Chan Chan

The Basics

The UNESCO-designated Chan Chan site includes four main locations, which are spread out over 5,120 acres (2,072 hectares). Visit the ruins of Tschudi Palace, which are still decorated with aquatic-themed friezes. Next, explore the Chan Chan Site Museum, which holds an array of excavated ceramics and architectural models that show visitors what the city would have looked like in its heyday.

Slightly farther away, you’ll find Huaca Esmeralda and the Temple of the Dragon (Huaco el Dragon), which is also known as the Rainbow Temple (Huaca Arco Iris). These two smaller pyramidal temples also boast original friezes and reliefs, and the Temple of the Dragon offers astonishing restored rainbow-shaped friezes.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Chan Chan is located in the desert; bring sun protection and water.

• There is an admission fee, but tickets are good for 48 hours and cover all four sites.

• When walking through the complex, make sure not to touch the structures, as they are very fragile.

• Wear comfortable shoes; exploring the site requires quite a bit of walking.

How to Get There

Chan Chan is located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Trujillo. You can reach the site via taxi or take the Huanchaco bus (S/4) from Av. España in Trujillo. There are often taxis at the Chan Chan sites, but you may want to arrange for a driver to take you between the main locations as transportation is not always available. Many guided tours of the site include round-trip transportation.

When to Get There

Chan Chan is open daily all year round from mid-morning until early evening. Trujillo enjoys a subtropical desert climate, with a warm season (January–March), and a cooler season (June–November). The city hosts an International Spring Festival in late September, which is one of Peru’s largest and most popular festivals and includes horse shows, fashion shows, and dance contests.

The History of the Chimu Empire

The Chimú Empire reached its apex in the 15th century, shortly before falling to the Inca. At its height, Chan Chan was the largest adobe city in the world. The surrounding area was used for agriculture and boasted an extensive irrigation system. Many of the city’s adobe structures were destroyed, but evidence shows that the Chimú were master engineers and craftsmen and that many of the city’s buildings were decorated in gold and silver.

Is Chan Chan worth visiting?

Yes, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chan Chan is worth visiting, especially if you’re a history buff. The archeological site and former capital of the Chimú empire is the largest city made from adobes (sun-dried blocks designed to absorb heat) and was once the largest city in the Americas.

What do you see on a tour of Chan Chan?

On a tour of Chan Chan, you’ll see the decorated walls of Palacio Nik An, the best-restored section of the archeological site, as well as the ceremonial courtyard and its reed-covered Gran Hacha Que Ceremonial Pool. Other highlights include Huaca Esmeralda and the Temple of the Dragon (Huaco el Dragon).

Can you visit Chan Chan on your own?

Yes, you can visit Chan Chan archeological site on your own, but keep in mind that interpretative signage is extremely limited. Many travelers find that exploring the site with a guide can help bring historical and cultural context to the buildings and ceremonial sites.

What other attractions are close to Chan Chan?

Northern Peru is home to several important archeological sites and welcoming towns, some near to Chan Chan. The most famous spots to visit are the Moche Temples (Huacas de Sol y Luna), with their elaborate friezes, and the beach town of Huanchaco, famous for its world-class waves and colorful houses.

What’s the best time of year to visit Chan Chan?

Northern Peru has a dry desert climate for most of the year. Even though the wet season technically runs from November through April, there’s rarely much rain, and you’ll likely experience plenty of sunny skies. There’s little shade at Chan Chan, so try to avoid visiting around midday.

How long does it take to explore Chan Chan?

Exploring Chan Chan generally takes around two hours, depending on the level of detail you want to discover. Most guided tours last around an hour, and you may then want to budget another hour to wander by yourself once you’ve learned the site’s important historical context.