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The Moche Route is a fascinating tour that covers the main archaeological, natural, cultural and scenic attractions of the regions of Lambayeque and La Libertad, in northern Peru. This route is a real treasure for history and archeology lovers, as it offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the enigmatic Moche culture, one of the most important pre-Columbian civilizations of the region.

While traveling and discovering routes inside Peru you may need to use one of our mobile phone plans for tourists to have a tourist SIM card. In order to understand and find new adventures, here in PeruSIM.

Beginning of the Moche Route

The route begins in the city of Trujillo, capital of La Libertad, known for its rich history and beautiful colonial architecture. From Trujillo, you can begin exploring the most outstanding Moche archaeological sites, such as the adobe complex of Chan Chan, considered the largest adobe site in the world and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can marvel at the impressive structures, the intricate reliefs and the history that permeates every corner.

Destinations of the route

Another must-see destination on the Moche Route is the archaeological complex of Huaca de la Luna and Huaca del Sol, located in the Moche Valley. These mud pyramids are testimony to the splendor and sophistication of the Moche culture. 

At Huaca de la Luna, you can appreciate the colorful murals depicting deities and scenes of daily life, while at Huaca del Sol you can observe the imposing structure and enjoy panoramic views of the valley.

Continuing the tour, you will arrive at the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum in Lambayeque, a true archaeological treasure that houses the impressive findings of the tomb of the Lord of Sipan. This museum exhibits a large amount of jewelry, ceramics and precious objects that reveal the richness and high artistic level of the Moche culture.

The Moche Route also offers the opportunity to explore beautiful beaches such as Huanchaco, famous for its traditional caballitos de totora used by local fishermen since ancient times. Here, visitors can enjoy the waves, taste the delicious local cuisine and immerse themselves in the living culture of the region.

In addition to its priceless archaeological heritage, the Moche Route is characterized by its impressive landscapes and biodiversity. Visitors can explore the Santa Rosa mangroves, a unique ecosystem where migratory birds can be observed and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

To tour the Moche Route, it is advisable to have a well-planned itinerary and hire the services of specialized guides who provide detailed information about each site and its historical importance. You can also find quality lodging and tourist services in the cities and towns near the different destinations along the route.

Chan Chan complex

Located near Trujillo, the Chan Chan complex is the largest adobe site in the world and an archaeological jewel. Composed of nine walled citadels, this site was the ancient capital of the Chimú kingdom. Each citadel has patios, passageways and structures decorated with reliefs of birds, fish and anthropomorphic figures.

Inside the archaeological complex, whose construction dates back to 600 A.D., there are plazas, warehouses, houses, workshops, markets and temples that housed a population that at its peak reached 20,000 residents.

In the city, which covers an extension of 20 square kilometers, 10 palaces and walled complexes stand out, among them Nik An, which in Chimú language means “House of the Center”. This is the greatest illustration of the importance of water resources, particularly the sea, and the worship that was paid to it in the Chimú culture.

The high reliefs on the walls of this building represent fish moving north and south, which can be interpreted as representative of the two currents that mark the Peruvian coast: the Humboldt current, which is cold and comes from the south; and the El Niño current, which comes from the north and is warm. There are also figures of sea waves, fishing nets, pelicans and sea lions.

Huaca de la Luna and Huaca del Sol

These Moche pyramids are impressive ceremonial structures in the Moche Valley. Huaca de la Luna is known for its exceptionally well-preserved murals depicting deities and mythological beings. Huaca del Sol, the largest mud pyramid in the Americas, offers a panoramic view of the valley and the archaeological complex.

Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum

Located in Lambayeque, this museum exhibits the findings from the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, one of the most important archeological discoveries in America. Exhibits include objects of gold, silver, ceramics and textiles that belonged to this ancient Moche authority.

Huanchaco

This picturesque coastal town is known for its beaches and its tradition of fishing with caballitos de totora, reed rafts used by fishermen since pre-Hispanic times. Here you can enjoy water activities, taste delicious fresh seafood dishes and explore the living culture of the area.

Santa Rosa Mangroves

Located near Tumbes, the Santa Rosa mangroves form a unique ecosystem and are a refuge for diverse species of birds and wildlife. You can explore them by boat or kayak, observe migratory birds and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Finally, we know that you have to keep communication with your relatives and friends, that you need to be able to orient yourself in new cities, that you might need help with translation and that you might need to search for restaurants or hotels. That’s why with PeruSIM you can buy a SIM card including the data plan of your need without having to worry about high roaming costs.