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Huacas of the Sun and the Moon in Trujillo

Posted On: 02 May 2023 #TierrasVivas 835

They are located one in front of the other -about 500 meters, approximately-, as if both buildings were predestined to stare at each other for the rest of eternity. They are the Huacas del Sol and de la Luna, two important pre-Inca pyramids that were built entirely in adobe, a material made of mud (clay and sand), and that contains countless mysteries and legends inside. 

These pyramids belonged to the Moche culture, which had its heyday during the 2nd and 7th centuries, in what we know today as the Libertad region, in northern Peru. They are located 30 minutes from the city of Trujillo, the capital of the Liberteño department, and are part of the most important archaeological complex built by the Mochica culture. 

This area -which had the German archaeologist Max Uhle as a pioneer in his research- is also made up of a political, ceremonial, administrative, urbanization and cemetery center of this ancestral culture, although it was also occupied by the ancient members of the Chimú and Sicán cultures. (this, after the cessation of the Moche culture in the 7th century), according to various historians. 

Huacas of the Sun 

It is the largest pyramid in the place: with its 345 meters long, 160 wide and 30 high, it commands respect for everyone who passes through the area. It has a rectangular base and has five terraces, where the ancient Moches carried out political and administrative activities, among others. According to legend, its construction required 140 million pieces of adobe -placed manually one by one- and the physical effort of no less than... 250,000 men! 

Huaca of the Moon 

Although the Huaca del Sol is the largest building in the area, it is presumed that the Huaca de la Luna was the main temple of the Moche culture. This space would have been used as a scene for human sacrifice rituals, since up to 40 corpses belonging to young people, adults and warriors were discovered inside. There is even a theory that in this place combats were carried out between two contenders, in which the winner was only the one who was left alive. 

In addition to the warlike aspect that the Huaca de la Luna keeps, it is also home to beautiful polychrome murals, where the maximum God of the Moches, Ai Apaec, stands out. This supreme being had feline features -with impressive fangs- and bore the nickname of the Slaughtering God, since human sacrifices were made in his name to guarantee the prosperity of the crops. 

The enigmatic history of the Huacas of the Sun and the Moon 

We cannot talk about the Huacas del Sol y la Luna without first reviewing the history of the Moche or Mochica culture. The Moches were a culture that lived from the 1st to the 9th century on the central coast of Peru, between the Lambayeque and Huarmey valleys. 

It is one of the most important cultures in the entire history of Peru and stands out mainly for its impressive adobe architecture and its metallurgy and pottery works, one of the most innovative of the time. 

In addition, the Moches were great hydraulic engineers. In this way they were able to solve the scarcity of water in the most desert areas of their territory, such as the valley where the Huacas del Sol y la Luna are located. 

The Huacas del Sol y la Luna are the most important construction in all of Moche history, since the Moche valley, the place where they are located, was considered the capital of this culture. 

Between these two impressive huacas was the urban center of the Moche, where there were squares, houses and streets where a large hierarchical society dedicated to different professions lived. 

For example, the upper class, formed by the priests, had their houses at the foot of the Huaca de la Luna, in the center were the artisans or textile workers, belonging to the upper middle class, and the farmers and fishermen lived in the surrounding area, since they were part of the lower class. 

What to do in the Huacas of the Sun and the Moon?

  • Visit and learn about the patios and temples where legends are told about the rituals and sacrifices that were made inside the temples of the Huaca de la Luna.
  • Visualize the paintings that are inside the murals of the Huaca de la Luna, where you can see the divinities of the Mochica culture.
  • Take photos of all its exterior.
  • Visit the archaeological museum of the complex, it is important if you want to obtain more information about the Huacas and the Mochica culture.

How to get to the Huacas of the Sun and the Moon?

The Huacas del Sol y la Luna are located just 6 kilometers southeast of Trujillo and are part of what is known as the Moche Route. 

You can easily reach this place from the city center by taking a taxi or a bus in the Grau oval. If you go on your own to the Huacas del Sol y la Luna, we recommend you stop to eat at the restaurants that you find on the road just before arriving at the complex. Its dishes have what a tourist always looks for: they are good, pretty and cheap (as well as hearty). 

For those who want a more complete experience, at Denomades we offer a tour to the Huacas del Sol y la Luna, in which we will accompany you on a historical tour of these two pyramids and we will tell you everything that is known so far about each one of them. they. 

Prices and schedules of the Huacas of the Sun and the Moon

Hours: The Huacas del Sol y la Luna are open from Monday to Sunday from 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon.

Prices: The price of the tickets is S/ 10 (around 3 dollars), with a discount for university students and Peruvian seniors, as well as for children.

Museum: In addition, in this place you will find a museum that we recommend you visit after your visit to the archaeological complex. The entrance price to the museum is S/ 5 (1.5 dollars). 

Recommendations for the visit

  • It is a fairly sunny place, so it is important to bring water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.
  • It is recommended to eat at the restaurants that are located before arriving at the complex.
  • It is important not to contaminate any of the sections of the complex with garbage.
  • The duration is short, you can do more activities during the day.
  • Bring your charged camera to take as many photos as possible!

Best Tours in Peru

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Peru, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views. 

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem. 

Edwin Caviedes Profesional guide

Edwin Caviedes is the founder and manager of Tierras Vivas, a company that benefits native people communities.