fertile river valleys that provided them water and the ocean from which they took a variety of resources.

Here is a brief description of the major valleys where these cultures flourished: 1. Moche Valley It was the seat of power for the Moche culture, also called the Mochica. The most important archeological sites are the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and the Pyramid of the Rainbow.

After the fall of the Moche, the Chimú rose to take their place, and their capital was Chan Chan, the largest mud city in the Pre-Hispanic Americas.

2. Chicama Valley Important vestiges here are the El Brujo complex and Huaca Prieta, while the Lady of Cao is the newest star, the first female ruler to be discovered in the history of ancient Peru, also famous for the vivid tattoos left on her mummified remains.

3. Lambayeque Valley This is the location of the Huaca Rajada religious complex, which is where the Lord of Sipán, the most powerful Moche monarch, was discovered. His tomb is, furthermore, said to be the richest archeological find in all the Americas. Also in the midst of this valley is the Túcume pyramid complex in which you will see the largest pyramid in South America.

4. Pómac Valley There are twenty Sicán pyramids within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary, a dry forest ecosystem and natural refuge for carob trees and wildlife species

like the white winged guan, spectacled bear, wildcat, and anteater, not to mention parrots, owls, and hummingbirds.

Christian Jara

Renzo Tasso

Visit three of Peru’s modern museums: the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, National Sicán Museum, and the Brüning Archeological and Ethnology Museum.

José Cáceres

Its beaches are perfect for engaging in fishing and surfing. When in Trujillo, visit Chicama to experience the world’s longest left hand wave and Huanchaco to be treated to a unique spectacle: young surfers and fishermen on traditional canoe-like boats called “caballitos de totora” (little reed horses) sharing the waves. While in Chiclayo, you will want to go to Pimentel, whose beach offers excellent surf and first rate seafood restaurants.

You can watch the National Marinera Dance Contest (La Libertad) and be amazed as the competitors perform; there is also the Peruvian paso horse parade, a breed of horse native to Peru, (Lima).

The Moche Route

Palaces and rulers of Peru’s northern valleys

Spectacled bear, Pómac Forest

peru.travel

Daniel Silva

Alex Bryce

The gastronomy in these two departments is considered one of the best that Peru has to offer, following ancient recipes that call for a variety of natural ingredients.

period. Furthermore, some of Peru’s most important museums are also in Trujillo, like the Toy Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of the National University of Trujillo.

Contemporary

Daniel Silva

The Moche Route brings together the main archeological, natural, cultural, and scenic attractions found in the coastal departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad on a journey that combines the riches of some of the most important PreColumbian civilizations –Moche, Chimú, and Sicán– with the best of the modern world.

Living Culture

Alex Bryce

<Discover the enchantment of the Moche Route

peru.travel

El Brujo Archeological Complex

Huaca Rajada - Sipán

When you visit Peru, you are going to discover that it is a multifaceted destination; there is Ancient Peru, Natural Peru, Peru of Living Cultures, Peru of Adventure, Wondrous Peru, and Contemporary Peru. By traveling through its northern coast, you will have the chance to experience them all.

Heinz Plenge

A trip to enjoy with all your senses

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

Michael Tweedle

The Moche Route

Pimentel Beach

Chongoyape

CHICLAYO

Pomalca

Pimentel Monsefú

There are four, well developed circuits for you to get the most from your journey along the Moche Route. The following descriptions are just some of the main attractions you can visit on each one of them.

The Moche Route

The circuit

Sipán Huaca Rajada

Reque

1 Discovering the Lady of Cao: Trujillo and El Brujo.

Cayalti Zaña

Pto. Eten

Lady of Cao, a Moche noblewoman who ruled the Chicama Valley some 1700 years ago. Her perfectly preserved tomb was discovered in the El Brujo Archeological Complex. [1]

Motupe

CAJAMARCA

Legend

City of Chan Chan

So skilled were their potters that Moche ceramics are viewed as the best in the Americas. Archeologists have furthermore discovered

Lord of Sicán burial paraphernalia

<Temples and palaces of mud The Moche built a series of sacred sites (truncated pyramids) which served ceremonial, political, and administrative purposes. And it just so happens that some of them are the largest Pre-Columbian adobe structures.

The designers of these complexes incorporated large plazas and minor constructions for those who belonged to the lower classes, using clayey adobe as their primary construction material, yet they did employ other natural elements, as well, such as certain plants for roofs, joints, and framework.

Some of their most outstanding achievements, however, are manifested on their painted walls that shimmer with ochre, reds, yellows, and blues that the Moche extracted from plants and minerals and applied to the walls with resin from the San Pedro cactus,

a plant whose psychoactive properties were well known to the Moche and are still used today by shamans who are very active in Peru’s northern regions.

The gravesites uncovered in the areas of these sites bear witness to the Moche belief of life after death, and the bodies were buried along with tools, Aníbal Solimano

Magalí Del Solar

This civilization made great advances in science and art. They were prolific sailors who went to sea on those famous vessels, caballitos de totora, which are still used by fisherman on the northern coast. They also excelled as cloth makers, who employed different varieties of native cotton, and were very skilled metallurgists that were able to produce ceremonial objects made of gold, silver and copper.

incredible pieces and magnificent murals upon which Moche artists depicted the story of this society, having captured different scenes of daily life, sexual and hygienic practices, sacrifices, and images of people and mythological beings, many of which are decorated with necklaces, nose rings, earrings, and headdresses.

El Brujo Archeological Complex.

Located in the Chicama Valley, this site boasts many adobe pyramids that are decorated with friezes and painted walls, through which the Moche artists represented their magical-religious world using multicolored iconography.

Pacasmayo

The Moche Route Circuits

1. DISCOVERING THE LADY OF CAO Trujillo and El Brujo.

2. THE LORDS OF THE NORTH

Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. Pyramid of the Rainbow), Huanchaco and Chan Chan.

LA LIB BERTAD Chocope

El Brujo Cao Museum

3. THE MOCHE AND THEIR MYSTERIES

Magdalena de Cao Santiago de Cao

Huanchaco

Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

TRUJILLO

Chan Chan

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon

Site Museum

4. THE MOCHE EMPIRE AND THE GOLDEN SPLENDOR OF SICÁN Chiclayo, Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac

Museum of Moche Sacred Sites

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

jewelry, family members, and guards.

These tombs of the political, religious, and military elite also contained offerings of gold, silver, copper, textile, wood, and ceramic artifacts that demonstrated the splendor and power of this civilization’s ruling class.

Salaverry

Inca

Ancient Civilizations of Peru

Chachapoya Lambayeque

Chavín

Chimú

Moche

Caral

Tiahuanaco and Wari 400

200 100 a.C

0 100 200 d.C

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac.

Huaca Rajada – Sipán. In 1987, archeologists found an intact tomb, exquisitely decorated in gold artifacts, of an important Mochica sovereign, who they named the Lord of Sipán. You can see the gold, silver, and copper artifacts on display at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum.

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. On exhibit here is a collection of gold, silver, and copper pieces that were unearthed from the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. [4]

2 The Lords of the North: Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of

Túcume. Also known as the Valley of the Pyramids since there are 26 pyramids within the complex, was developed during the 8th century A.D.; it is furthermore believed it took around 500 years to complete their construction. [5]

The city of Chan Chan.

This, the largest mud city found in the Pre-Hispanic Americas, was the capital of the Chimú. UNESCO also inscribed it on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1986.

Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary.

This dry forest protects the largest natural carob stand in the country as well as the Batán Grande pyramid complex.

The once-considered extinct white-winged guan has been reintroduced into this habitat.

1

the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon, Chan Chan and Huanchaco.

Malabrigo

N EA OC IFIC PAC

The Moches were governed by a theocracy, and their society divided along class lines. The priests and the military rulers, some of which attained godhood, were at the top of the social pyramid, followed by artisans and merchants, while at the base were the fishermen and farmers.

Archeological site Sacred site Museum Lodgings Restaurants iPeru office Forest Surfing Airport Port

4 The Moche Empire and the Golden Splendor of Sicán: Chiclayo,

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon Both structures were built by the Moche. The Pyramid of the Sun, standing 141 ft in the air, is the tallest in Peru, while the Pyramid of the Moon possesses amazing multicolored murals. [2] Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. the Pyramid of the Rainbow).

An adobe pyramid, roughly 1100 years old. The walls are profusely decorated in high relief that features anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures, yet the most striking is twoheaded with an infinite number of feet, similar to a dragon. [3]

2

3

Batán Grande. Group of adobe pyramids from the Sicán culture.

Researchers investigating the site in the 1930’s discovered some gold artifacts, among them the famous Tumi (a ceremonial blade) and the slanteyed mask. Then again, in 1991, other researchers found the tomb of the Lord of Sicán. The complex is set within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary. [6] Brünning Archeology and Ethnology Museum. It displays a collection that provides a complete summary of the Pre-Columbian cultures, seen

PromPeru photo archive

Ferreñafe

Lambayeque

Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

4 Alejandro Balaguer

Chaparri Private Ecological Reserve

3 The Moche and Their Mysteries: Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of

5

Mayu Mohanna

Pitipo

Daniel Silva

Royal Tombs Museum Brüning Museum

Four circuits, a neverending list of experiences

Pomac Forest Historic Sanctuary

Daniel Silva

Illimo Site Museum Túcume Túcume

Magalí Del Solar

Walter Silvera

A world of gods, science, and art

LAMBAYEQUE

6

through the research gathered by the investigator, Heinrich Brünning.

National Sicán Museum (Ferreñafe).

They display artifacts uncovered during the excavations at the Batán Grande. You can also see tombs and mummies of important Sicán personages.

Chongoyape

CHICLAYO

Pomalca

Pimentel Monsefú

There are four, well developed circuits for you to get the most from your journey along the Moche Route. The following descriptions are just some of the main attractions you can visit on each one of them.

The Moche Route

The circuit

Sipán Huaca Rajada

Reque

1 Discovering the Lady of Cao: Trujillo and El Brujo.

Cayalti Zaña

Pto. Eten

Lady of Cao, a Moche noblewoman who ruled the Chicama Valley some 1700 years ago. Her perfectly preserved tomb was discovered in the El Brujo Archeological Complex. [1]

Motupe

CAJAMARCA

Legend

City of Chan Chan

So skilled were their potters that Moche ceramics are viewed as the best in the Americas. Archeologists have furthermore discovered

Lord of Sicán burial paraphernalia

<Temples and palaces of mud The Moche built a series of sacred sites (truncated pyramids) which served ceremonial, political, and administrative purposes. And it just so happens that some of them are the largest Pre-Columbian adobe structures.

The designers of these complexes incorporated large plazas and minor constructions for those who belonged to the lower classes, using clayey adobe as their primary construction material, yet they did employ other natural elements, as well, such as certain plants for roofs, joints, and framework.

Some of their most outstanding achievements, however, are manifested on their painted walls that shimmer with ochre, reds, yellows, and blues that the Moche extracted from plants and minerals and applied to the walls with resin from the San Pedro cactus,

a plant whose psychoactive properties were well known to the Moche and are still used today by shamans who are very active in Peru’s northern regions.

The gravesites uncovered in the areas of these sites bear witness to the Moche belief of life after death, and the bodies were buried along with tools, Aníbal Solimano

Magalí Del Solar

This civilization made great advances in science and art. They were prolific sailors who went to sea on those famous vessels, caballitos de totora, which are still used by fisherman on the northern coast. They also excelled as cloth makers, who employed different varieties of native cotton, and were very skilled metallurgists that were able to produce ceremonial objects made of gold, silver and copper.

incredible pieces and magnificent murals upon which Moche artists depicted the story of this society, having captured different scenes of daily life, sexual and hygienic practices, sacrifices, and images of people and mythological beings, many of which are decorated with necklaces, nose rings, earrings, and headdresses.

El Brujo Archeological Complex.

Located in the Chicama Valley, this site boasts many adobe pyramids that are decorated with friezes and painted walls, through which the Moche artists represented their magical-religious world using multicolored iconography.

Pacasmayo

The Moche Route Circuits

1. DISCOVERING THE LADY OF CAO Trujillo and El Brujo.

2. THE LORDS OF THE NORTH

Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. Pyramid of the Rainbow), Huanchaco and Chan Chan.

LA LIB BERTAD Chocope

El Brujo Cao Museum

3. THE MOCHE AND THEIR MYSTERIES

Magdalena de Cao Santiago de Cao

Huanchaco

Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

TRUJILLO

Chan Chan

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon

Site Museum

4. THE MOCHE EMPIRE AND THE GOLDEN SPLENDOR OF SICÁN Chiclayo, Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac

Museum of Moche Sacred Sites

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

jewelry, family members, and guards.

These tombs of the political, religious, and military elite also contained offerings of gold, silver, copper, textile, wood, and ceramic artifacts that demonstrated the splendor and power of this civilization’s ruling class.

Salaverry

Inca

Ancient Civilizations of Peru

Chachapoya Lambayeque

Chavín

Chimú

Moche

Caral

Tiahuanaco and Wari 400

200 100 a.C

0 100 200 d.C

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac.

Huaca Rajada – Sipán. In 1987, archeologists found an intact tomb, exquisitely decorated in gold artifacts, of an important Mochica sovereign, who they named the Lord of Sipán. You can see the gold, silver, and copper artifacts on display at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum.

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. On exhibit here is a collection of gold, silver, and copper pieces that were unearthed from the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. [4]

2 The Lords of the North: Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of

Túcume. Also known as the Valley of the Pyramids since there are 26 pyramids within the complex, was developed during the 8th century A.D.; it is furthermore believed it took around 500 years to complete their construction. [5]

The city of Chan Chan.

This, the largest mud city found in the Pre-Hispanic Americas, was the capital of the Chimú. UNESCO also inscribed it on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1986.

Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary.

This dry forest protects the largest natural carob stand in the country as well as the Batán Grande pyramid complex.

The once-considered extinct white-winged guan has been reintroduced into this habitat.

1

the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon, Chan Chan and Huanchaco.

Malabrigo

N EA OC IFIC PAC

The Moches were governed by a theocracy, and their society divided along class lines. The priests and the military rulers, some of which attained godhood, were at the top of the social pyramid, followed by artisans and merchants, while at the base were the fishermen and farmers.

Archeological site Sacred site Museum Lodgings Restaurants iPeru office Forest Surfing Airport Port

4 The Moche Empire and the Golden Splendor of Sicán: Chiclayo,

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon Both structures were built by the Moche. The Pyramid of the Sun, standing 141 ft in the air, is the tallest in Peru, while the Pyramid of the Moon possesses amazing multicolored murals. [2] Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. the Pyramid of the Rainbow).

An adobe pyramid, roughly 1100 years old. The walls are profusely decorated in high relief that features anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures, yet the most striking is twoheaded with an infinite number of feet, similar to a dragon. [3]

2

3

Batán Grande. Group of adobe pyramids from the Sicán culture.

Researchers investigating the site in the 1930’s discovered some gold artifacts, among them the famous Tumi (a ceremonial blade) and the slanteyed mask. Then again, in 1991, other researchers found the tomb of the Lord of Sicán. The complex is set within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary. [6] Brünning Archeology and Ethnology Museum. It displays a collection that provides a complete summary of the Pre-Columbian cultures, seen

PromPeru photo archive

Ferreñafe

Lambayeque

Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

4 Alejandro Balaguer

Chaparri Private Ecological Reserve

3 The Moche and Their Mysteries: Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of

5

Mayu Mohanna

Pitipo

Daniel Silva

Royal Tombs Museum Brüning Museum

Four circuits, a neverending list of experiences

Pomac Forest Historic Sanctuary

Daniel Silva

Illimo Site Museum Túcume Túcume

Magalí Del Solar

Walter Silvera

A world of gods, science, and art

LAMBAYEQUE

6

through the research gathered by the investigator, Heinrich Brünning.

National Sicán Museum (Ferreñafe).

They display artifacts uncovered during the excavations at the Batán Grande. You can also see tombs and mummies of important Sicán personages.

Chongoyape

CHICLAYO

Pomalca

Pimentel Monsefú

There are four, well developed circuits for you to get the most from your journey along the Moche Route. The following descriptions are just some of the main attractions you can visit on each one of them.

The Moche Route

The circuit

Sipán Huaca Rajada

Reque

1 Discovering the Lady of Cao: Trujillo and El Brujo.

Cayalti Zaña

Pto. Eten

Lady of Cao, a Moche noblewoman who ruled the Chicama Valley some 1700 years ago. Her perfectly preserved tomb was discovered in the El Brujo Archeological Complex. [1]

Motupe

CAJAMARCA

Legend

City of Chan Chan

So skilled were their potters that Moche ceramics are viewed as the best in the Americas. Archeologists have furthermore discovered

Lord of Sicán burial paraphernalia

<Temples and palaces of mud The Moche built a series of sacred sites (truncated pyramids) which served ceremonial, political, and administrative purposes. And it just so happens that some of them are the largest Pre-Columbian adobe structures.

The designers of these complexes incorporated large plazas and minor constructions for those who belonged to the lower classes, using clayey adobe as their primary construction material, yet they did employ other natural elements, as well, such as certain plants for roofs, joints, and framework.

Some of their most outstanding achievements, however, are manifested on their painted walls that shimmer with ochre, reds, yellows, and blues that the Moche extracted from plants and minerals and applied to the walls with resin from the San Pedro cactus,

a plant whose psychoactive properties were well known to the Moche and are still used today by shamans who are very active in Peru’s northern regions.

The gravesites uncovered in the areas of these sites bear witness to the Moche belief of life after death, and the bodies were buried along with tools, Aníbal Solimano

Magalí Del Solar

This civilization made great advances in science and art. They were prolific sailors who went to sea on those famous vessels, caballitos de totora, which are still used by fisherman on the northern coast. They also excelled as cloth makers, who employed different varieties of native cotton, and were very skilled metallurgists that were able to produce ceremonial objects made of gold, silver and copper.

incredible pieces and magnificent murals upon which Moche artists depicted the story of this society, having captured different scenes of daily life, sexual and hygienic practices, sacrifices, and images of people and mythological beings, many of which are decorated with necklaces, nose rings, earrings, and headdresses.

El Brujo Archeological Complex.

Located in the Chicama Valley, this site boasts many adobe pyramids that are decorated with friezes and painted walls, through which the Moche artists represented their magical-religious world using multicolored iconography.

Pacasmayo

The Moche Route Circuits

1. DISCOVERING THE LADY OF CAO Trujillo and El Brujo.

2. THE LORDS OF THE NORTH

Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. Pyramid of the Rainbow), Huanchaco and Chan Chan.

LA LIB BERTAD Chocope

El Brujo Cao Museum

3. THE MOCHE AND THEIR MYSTERIES

Magdalena de Cao Santiago de Cao

Huanchaco

Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

TRUJILLO

Chan Chan

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon

Site Museum

4. THE MOCHE EMPIRE AND THE GOLDEN SPLENDOR OF SICÁN Chiclayo, Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac

Museum of Moche Sacred Sites

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

jewelry, family members, and guards.

These tombs of the political, religious, and military elite also contained offerings of gold, silver, copper, textile, wood, and ceramic artifacts that demonstrated the splendor and power of this civilization’s ruling class.

Salaverry

Inca

Ancient Civilizations of Peru

Chachapoya Lambayeque

Chavín

Chimú

Moche

Caral

Tiahuanaco and Wari 400

200 100 a.C

0 100 200 d.C

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac.

Huaca Rajada – Sipán. In 1987, archeologists found an intact tomb, exquisitely decorated in gold artifacts, of an important Mochica sovereign, who they named the Lord of Sipán. You can see the gold, silver, and copper artifacts on display at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum.

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. On exhibit here is a collection of gold, silver, and copper pieces that were unearthed from the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. [4]

2 The Lords of the North: Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of

Túcume. Also known as the Valley of the Pyramids since there are 26 pyramids within the complex, was developed during the 8th century A.D.; it is furthermore believed it took around 500 years to complete their construction. [5]

The city of Chan Chan.

This, the largest mud city found in the Pre-Hispanic Americas, was the capital of the Chimú. UNESCO also inscribed it on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1986.

Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary.

This dry forest protects the largest natural carob stand in the country as well as the Batán Grande pyramid complex.

The once-considered extinct white-winged guan has been reintroduced into this habitat.

1

the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon, Chan Chan and Huanchaco.

Malabrigo

N EA OC IFIC PAC

The Moches were governed by a theocracy, and their society divided along class lines. The priests and the military rulers, some of which attained godhood, were at the top of the social pyramid, followed by artisans and merchants, while at the base were the fishermen and farmers.

Archeological site Sacred site Museum Lodgings Restaurants iPeru office Forest Surfing Airport Port

4 The Moche Empire and the Golden Splendor of Sicán: Chiclayo,

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon Both structures were built by the Moche. The Pyramid of the Sun, standing 141 ft in the air, is the tallest in Peru, while the Pyramid of the Moon possesses amazing multicolored murals. [2] Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. the Pyramid of the Rainbow).

An adobe pyramid, roughly 1100 years old. The walls are profusely decorated in high relief that features anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures, yet the most striking is twoheaded with an infinite number of feet, similar to a dragon. [3]

2

3

Batán Grande. Group of adobe pyramids from the Sicán culture.

Researchers investigating the site in the 1930’s discovered some gold artifacts, among them the famous Tumi (a ceremonial blade) and the slanteyed mask. Then again, in 1991, other researchers found the tomb of the Lord of Sicán. The complex is set within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary. [6] Brünning Archeology and Ethnology Museum. It displays a collection that provides a complete summary of the Pre-Columbian cultures, seen

PromPeru photo archive

Ferreñafe

Lambayeque

Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

4 Alejandro Balaguer

Chaparri Private Ecological Reserve

3 The Moche and Their Mysteries: Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of

5

Mayu Mohanna

Pitipo

Daniel Silva

Royal Tombs Museum Brüning Museum

Four circuits, a neverending list of experiences

Pomac Forest Historic Sanctuary

Daniel Silva

Illimo Site Museum Túcume Túcume

Magalí Del Solar

Walter Silvera

A world of gods, science, and art

LAMBAYEQUE

6

through the research gathered by the investigator, Heinrich Brünning.

National Sicán Museum (Ferreñafe).

They display artifacts uncovered during the excavations at the Batán Grande. You can also see tombs and mummies of important Sicán personages.

Chongoyape

CHICLAYO

Pomalca

Pimentel Monsefú

There are four, well developed circuits for you to get the most from your journey along the Moche Route. The following descriptions are just some of the main attractions you can visit on each one of them.

The Moche Route

The circuit

Sipán Huaca Rajada

Reque

1 Discovering the Lady of Cao: Trujillo and El Brujo.

Cayalti Zaña

Pto. Eten

Lady of Cao, a Moche noblewoman who ruled the Chicama Valley some 1700 years ago. Her perfectly preserved tomb was discovered in the El Brujo Archeological Complex. [1]

Motupe

CAJAMARCA

Legend

City of Chan Chan

So skilled were their potters that Moche ceramics are viewed as the best in the Americas. Archeologists have furthermore discovered

Lord of Sicán burial paraphernalia

<Temples and palaces of mud The Moche built a series of sacred sites (truncated pyramids) which served ceremonial, political, and administrative purposes. And it just so happens that some of them are the largest Pre-Columbian adobe structures.

The designers of these complexes incorporated large plazas and minor constructions for those who belonged to the lower classes, using clayey adobe as their primary construction material, yet they did employ other natural elements, as well, such as certain plants for roofs, joints, and framework.

Some of their most outstanding achievements, however, are manifested on their painted walls that shimmer with ochre, reds, yellows, and blues that the Moche extracted from plants and minerals and applied to the walls with resin from the San Pedro cactus,

a plant whose psychoactive properties were well known to the Moche and are still used today by shamans who are very active in Peru’s northern regions.

The gravesites uncovered in the areas of these sites bear witness to the Moche belief of life after death, and the bodies were buried along with tools, Aníbal Solimano

Magalí Del Solar

This civilization made great advances in science and art. They were prolific sailors who went to sea on those famous vessels, caballitos de totora, which are still used by fisherman on the northern coast. They also excelled as cloth makers, who employed different varieties of native cotton, and were very skilled metallurgists that were able to produce ceremonial objects made of gold, silver and copper.

incredible pieces and magnificent murals upon which Moche artists depicted the story of this society, having captured different scenes of daily life, sexual and hygienic practices, sacrifices, and images of people and mythological beings, many of which are decorated with necklaces, nose rings, earrings, and headdresses.

El Brujo Archeological Complex.

Located in the Chicama Valley, this site boasts many adobe pyramids that are decorated with friezes and painted walls, through which the Moche artists represented their magical-religious world using multicolored iconography.

Pacasmayo

The Moche Route Circuits

1. DISCOVERING THE LADY OF CAO Trujillo and El Brujo.

2. THE LORDS OF THE NORTH

Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. Pyramid of the Rainbow), Huanchaco and Chan Chan.

LA LIB BERTAD Chocope

El Brujo Cao Museum

3. THE MOCHE AND THEIR MYSTERIES

Magdalena de Cao Santiago de Cao

Huanchaco

Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

TRUJILLO

Chan Chan

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon

Site Museum

4. THE MOCHE EMPIRE AND THE GOLDEN SPLENDOR OF SICÁN Chiclayo, Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac

Museum of Moche Sacred Sites

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

jewelry, family members, and guards.

These tombs of the political, religious, and military elite also contained offerings of gold, silver, copper, textile, wood, and ceramic artifacts that demonstrated the splendor and power of this civilization’s ruling class.

Salaverry

Inca

Ancient Civilizations of Peru

Chachapoya Lambayeque

Chavín

Chimú

Moche

Caral

Tiahuanaco and Wari 400

200 100 a.C

0 100 200 d.C

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac.

Huaca Rajada – Sipán. In 1987, archeologists found an intact tomb, exquisitely decorated in gold artifacts, of an important Mochica sovereign, who they named the Lord of Sipán. You can see the gold, silver, and copper artifacts on display at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum.

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. On exhibit here is a collection of gold, silver, and copper pieces that were unearthed from the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. [4]

2 The Lords of the North: Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of

Túcume. Also known as the Valley of the Pyramids since there are 26 pyramids within the complex, was developed during the 8th century A.D.; it is furthermore believed it took around 500 years to complete their construction. [5]

The city of Chan Chan.

This, the largest mud city found in the Pre-Hispanic Americas, was the capital of the Chimú. UNESCO also inscribed it on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1986.

Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary.

This dry forest protects the largest natural carob stand in the country as well as the Batán Grande pyramid complex.

The once-considered extinct white-winged guan has been reintroduced into this habitat.

1

the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon, Chan Chan and Huanchaco.

Malabrigo

N EA OC IFIC PAC

The Moches were governed by a theocracy, and their society divided along class lines. The priests and the military rulers, some of which attained godhood, were at the top of the social pyramid, followed by artisans and merchants, while at the base were the fishermen and farmers.

Archeological site Sacred site Museum Lodgings Restaurants iPeru office Forest Surfing Airport Port

4 The Moche Empire and the Golden Splendor of Sicán: Chiclayo,

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon Both structures were built by the Moche. The Pyramid of the Sun, standing 141 ft in the air, is the tallest in Peru, while the Pyramid of the Moon possesses amazing multicolored murals. [2] Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. the Pyramid of the Rainbow).

An adobe pyramid, roughly 1100 years old. The walls are profusely decorated in high relief that features anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures, yet the most striking is twoheaded with an infinite number of feet, similar to a dragon. [3]

2

3

Batán Grande. Group of adobe pyramids from the Sicán culture.

Researchers investigating the site in the 1930’s discovered some gold artifacts, among them the famous Tumi (a ceremonial blade) and the slanteyed mask. Then again, in 1991, other researchers found the tomb of the Lord of Sicán. The complex is set within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary. [6] Brünning Archeology and Ethnology Museum. It displays a collection that provides a complete summary of the Pre-Columbian cultures, seen

PromPeru photo archive

Ferreñafe

Lambayeque

Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

4 Alejandro Balaguer

Chaparri Private Ecological Reserve

3 The Moche and Their Mysteries: Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of

5

Mayu Mohanna

Pitipo

Daniel Silva

Royal Tombs Museum Brüning Museum

Four circuits, a neverending list of experiences

Pomac Forest Historic Sanctuary

Daniel Silva

Illimo Site Museum Túcume Túcume

Magalí Del Solar

Walter Silvera

A world of gods, science, and art

LAMBAYEQUE

6

through the research gathered by the investigator, Heinrich Brünning.

National Sicán Museum (Ferreñafe).

They display artifacts uncovered during the excavations at the Batán Grande. You can also see tombs and mummies of important Sicán personages.

Chongoyape

CHICLAYO

Pomalca

Pimentel Monsefú

There are four, well developed circuits for you to get the most from your journey along the Moche Route. The following descriptions are just some of the main attractions you can visit on each one of them.

The Moche Route

The circuit

Sipán Huaca Rajada

Reque

1 Discovering the Lady of Cao: Trujillo and El Brujo.

Cayalti Zaña

Pto. Eten

Lady of Cao, a Moche noblewoman who ruled the Chicama Valley some 1700 years ago. Her perfectly preserved tomb was discovered in the El Brujo Archeological Complex. [1]

Motupe

CAJAMARCA

Legend

City of Chan Chan

So skilled were their potters that Moche ceramics are viewed as the best in the Americas. Archeologists have furthermore discovered

Lord of Sicán burial paraphernalia

<Temples and palaces of mud The Moche built a series of sacred sites (truncated pyramids) which served ceremonial, political, and administrative purposes. And it just so happens that some of them are the largest Pre-Columbian adobe structures.

The designers of these complexes incorporated large plazas and minor constructions for those who belonged to the lower classes, using clayey adobe as their primary construction material, yet they did employ other natural elements, as well, such as certain plants for roofs, joints, and framework.

Some of their most outstanding achievements, however, are manifested on their painted walls that shimmer with ochre, reds, yellows, and blues that the Moche extracted from plants and minerals and applied to the walls with resin from the San Pedro cactus,

a plant whose psychoactive properties were well known to the Moche and are still used today by shamans who are very active in Peru’s northern regions.

The gravesites uncovered in the areas of these sites bear witness to the Moche belief of life after death, and the bodies were buried along with tools, Aníbal Solimano

Magalí Del Solar

This civilization made great advances in science and art. They were prolific sailors who went to sea on those famous vessels, caballitos de totora, which are still used by fisherman on the northern coast. They also excelled as cloth makers, who employed different varieties of native cotton, and were very skilled metallurgists that were able to produce ceremonial objects made of gold, silver and copper.

incredible pieces and magnificent murals upon which Moche artists depicted the story of this society, having captured different scenes of daily life, sexual and hygienic practices, sacrifices, and images of people and mythological beings, many of which are decorated with necklaces, nose rings, earrings, and headdresses.

El Brujo Archeological Complex.

Located in the Chicama Valley, this site boasts many adobe pyramids that are decorated with friezes and painted walls, through which the Moche artists represented their magical-religious world using multicolored iconography.

Pacasmayo

The Moche Route Circuits

1. DISCOVERING THE LADY OF CAO Trujillo and El Brujo.

2. THE LORDS OF THE NORTH

Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. Pyramid of the Rainbow), Huanchaco and Chan Chan.

LA LIB BERTAD Chocope

El Brujo Cao Museum

3. THE MOCHE AND THEIR MYSTERIES

Magdalena de Cao Santiago de Cao

Huanchaco

Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

TRUJILLO

Chan Chan

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon

Site Museum

4. THE MOCHE EMPIRE AND THE GOLDEN SPLENDOR OF SICÁN Chiclayo, Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac

Museum of Moche Sacred Sites

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

jewelry, family members, and guards.

These tombs of the political, religious, and military elite also contained offerings of gold, silver, copper, textile, wood, and ceramic artifacts that demonstrated the splendor and power of this civilization’s ruling class.

Salaverry

Inca

Ancient Civilizations of Peru

Chachapoya Lambayeque

Chavín

Chimú

Moche

Caral

Tiahuanaco and Wari 400

200 100 a.C

0 100 200 d.C

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac.

Huaca Rajada – Sipán. In 1987, archeologists found an intact tomb, exquisitely decorated in gold artifacts, of an important Mochica sovereign, who they named the Lord of Sipán. You can see the gold, silver, and copper artifacts on display at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum.

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. On exhibit here is a collection of gold, silver, and copper pieces that were unearthed from the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. [4]

2 The Lords of the North: Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of

Túcume. Also known as the Valley of the Pyramids since there are 26 pyramids within the complex, was developed during the 8th century A.D.; it is furthermore believed it took around 500 years to complete their construction. [5]

The city of Chan Chan.

This, the largest mud city found in the Pre-Hispanic Americas, was the capital of the Chimú. UNESCO also inscribed it on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1986.

Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary.

This dry forest protects the largest natural carob stand in the country as well as the Batán Grande pyramid complex.

The once-considered extinct white-winged guan has been reintroduced into this habitat.

1

the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon, Chan Chan and Huanchaco.

Malabrigo

N EA OC IFIC PAC

The Moches were governed by a theocracy, and their society divided along class lines. The priests and the military rulers, some of which attained godhood, were at the top of the social pyramid, followed by artisans and merchants, while at the base were the fishermen and farmers.

Archeological site Sacred site Museum Lodgings Restaurants iPeru office Forest Surfing Airport Port

4 The Moche Empire and the Golden Splendor of Sicán: Chiclayo,

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon Both structures were built by the Moche. The Pyramid of the Sun, standing 141 ft in the air, is the tallest in Peru, while the Pyramid of the Moon possesses amazing multicolored murals. [2] Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. the Pyramid of the Rainbow).

An adobe pyramid, roughly 1100 years old. The walls are profusely decorated in high relief that features anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures, yet the most striking is twoheaded with an infinite number of feet, similar to a dragon. [3]

2

3

Batán Grande. Group of adobe pyramids from the Sicán culture.

Researchers investigating the site in the 1930’s discovered some gold artifacts, among them the famous Tumi (a ceremonial blade) and the slanteyed mask. Then again, in 1991, other researchers found the tomb of the Lord of Sicán. The complex is set within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary. [6] Brünning Archeology and Ethnology Museum. It displays a collection that provides a complete summary of the Pre-Columbian cultures, seen

PromPeru photo archive

Ferreñafe

Lambayeque

Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

4 Alejandro Balaguer

Chaparri Private Ecological Reserve

3 The Moche and Their Mysteries: Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of

5

Mayu Mohanna

Pitipo

Daniel Silva

Royal Tombs Museum Brüning Museum

Four circuits, a neverending list of experiences

Pomac Forest Historic Sanctuary

Daniel Silva

Illimo Site Museum Túcume Túcume

Magalí Del Solar

Walter Silvera

A world of gods, science, and art

LAMBAYEQUE

6

through the research gathered by the investigator, Heinrich Brünning.

National Sicán Museum (Ferreñafe).

They display artifacts uncovered during the excavations at the Batán Grande. You can also see tombs and mummies of important Sicán personages.

Chongoyape

CHICLAYO

Pomalca

Pimentel Monsefú

There are four, well developed circuits for you to get the most from your journey along the Moche Route. The following descriptions are just some of the main attractions you can visit on each one of them.

The Moche Route

The circuit

Sipán Huaca Rajada

Reque

1 Discovering the Lady of Cao: Trujillo and El Brujo.

Cayalti Zaña

Pto. Eten

Lady of Cao, a Moche noblewoman who ruled the Chicama Valley some 1700 years ago. Her perfectly preserved tomb was discovered in the El Brujo Archeological Complex. [1]

Motupe

CAJAMARCA

Legend

City of Chan Chan

So skilled were their potters that Moche ceramics are viewed as the best in the Americas. Archeologists have furthermore discovered

Lord of Sicán burial paraphernalia

<Temples and palaces of mud The Moche built a series of sacred sites (truncated pyramids) which served ceremonial, political, and administrative purposes. And it just so happens that some of them are the largest Pre-Columbian adobe structures.

The designers of these complexes incorporated large plazas and minor constructions for those who belonged to the lower classes, using clayey adobe as their primary construction material, yet they did employ other natural elements, as well, such as certain plants for roofs, joints, and framework.

Some of their most outstanding achievements, however, are manifested on their painted walls that shimmer with ochre, reds, yellows, and blues that the Moche extracted from plants and minerals and applied to the walls with resin from the San Pedro cactus,

a plant whose psychoactive properties were well known to the Moche and are still used today by shamans who are very active in Peru’s northern regions.

The gravesites uncovered in the areas of these sites bear witness to the Moche belief of life after death, and the bodies were buried along with tools, Aníbal Solimano

Magalí Del Solar

This civilization made great advances in science and art. They were prolific sailors who went to sea on those famous vessels, caballitos de totora, which are still used by fisherman on the northern coast. They also excelled as cloth makers, who employed different varieties of native cotton, and were very skilled metallurgists that were able to produce ceremonial objects made of gold, silver and copper.

incredible pieces and magnificent murals upon which Moche artists depicted the story of this society, having captured different scenes of daily life, sexual and hygienic practices, sacrifices, and images of people and mythological beings, many of which are decorated with necklaces, nose rings, earrings, and headdresses.

El Brujo Archeological Complex.

Located in the Chicama Valley, this site boasts many adobe pyramids that are decorated with friezes and painted walls, through which the Moche artists represented their magical-religious world using multicolored iconography.

Pacasmayo

The Moche Route Circuits

1. DISCOVERING THE LADY OF CAO Trujillo and El Brujo.

2. THE LORDS OF THE NORTH

Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. Pyramid of the Rainbow), Huanchaco and Chan Chan.

LA LIB BERTAD Chocope

El Brujo Cao Museum

3. THE MOCHE AND THEIR MYSTERIES

Magdalena de Cao Santiago de Cao

Huanchaco

Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

TRUJILLO

Chan Chan

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon

Site Museum

4. THE MOCHE EMPIRE AND THE GOLDEN SPLENDOR OF SICÁN Chiclayo, Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac

Museum of Moche Sacred Sites

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

jewelry, family members, and guards.

These tombs of the political, religious, and military elite also contained offerings of gold, silver, copper, textile, wood, and ceramic artifacts that demonstrated the splendor and power of this civilization’s ruling class.

Salaverry

Inca

Ancient Civilizations of Peru

Chachapoya Lambayeque

Chavín

Chimú

Moche

Caral

Tiahuanaco and Wari 400

200 100 a.C

0 100 200 d.C

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Tucume, Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, and Pómac.

Huaca Rajada – Sipán. In 1987, archeologists found an intact tomb, exquisitely decorated in gold artifacts, of an important Mochica sovereign, who they named the Lord of Sipán. You can see the gold, silver, and copper artifacts on display at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum.

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. On exhibit here is a collection of gold, silver, and copper pieces that were unearthed from the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. [4]

2 The Lords of the North: Trujillo, Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of

Túcume. Also known as the Valley of the Pyramids since there are 26 pyramids within the complex, was developed during the 8th century A.D.; it is furthermore believed it took around 500 years to complete their construction. [5]

The city of Chan Chan.

This, the largest mud city found in the Pre-Hispanic Americas, was the capital of the Chimú. UNESCO also inscribed it on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1986.

Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary.

This dry forest protects the largest natural carob stand in the country as well as the Batán Grande pyramid complex.

The once-considered extinct white-winged guan has been reintroduced into this habitat.

1

the Moon, Pyramid of the Dragon, Chan Chan and Huanchaco.

Malabrigo

N EA OC IFIC PAC

The Moches were governed by a theocracy, and their society divided along class lines. The priests and the military rulers, some of which attained godhood, were at the top of the social pyramid, followed by artisans and merchants, while at the base were the fishermen and farmers.

Archeological site Sacred site Museum Lodgings Restaurants iPeru office Forest Surfing Airport Port

4 The Moche Empire and the Golden Splendor of Sicán: Chiclayo,

Pyramid of the Sun / Pyramid of the Moon Both structures were built by the Moche. The Pyramid of the Sun, standing 141 ft in the air, is the tallest in Peru, while the Pyramid of the Moon possesses amazing multicolored murals. [2] Pyramid of the Dragon (a.k.a. the Pyramid of the Rainbow).

An adobe pyramid, roughly 1100 years old. The walls are profusely decorated in high relief that features anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures, yet the most striking is twoheaded with an infinite number of feet, similar to a dragon. [3]

2

3

Batán Grande. Group of adobe pyramids from the Sicán culture.

Researchers investigating the site in the 1930’s discovered some gold artifacts, among them the famous Tumi (a ceremonial blade) and the slanteyed mask. Then again, in 1991, other researchers found the tomb of the Lord of Sicán. The complex is set within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary. [6] Brünning Archeology and Ethnology Museum. It displays a collection that provides a complete summary of the Pre-Columbian cultures, seen

PromPeru photo archive

Ferreñafe

Lambayeque

Sipán Museum, Huaca Rajada, and Túcume.

4 Alejandro Balaguer

Chaparri Private Ecological Reserve

3 The Moche and Their Mysteries: Chiclayo, Royal Tombs of

5

Mayu Mohanna

Pitipo

Daniel Silva

Royal Tombs Museum Brüning Museum

Four circuits, a neverending list of experiences

Pomac Forest Historic Sanctuary

Daniel Silva

Illimo Site Museum Túcume Túcume

Magalí Del Solar

Walter Silvera

A world of gods, science, and art

LAMBAYEQUE

6

through the research gathered by the investigator, Heinrich Brünning.

National Sicán Museum (Ferreñafe).

They display artifacts uncovered during the excavations at the Batán Grande. You can also see tombs and mummies of important Sicán personages.

Unique experiences

Architecture. Cities like Trujillo have a noteworthy Spanish influence, examples of which are the many churches, ranch houses, cobble stoned streets, and mansions built when Peru was a Spanish Colony and afterwards during its so-called Republican

All of this makes the Moche Route a one of a kind travel experience in South America.

Enjoy it using all your senses!

Ancient Michael Tweedle

Surf the world’s longest left hand wave (2 km / 1.2 mi) at Chicama beach in Malabrigo, La Libertad.

Take a tour of Chan Chan, the largest Pre-Hispanic mud city, in addition to other sacred PreColumbian sites and pyramids.

Natural

Wondrous

Go bird watching in Huamachuco, near Trujillo, or in the forests of Chaparri, or in the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge in Lambayeque and catch glimpses of endemic birds and plenty of hummingbird species.

Savor the delicious foods that chefs in Lambayeque create, prepared from traditional ingredients like butternut squash and chicha de jora (type of corn beer), or treat yourself to some of the best seafood around at Huanchaco, near Trujillo.

Alex Bryce

Adventure

Ancient civilizations of the northern coast The area we know of today as the departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad was once the birthplace of three major Pre-Columbian cultures that flourished in there during different time periods.

The Moche civilization, centered in the Moche Valley that is located in the coast of La Libertad, developed from 200 to 800 A.D., one thousand years before the Incan Empire. It gave rise to two other civilizations: the Lambayeque, also known as the Sicán, which held sway mainly over the area that is today the department of Lambayeque between 900 A.D. and 1100 A.D. and the Chimú, which occupied the same region as did the Moche, but from 1100 A.D. to 1470 A.D. While it is true that the Peruvian

coastline is an arid strip of land, the Moche greatly expanded their power through taking advantage of two natural features: fertile river valleys that provided them water and the ocean from which they took a variety of resources.

Here is a brief description of the major valleys where these cultures flourished: 1. Moche Valley It was the seat of power for the Moche culture, also called the Mochica. The most important archeological sites are the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and the Pyramid of the Rainbow.

After the fall of the Moche, the Chimú rose to take their place, and their capital was Chan Chan, the largest mud city in the Pre-Hispanic Americas.

2. Chicama Valley Important vestiges here are the El Brujo complex and Huaca Prieta, while the Lady of Cao is the newest star, the first female ruler to be discovered in the history of ancient Peru, also famous for the vivid tattoos left on her mummified remains.

3. Lambayeque Valley This is the location of the Huaca Rajada religious complex, which is where the Lord of Sipán, the most powerful Moche monarch, was discovered. His tomb is, furthermore, said to be the richest archeological find in all the Americas. Also in the midst of this valley is the Túcume pyramid complex in which you will see the largest pyramid in South America.

4. Pómac Valley There are twenty Sicán pyramids within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary, a dry forest ecosystem and natural refuge for carob trees and wildlife species

like the white winged guan, spectacled bear, wildcat, and anteater, not to mention parrots, owls, and hummingbirds.

Christian Jara

Renzo Tasso

Visit three of Peru’s modern museums: the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, National Sicán Museum, and the Brüning Archeological and Ethnology Museum.

José Cáceres

Its beaches are perfect for engaging in fishing and surfing. When in Trujillo, visit Chicama to experience the world’s longest left hand wave and Huanchaco to be treated to a unique spectacle: young surfers and fishermen on traditional canoe-like boats called “caballitos de totora” (little reed horses) sharing the waves. While in Chiclayo, you will want to go to Pimentel, whose beach offers excellent surf and first rate seafood restaurants.

You can watch the National Marinera Dance Contest (La Libertad) and be amazed as the competitors perform; there is also the Peruvian paso horse parade, a breed of horse native to Peru, (Lima).

The Moche Route

Palaces and rulers of Peru’s northern valleys

Spectacled bear, Pómac Forest

peru.travel

Daniel Silva

Alex Bryce

The gastronomy in these two departments is considered one of the best that Peru has to offer, following ancient recipes that call for a variety of natural ingredients.

period. Furthermore, some of Peru’s most important museums are also in Trujillo, like the Toy Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of the National University of Trujillo.

Contemporary

Daniel Silva

The Moche Route brings together the main archeological, natural, cultural, and scenic attractions found in the coastal departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad on a journey that combines the riches of some of the most important PreColumbian civilizations –Moche, Chimú, and Sicán– with the best of the modern world.

Living Culture

Alex Bryce

<Discover the enchantment of the Moche Route

peru.travel

El Brujo Archeological Complex

Huaca Rajada - Sipán

When you visit Peru, you are going to discover that it is a multifaceted destination; there is Ancient Peru, Natural Peru, Peru of Living Cultures, Peru of Adventure, Wondrous Peru, and Contemporary Peru. By traveling through its northern coast, you will have the chance to experience them all.

Heinz Plenge

A trip to enjoy with all your senses

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

Michael Tweedle

The Moche Route

Pimentel Beach

Unique experiences

Architecture. Cities like Trujillo have a noteworthy Spanish influence, examples of which are the many churches, ranch houses, cobble stoned streets, and mansions built when Peru was a Spanish Colony and afterwards during its so-called Republican

All of this makes the Moche Route a one of a kind travel experience in South America.

Enjoy it using all your senses!

Ancient Michael Tweedle

Surf the world’s longest left hand wave (2 km / 1.2 mi) at Chicama beach in Malabrigo, La Libertad.

Take a tour of Chan Chan, the largest Pre-Hispanic mud city, in addition to other sacred PreColumbian sites and pyramids.

Natural

Wondrous

Go bird watching in Huamachuco, near Trujillo, or in the forests of Chaparri, or in the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge in Lambayeque and catch glimpses of endemic birds and plenty of hummingbird species.

Savor the delicious foods that chefs in Lambayeque create, prepared from traditional ingredients like butternut squash and chicha de jora (type of corn beer), or treat yourself to some of the best seafood around at Huanchaco, near Trujillo.

Alex Bryce

Adventure

Ancient civilizations of the northern coast The area we know of today as the departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad was once the birthplace of three major Pre-Columbian cultures that flourished in there during different time periods.

The Moche civilization, centered in the Moche Valley that is located in the coast of La Libertad, developed from 200 to 800 A.D., one thousand years before the Incan Empire. It gave rise to two other civilizations: the Lambayeque, also known as the Sicán, which held sway mainly over the area that is today the department of Lambayeque between 900 A.D. and 1100 A.D. and the Chimú, which occupied the same region as did the Moche, but from 1100 A.D. to 1470 A.D. While it is true that the Peruvian

coastline is an arid strip of land, the Moche greatly expanded their power through taking advantage of two natural features: fertile river valleys that provided them water and the ocean from which they took a variety of resources.

Here is a brief description of the major valleys where these cultures flourished: 1. Moche Valley It was the seat of power for the Moche culture, also called the Mochica. The most important archeological sites are the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and the Pyramid of the Rainbow.

After the fall of the Moche, the Chimú rose to take their place, and their capital was Chan Chan, the largest mud city in the Pre-Hispanic Americas.

2. Chicama Valley Important vestiges here are the El Brujo complex and Huaca Prieta, while the Lady of Cao is the newest star, the first female ruler to be discovered in the history of ancient Peru, also famous for the vivid tattoos left on her mummified remains.

3. Lambayeque Valley This is the location of the Huaca Rajada religious complex, which is where the Lord of Sipán, the most powerful Moche monarch, was discovered. His tomb is, furthermore, said to be the richest archeological find in all the Americas. Also in the midst of this valley is the Túcume pyramid complex in which you will see the largest pyramid in South America.

4. Pómac Valley There are twenty Sicán pyramids within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary, a dry forest ecosystem and natural refuge for carob trees and wildlife species

like the white winged guan, spectacled bear, wildcat, and anteater, not to mention parrots, owls, and hummingbirds.

Christian Jara

Renzo Tasso

Visit three of Peru’s modern museums: the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, National Sicán Museum, and the Brüning Archeological and Ethnology Museum.

José Cáceres

Its beaches are perfect for engaging in fishing and surfing. When in Trujillo, visit Chicama to experience the world’s longest left hand wave and Huanchaco to be treated to a unique spectacle: young surfers and fishermen on traditional canoe-like boats called “caballitos de totora” (little reed horses) sharing the waves. While in Chiclayo, you will want to go to Pimentel, whose beach offers excellent surf and first rate seafood restaurants.

You can watch the National Marinera Dance Contest (La Libertad) and be amazed as the competitors perform; there is also the Peruvian paso horse parade, a breed of horse native to Peru, (Lima).

The Moche Route

Palaces and rulers of Peru’s northern valleys

Spectacled bear, Pómac Forest

peru.travel

Daniel Silva

Alex Bryce

The gastronomy in these two departments is considered one of the best that Peru has to offer, following ancient recipes that call for a variety of natural ingredients.

period. Furthermore, some of Peru’s most important museums are also in Trujillo, like the Toy Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of the National University of Trujillo.

Contemporary

Daniel Silva

The Moche Route brings together the main archeological, natural, cultural, and scenic attractions found in the coastal departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad on a journey that combines the riches of some of the most important PreColumbian civilizations –Moche, Chimú, and Sicán– with the best of the modern world.

Living Culture

Alex Bryce

<Discover the enchantment of the Moche Route

peru.travel

El Brujo Archeological Complex

Huaca Rajada - Sipán

When you visit Peru, you are going to discover that it is a multifaceted destination; there is Ancient Peru, Natural Peru, Peru of Living Cultures, Peru of Adventure, Wondrous Peru, and Contemporary Peru. By traveling through its northern coast, you will have the chance to experience them all.

Heinz Plenge

A trip to enjoy with all your senses

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

Michael Tweedle

The Moche Route

Pimentel Beach

Unique experiences

Architecture. Cities like Trujillo have a noteworthy Spanish influence, examples of which are the many churches, ranch houses, cobble stoned streets, and mansions built when Peru was a Spanish Colony and afterwards during its so-called Republican

All of this makes the Moche Route a one of a kind travel experience in South America.

Enjoy it using all your senses!

Ancient Michael Tweedle

Surf the world’s longest left hand wave (2 km / 1.2 mi) at Chicama beach in Malabrigo, La Libertad.

Take a tour of Chan Chan, the largest Pre-Hispanic mud city, in addition to other sacred PreColumbian sites and pyramids.

Natural

Wondrous

Go bird watching in Huamachuco, near Trujillo, or in the forests of Chaparri, or in the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge in Lambayeque and catch glimpses of endemic birds and plenty of hummingbird species.

Savor the delicious foods that chefs in Lambayeque create, prepared from traditional ingredients like butternut squash and chicha de jora (type of corn beer), or treat yourself to some of the best seafood around at Huanchaco, near Trujillo.

Alex Bryce

Adventure

Ancient civilizations of the northern coast The area we know of today as the departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad was once the birthplace of three major Pre-Columbian cultures that flourished in there during different time periods.

The Moche civilization, centered in the Moche Valley that is located in the coast of La Libertad, developed from 200 to 800 A.D., one thousand years before the Incan Empire. It gave rise to two other civilizations: the Lambayeque, also known as the Sicán, which held sway mainly over the area that is today the department of Lambayeque between 900 A.D. and 1100 A.D. and the Chimú, which occupied the same region as did the Moche, but from 1100 A.D. to 1470 A.D. While it is true that the Peruvian

coastline is an arid strip of land, the Moche greatly expanded their power through taking advantage of two natural features: fertile river valleys that provided them water and the ocean from which they took a variety of resources.

Here is a brief description of the major valleys where these cultures flourished: 1. Moche Valley It was the seat of power for the Moche culture, also called the Mochica. The most important archeological sites are the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and the Pyramid of the Rainbow.

After the fall of the Moche, the Chimú rose to take their place, and their capital was Chan Chan, the largest mud city in the Pre-Hispanic Americas.

2. Chicama Valley Important vestiges here are the El Brujo complex and Huaca Prieta, while the Lady of Cao is the newest star, the first female ruler to be discovered in the history of ancient Peru, also famous for the vivid tattoos left on her mummified remains.

3. Lambayeque Valley This is the location of the Huaca Rajada religious complex, which is where the Lord of Sipán, the most powerful Moche monarch, was discovered. His tomb is, furthermore, said to be the richest archeological find in all the Americas. Also in the midst of this valley is the Túcume pyramid complex in which you will see the largest pyramid in South America.

4. Pómac Valley There are twenty Sicán pyramids within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary, a dry forest ecosystem and natural refuge for carob trees and wildlife species

like the white winged guan, spectacled bear, wildcat, and anteater, not to mention parrots, owls, and hummingbirds.

Christian Jara

Renzo Tasso

Visit three of Peru’s modern museums: the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, National Sicán Museum, and the Brüning Archeological and Ethnology Museum.

José Cáceres

Its beaches are perfect for engaging in fishing and surfing. When in Trujillo, visit Chicama to experience the world’s longest left hand wave and Huanchaco to be treated to a unique spectacle: young surfers and fishermen on traditional canoe-like boats called “caballitos de totora” (little reed horses) sharing the waves. While in Chiclayo, you will want to go to Pimentel, whose beach offers excellent surf and first rate seafood restaurants.

You can watch the National Marinera Dance Contest (La Libertad) and be amazed as the competitors perform; there is also the Peruvian paso horse parade, a breed of horse native to Peru, (Lima).

The Moche Route

Palaces and rulers of Peru’s northern valleys

Spectacled bear, Pómac Forest

peru.travel

Daniel Silva

Alex Bryce

The gastronomy in these two departments is considered one of the best that Peru has to offer, following ancient recipes that call for a variety of natural ingredients.

period. Furthermore, some of Peru’s most important museums are also in Trujillo, like the Toy Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of the National University of Trujillo.

Contemporary

Daniel Silva

The Moche Route brings together the main archeological, natural, cultural, and scenic attractions found in the coastal departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad on a journey that combines the riches of some of the most important PreColumbian civilizations –Moche, Chimú, and Sicán– with the best of the modern world.

Living Culture

Alex Bryce

<Discover the enchantment of the Moche Route

peru.travel

El Brujo Archeological Complex

Huaca Rajada - Sipán

When you visit Peru, you are going to discover that it is a multifaceted destination; there is Ancient Peru, Natural Peru, Peru of Living Cultures, Peru of Adventure, Wondrous Peru, and Contemporary Peru. By traveling through its northern coast, you will have the chance to experience them all.

Heinz Plenge

A trip to enjoy with all your senses

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

Michael Tweedle

The Moche Route

Pimentel Beach

Unique experiences

Architecture. Cities like Trujillo have a noteworthy Spanish influence, examples of which are the many churches, ranch houses, cobble stoned streets, and mansions built when Peru was a Spanish Colony and afterwards during its so-called Republican

All of this makes the Moche Route a one of a kind travel experience in South America.

Enjoy it using all your senses!

Ancient Michael Tweedle

Surf the world’s longest left hand wave (2 km / 1.2 mi) at Chicama beach in Malabrigo, La Libertad.

Take a tour of Chan Chan, the largest Pre-Hispanic mud city, in addition to other sacred PreColumbian sites and pyramids.

Natural

Wondrous

Go bird watching in Huamachuco, near Trujillo, or in the forests of Chaparri, or in the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge in Lambayeque and catch glimpses of endemic birds and plenty of hummingbird species.

Savor the delicious foods that chefs in Lambayeque create, prepared from traditional ingredients like butternut squash and chicha de jora (type of corn beer), or treat yourself to some of the best seafood around at Huanchaco, near Trujillo.

Alex Bryce

Adventure

Ancient civilizations of the northern coast The area we know of today as the departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad was once the birthplace of three major Pre-Columbian cultures that flourished in there during different time periods.

The Moche civilization, centered in the Moche Valley that is located in the coast of La Libertad, developed from 200 to 800 A.D., one thousand years before the Incan Empire. It gave rise to two other civilizations: the Lambayeque, also known as the Sicán, which held sway mainly over the area that is today the department of Lambayeque between 900 A.D. and 1100 A.D. and the Chimú, which occupied the same region as did the Moche, but from 1100 A.D. to 1470 A.D. While it is true that the Peruvian

coastline is an arid strip of land, the Moche greatly expanded their power through taking advantage of two natural features: fertile river valleys that provided them water and the ocean from which they took a variety of resources.

Here is a brief description of the major valleys where these cultures flourished: 1. Moche Valley It was the seat of power for the Moche culture, also called the Mochica. The most important archeological sites are the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and the Pyramid of the Rainbow.

After the fall of the Moche, the Chimú rose to take their place, and their capital was Chan Chan, the largest mud city in the Pre-Hispanic Americas.

2. Chicama Valley Important vestiges here are the El Brujo complex and Huaca Prieta, while the Lady of Cao is the newest star, the first female ruler to be discovered in the history of ancient Peru, also famous for the vivid tattoos left on her mummified remains.

3. Lambayeque Valley This is the location of the Huaca Rajada religious complex, which is where the Lord of Sipán, the most powerful Moche monarch, was discovered. His tomb is, furthermore, said to be the richest archeological find in all the Americas. Also in the midst of this valley is the Túcume pyramid complex in which you will see the largest pyramid in South America.

4. Pómac Valley There are twenty Sicán pyramids within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary, a dry forest ecosystem and natural refuge for carob trees and wildlife species

like the white winged guan, spectacled bear, wildcat, and anteater, not to mention parrots, owls, and hummingbirds.

Christian Jara

Renzo Tasso

Visit three of Peru’s modern museums: the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, National Sicán Museum, and the Brüning Archeological and Ethnology Museum.

José Cáceres

Its beaches are perfect for engaging in fishing and surfing. When in Trujillo, visit Chicama to experience the world’s longest left hand wave and Huanchaco to be treated to a unique spectacle: young surfers and fishermen on traditional canoe-like boats called “caballitos de totora” (little reed horses) sharing the waves. While in Chiclayo, you will want to go to Pimentel, whose beach offers excellent surf and first rate seafood restaurants.

You can watch the National Marinera Dance Contest (La Libertad) and be amazed as the competitors perform; there is also the Peruvian paso horse parade, a breed of horse native to Peru, (Lima).

The Moche Route

Palaces and rulers of Peru’s northern valleys

Spectacled bear, Pómac Forest

peru.travel

Daniel Silva

Alex Bryce

The gastronomy in these two departments is considered one of the best that Peru has to offer, following ancient recipes that call for a variety of natural ingredients.

period. Furthermore, some of Peru’s most important museums are also in Trujillo, like the Toy Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of the National University of Trujillo.

Contemporary

Daniel Silva

The Moche Route brings together the main archeological, natural, cultural, and scenic attractions found in the coastal departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad on a journey that combines the riches of some of the most important PreColumbian civilizations –Moche, Chimú, and Sicán– with the best of the modern world.

Living Culture

Alex Bryce

<Discover the enchantment of the Moche Route

peru.travel

El Brujo Archeological Complex

Huaca Rajada - Sipán

When you visit Peru, you are going to discover that it is a multifaceted destination; there is Ancient Peru, Natural Peru, Peru of Living Cultures, Peru of Adventure, Wondrous Peru, and Contemporary Peru. By traveling through its northern coast, you will have the chance to experience them all.

Heinz Plenge

A trip to enjoy with all your senses

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

Michael Tweedle

The Moche Route

Pimentel Beach

Unique experiences

Architecture. Cities like Trujillo have a noteworthy Spanish influence, examples of which are the many churches, ranch houses, cobble stoned streets, and mansions built when Peru was a Spanish Colony and afterwards during its so-called Republican

All of this makes the Moche Route a one of a kind travel experience in South America.

Enjoy it using all your senses!

Ancient Michael Tweedle

Surf the world’s longest left hand wave (2 km / 1.2 mi) at Chicama beach in Malabrigo, La Libertad.

Take a tour of Chan Chan, the largest Pre-Hispanic mud city, in addition to other sacred PreColumbian sites and pyramids.

Natural

Wondrous

Go bird watching in Huamachuco, near Trujillo, or in the forests of Chaparri, or in the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge in Lambayeque and catch glimpses of endemic birds and plenty of hummingbird species.

Savor the delicious foods that chefs in Lambayeque create, prepared from traditional ingredients like butternut squash and chicha de jora (type of corn beer), or treat yourself to some of the best seafood around at Huanchaco, near Trujillo.

Alex Bryce

Adventure

Ancient civilizations of the northern coast The area we know of today as the departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad was once the birthplace of three major Pre-Columbian cultures that flourished in there during different time periods.

The Moche civilization, centered in the Moche Valley that is located in the coast of La Libertad, developed from 200 to 800 A.D., one thousand years before the Incan Empire. It gave rise to two other civilizations: the Lambayeque, also known as the Sicán, which held sway mainly over the area that is today the department of Lambayeque between 900 A.D. and 1100 A.D. and the Chimú, which occupied the same region as did the Moche, but from 1100 A.D. to 1470 A.D. While it is true that the Peruvian

coastline is an arid strip of land, the Moche greatly expanded their power through taking advantage of two natural features: fertile river valleys that provided them water and the ocean from which they took a variety of resources.

Here is a brief description of the major valleys where these cultures flourished: 1. Moche Valley It was the seat of power for the Moche culture, also called the Mochica. The most important archeological sites are the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and the Pyramid of the Rainbow.

After the fall of the Moche, the Chimú rose to take their place, and their capital was Chan Chan, the largest mud city in the Pre-Hispanic Americas.

2. Chicama Valley Important vestiges here are the El Brujo complex and Huaca Prieta, while the Lady of Cao is the newest star, the first female ruler to be discovered in the history of ancient Peru, also famous for the vivid tattoos left on her mummified remains.

3. Lambayeque Valley This is the location of the Huaca Rajada religious complex, which is where the Lord of Sipán, the most powerful Moche monarch, was discovered. His tomb is, furthermore, said to be the richest archeological find in all the Americas. Also in the midst of this valley is the Túcume pyramid complex in which you will see the largest pyramid in South America.

4. Pómac Valley There are twenty Sicán pyramids within the Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary, a dry forest ecosystem and natural refuge for carob trees and wildlife species

like the white winged guan, spectacled bear, wildcat, and anteater, not to mention parrots, owls, and hummingbirds.

Christian Jara

Renzo Tasso

Visit three of Peru’s modern museums: the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, National Sicán Museum, and the Brüning Archeological and Ethnology Museum.

José Cáceres

Its beaches are perfect for engaging in fishing and surfing. When in Trujillo, visit Chicama to experience the world’s longest left hand wave and Huanchaco to be treated to a unique spectacle: young surfers and fishermen on traditional canoe-like boats called “caballitos de totora” (little reed horses) sharing the waves. While in Chiclayo, you will want to go to Pimentel, whose beach offers excellent surf and first rate seafood restaurants.

You can watch the National Marinera Dance Contest (La Libertad) and be amazed as the competitors perform; there is also the Peruvian paso horse parade, a breed of horse native to Peru, (Lima).

The Moche Route

Palaces and rulers of Peru’s northern valleys

Spectacled bear, Pómac Forest

peru.travel

Daniel Silva

Alex Bryce

The gastronomy in these two departments is considered one of the best that Peru has to offer, following ancient recipes that call for a variety of natural ingredients.

period. Furthermore, some of Peru’s most important museums are also in Trujillo, like the Toy Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of the National University of Trujillo.

Contemporary

Daniel Silva

The Moche Route brings together the main archeological, natural, cultural, and scenic attractions found in the coastal departments of Lambayeque and La Libertad on a journey that combines the riches of some of the most important PreColumbian civilizations –Moche, Chimú, and Sicán– with the best of the modern world.

Living Culture

Alex Bryce

<Discover the enchantment of the Moche Route

peru.travel

El Brujo Archeological Complex

Huaca Rajada - Sipán

When you visit Peru, you are going to discover that it is a multifaceted destination; there is Ancient Peru, Natural Peru, Peru of Living Cultures, Peru of Adventure, Wondrous Peru, and Contemporary Peru. By traveling through its northern coast, you will have the chance to experience them all.

Heinz Plenge

A trip to enjoy with all your senses

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

Michael Tweedle

The Moche Route

Pimentel Beach