The Pyramids of the Sun and Moon

Cultural Tour

V!VA User‘s Description

For those interested in archaeological activities the massive Moche pyramids of Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna located 5 kilometers south of Trujillo are a must see. At 45 m high, Huaca del Sol was the largest man-made structure in the western hemisphere before it was partly destroyed by Spaniards during a massive treasure hunt.

Sitting at the base of Cerro Blanco, these mud-brick remains of the ceremonial capital of the Moche State offer visitors a rare glimpse into ancient Moche civilization. These two massive structures were once divided by the homes of nearly 15,000 of the city's nobles, while suburbs housing over 20,000 commoners stretched outward from the central city.

While meandering through these ancient structures be sure to keep an eye out for repeated images of the anthropomorphic god Aie-Paec, endearingly nicknamed the Decapitor, which often adorn the pottery and frescoes of surrounding sites.  

Archaeologists are peeling away layers to discover more about these ancient ruins and are constantly discovering and displaying new friezes of stylized figures. Reproductions of some murals are on display in Trujillo at the Museo de Arqueología (Archaeology Museum).

Traveler Reviews of The Pyramids of the Sun and Moon

Amazing!

Rating: 100%

Brilliant conservation. Extensive panorama. Very interesting culture. Better experience than Machu Pichu. Great example of how to run a project. Make sure you get a good guide, not a 20 minute rush job from the plaza de armas hustlers.

By V!VA User from Australia, Apr 05, 2008