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Chan Chan, the largest city constructed of adobe in Latin America was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. It is situated halfway between Huanchaco and the city of Trujillo and covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometers. The central zone, Nik-An, is formed by a complex of nine walled enclosures, and is open to the public, who are able to browse its diverse walls ,tombs and relief carvings at leisure. There is also a site museum which can be visited 7 days a week between 9am and 5pm.
Huaca del Sol y Huaca de la Luna
These are two large, truncated pyramids situated about 8km from the city of Trujillo, in the open countryside of the Moche area. The "Huaca del Sol" (Temple of the Sun ) faces the front of the fully investigated "Huaca de La Luna" ( Temple of the Moon ) which was a centre of religious power, built in stages between the years 100 CE and 900 CE.
The "Huaca de La Luna" is composed of a series of superimposed platforms, enclosures and patios where ceremonies, including sacrifices, were performed.
These archaeological sites demonstrate the high level of artistic development of the Moche culture as evidenced by the quality of their iconography, reliefs, painted walls and objects of metal, wood and textiles. The walls are particularly impressive since they are decorated in many colors with friezes representing mythological themes such as their god "Ai-apaec", to whom they sacrificed human beings in religious ceremonies.
The two "Huacas" are separated by a distance of 500m, and underneath the space between them are the still-buried remains of the Moche urban centre. The Huaca complex is open 7 days a week, all year, between 9am and 5pm.
Los Totorales of Huanchaco
This is a protected area where "Wacheques" - essentially deep ponds - act as cultivation sites for large reeds called "totoras". The totora reed has been used since the time of the Incas up to the present day, in the construction of the "caballitos de totora" - literally translated as "little horses made of totora reeds". These reed boats, much used by artisanal fishermen, are a Huanchaco tradition and are one of Huanchaco's most iconographic images.
Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria del Socorro Church
This church ("Our Lady of the Succour of the Candlemas" ) is the second oldest church in all of Peru - the oldest one being that of San Lucas in Colan, Piura. The icon of the Virgin of the Candlemas was the first religious image brought to Peru by the Spanish, whose aim was to use it to facilitate the conversion of the northern peoples of Peru to Catholicism.
The church is open to the public, offering daily services at 7am and 7pm for those devotees who wish to participate or simply watch. The church is illuminated by night, forming an impressive landmark of Huanchaco. By day its position gives it an excellent view of Huanchaco and its environs.
The Spring Festival in Trujillo
This festival ( Festival de la Primavera ), actually appeared in 1950 and was created by the Lions Club of Trujillo. A beauty queen was chosen and was paraded through the streets along with carnival floats showing allegorical scenes, culminating in a lively children's celebration. The festival became one of the biggest tourist attractions in northern Peru and one of the most notable in South America.
Nowadays the festival is a conglomeration of civic events, art and music performances. Amongst the many attractions it includes are horse parades, marinera dancing, fancy-dress parades, art exhibitions, concerts and a surf competition.along with many, many parties! There is also a contest for with prizes given for the best carnival float, best costume and best music.
Peruvian Horse and Marinera Exhibition
The Peruvian horse is considered one of the finest parade or dressage horses in the world and was declared a national heritage monument. It has been bred for centuries, with careful management of bloodlines and selection for desirable characteristics.
The Marinera, a traditional and very popular Peruvian folk dance, is combined with a dressage exhibition by the Association of Peruvian Horse Owners to give a unique and spectacular show incorporating both dance and dressage whose aim is not merely to entertain but also to inform the public about the origins and history of the Peruvian Horse and the Marinera dance. The show culminates with the opportunity to photograph the horses and their riders as well as the Marinera dance partners in their costumes.
The show is put on each day from Monday to Friday at 1.30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 11am.
MUSEUMS
Chan Chan Site Museum
On the road to Huanchaco from Trujillo, next to the Chan Chan archaeological site.
Open Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm
Museum of Toys
Jirón Independencia, block ( cuadra ) 7
Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm.
Cathedral Museum
The smaller basilica cathedral, Plaza de Armas (centre of Trujillo )
Open Monday-Saturday 9am-1pm and from 4pm-8pm.
The Universidad Nacional de Trujillo Archaeology, Anthropology and History Museum
Jirón Junin 682
Open Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5pm, Sunday 9.30am-1pm.
The Universidad Nacional de Trujillo Zoological Museum
Jirón San Martin, block ( cuadra ) 4
Open from 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm.
Cassinelli Museum
Calle Nicolás de Piérola, block ( cuadra ) 6
Open Monday-Sunday from 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm.
Museum of Modern Art
Carretera Industrial - Telephone: 215668
Open Tuesday-Saturday from 9.30am-5.30pm.
Museum of the Huacas of Moche
Moche area- just next to the Huaca de la Luna
Open Monday-Sunday from 9am-1pm