Moche & Sicán Route – Northern Peru Adventure

Early in the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Emtrafesa bus terminal.

6:20 AM – Departure to Chiclayo by interprovincial bus. Upon arrival, our team will welcome you and begin the tour exploring the rich archaeological heritage of northern Peru.

Our first stop is Huaca Rajada, the original burial site where the Lord of Sipán was discovered—a milestone in the history of Peruvian archaeology. Next, we visit the renowned Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, which houses the exquisite treasures found in the tomb, including gold, ceramics, and ceremonial objects.

We continue to the Brüning Museum, which offers a broader context of the Lambayeque and Sicán cultures, showcasing an exceptional collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and artwork.

In the afternoon, we return to the Chiclayo bus terminal for our journey back to Trujillo.

Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up from the bus terminal and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Trujillo.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will pick you up at the scheduled time to begin a full-day archaeological tour.

9:00 AM – We head southeast of Trujillo to the Moche countryside, where your guide will explain the lifestyle and enduring traditions of the local community. We’ll make a stop at the Cerro Blanco artisan workshop, where you’ll witness a live demonstration of traditional Moche ceramic techniques.

Next, we visit the Huacas de Moche (Temples of Moche), where we explore murals, polychrome reliefs, and architecture from the pre-Inca Moche civilization. The visit lasts approximately 1.5 hours and includes a guided tour of the Huacas de Moche Museum, which houses original pottery, textiles, and metalwork.

We return to Trujillo for free time for lunch in the historic center (not included).

In the afternoon, we visit the Chan Chan Site Museum, followed by a guided tour of the Chan Chan Citadel, the largest adobe city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit includes its ceremonial plazas, friezes, and representations of birds, marine life, and mythical creatures.

To conclude the day, we head to Huanchaco Beach, famous for its traditional reed boats known as caballitos de totora. Here you’ll have time to relax, enjoy local snacks like picarones, admire the sunset, or stroll along the scenic pier.

6:25 PM – Return to Trujillo’s main square. End of services for the day.

Overnight in Trujillo.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will pick you up to begin the excursion to the El Brujo Archaeological Complex, located approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes north of Trujillo.

This site is famous for the discovery of the Lady of Cao, the first known female ruler of the Moche civilization. On the way, we’ll pass through the town of Magdalena de Cao, which still preserves colonial-era buildings and offers a glimpse into traditional local life. Here, you’ll also have the chance to sample regional cuisine (optional).

At the Cao Museum, you’ll enjoy a calm and in-depth visit featuring original artifacts, ceremonial items, and the remarkably preserved tattooed mummy of the Lady of Cao. The experience is both intimate and impressive, offering deep insight into the role of women in ancient Peruvian society.

We will then explore the Huaca Cao Viejo, a massive adobe temple adorned with vibrant polychrome Moche murals, which depict deities, warriors, and ceremonial scenes.

After the visit, return to Trujillo.

End of the program.