Chiclayo / Trujillo Tour

3 Days 2 Nights

MOCHE KINGDOM PROGRAM

A program that takes the visitor on a journey of discovery along the north coast of Peru,
between the cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo, lands once dominated by the empire of the
Moche.
The Moches lived along the north coast of Peru from the 2nd to the 6th centuries, A.D.
The Moche were powerful and warlike, eventually dominating nearly the entire northern
coast. But they were principally known for their artistic expression and technological
development, including metalwork for the production of extraordinarily beautiful jewelry,
and masterful design and production of both ceremonial and decorative pottery.
 

If the Moche were the best known of the region's pre-Incan cultures, other cultures also
inhabited the area at different times. Among these were the Chimu and the
Lambayeque, who took over the southern and northern margins of the Moche areas
respectively, after the Moche disappeared during the 6th century A.D.

THE CITIES

The two largest cities of Peru's north coast, Chiclayo and Trujillo are modern cities with
strong and diversified economies. Both are less than 100 feet above sea level, with
warm, dry and comfortable climates year round.

The valleys near these two cities were the cradles of various pre-Incan civilizations, with
the best known among them being the Moche. Among the most important Moche
archeological sites are the Huaca Rajada (Rajada Monument) and the Huaca de la
Luna (Pyramid of the Moon), near Chiclayo and Trujillo respectively. The treasures
discovered in the mausoleum of the Huaca Rajada are shown at the Royal Tombs of
the Lord of Sipan Museum, one of the most modern museums in Latin America and
considered among the finest museums of its kind in the world.

 
Other important regional pre-Incan cultures were the Lambayeque and Chimu. The
impressive Valley of the Pyramids, located in the small town of Tucume, was the capital
of the Lambayeque kingdom; the Fortress of Chan-Chan, declared a World heritage
Site by UNESCO, is the largest city in the history of the world constructed entirely of
adobe mud bricks, and was the capital of the Chimu kingdom.

One remarkable characteristic of Trujillo is its exquisite colonial architecture. The streets
of the city center abound with examples of this beautifully aesthetic construction style.
Noteworthy examples are the La Emancipación and Urquiaga houses, among others.

Additionally, these cities are justly known for having the finest culinary attractions in
Peru. Some typical regional dishes are duck with rice, marinated goat in a dark sauce,
and numerous dishes prepared with the local bounty of fish and other seafood, including
what many consider to be the finest ceviche in the world.

Day 01:  LIMA – CHICLAYO

Arrival in Chiclayo early in the morning and transfer to the selected hotel. Visit the
Huaca Rajada, or Cracked Temple, archeological site. At the Huaca Rajada we'll find
the mausoleum of the Lord of Sipán; one of the most powerful Moche kings of his time,
with absolute power of life and death over all his subjects. Upon his death he was
buried, together with his host of attendants and much of his riches, in a remarkable
burial complex. The complex has multiple differentiated areas, among them religious
monuments, patios, cemeteries, living areas, military fortifications, etc.

Lunch at a tourist class restaurant in Chiclayo.

Royal Tombs of the Lord of Sipán Museum. In the museum, one of the most modern
and acclaimed in all South America, one can appreciate the magnificence of the
archeological find at the Sipán site: ceramics, textiles, jewelry in gold and silver, and an
enormous quantity of ceremonial utensils.Return to the hotel.

Day 02: CHICLAYO - TRUJILLO

Valley of the Pyramids and the on-site museum. Túcume was the last capital of the
Lambayeque kingdom. The Túcume pyramids are among the principal monuments of
the region. Their 26 enormous structures are made entirely of adobe, and were
designed for diverse ritualistic, commercial, residential and other functions.
The construction of these pyramids was begun in the 10th century. Huaca Larga is the
largest structure, with an impressive 2300 feet in length, 920 feet in width and 100 feet
in height. It's the single largest adobe structure in South America. Recent discoveries at
the site include painted murals in its interior squares, surrounded by walkways and
roofed in galleries. Right after the visit transfer to Trujillo. Lunch of local specialties in a
tourist class restaurant in Pacasmayo. The Huaca de la Luna and the Moche
countryside

One of the most interesting characteristics of the Moche culture were their artists, who
obtained the highest level of mastery in the creation of pottery and decorative
iconography of their monuments.

The first stop is the Moche Hands crafts factory, where leather crafts featuring Moche
iconography are made using the “pirograbado,” or “fire-branding” technique. The
craftsmen here produce various types of purses, bags and wallets, in addition to
incredible basketry and wood carvings. The route continues on foot for a walk of about
10 minutes to experience a small section of the Moche countryside. This short walk
allows visitors to appreciate the traditional Moche lifestyle, including its family-based
culture and kitchen gardens, and in addition observe a few representative plant species
like mango, lúcuma, guava and papaya trees, and local versions of red pepper,
cabbage and squash among others.

The walk finishes in the Inconceivable Face workshop, where it's possible to participate
in the production of modern Moche ceramics. These craftsmen have rescued the age-
old techniques of their renowned Moche ancestors in the manufacture of ceramics using
fine mud molds. During the visit the native music group The Caymans will present a
sample of Moche music using traditional instruments like the pututo, and a type of
ceramic trumpet.

The final stop and principal attraction of the Moche countryside route is the Huacas del
Sol y de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and Moon) archaeological complex. The Temple
of the Moon is an exquisitely decorated temple that represents the spiritual center of the
Moche culture. The monument consists of a series of temples built one on top of the
other for many years. Within the site archaeologists have found, among a wealth of
ceremonial objects, about 40 skeletons of sacrificed soldiers. In the upper reaches of
the adobe ramparts one can view the remains of enormous walls decorated with figures
of multi-colored divinities, the most of important of which being the Moche God Ai-Aipek.
Return to the hotel.

 
Day 03:  TRUJILLO – LIMA

CITY TOUR

A city tour focused in the colonial architecture of the city center: the tour begins at the
main square or Plaza de Armas with a view of the most beautiful facades of the colonial
houses of the city, including a visit to the Urquiaga and Emancipación Houses, and the
Iturrregui Palace. The tour finishes with a visit to La Merced Church.

Then visit to Chan Chan. Named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Chan Chan was
the capital of the Chimu Empire, which inhabited this region after the fall of the Moche. It
is the first and by far the largest non-pyramidal adobe construction site in northern Peru.
In fact, at over 500 acres, it is the largest known adobe complex in the world, and is
divided into 9 separate smaller cities.

Drive to Huanchaco for lunch. A once tiny fishing village, occupied since pre-Incan
times by fishing communities who developed the art of building and fishing from small
oceangoing canoes built from local reeds. The peculiar method used to maneuver these
water craft gave rise to their nickname, the "Little Reed Horses", as the local fisherman
rode their craft like horses to avoid being swamped by the strong waves in the area.
Afternoon at leisure.

At appropriate hour transfer to the airport to take the back flight to Lima.

END OF OUR SERVICES

INCLUDE

Private car for all tours and transfers

Spanish/English speaking guide

Lodging at the select hotel.

Meals as mentioned in the program

All tickets/entrances