Chan Chan

Location:
Trujillo, Peru

Ruin

V!VA User‘s Description

Chan Chan, five kilometers (three mi) west of Trujillo, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America, was the capital of the Chimú kingdom. It dates from around 1300 AD. Some archaeologists believe Chan Chan was the largest adobe city ever. There were also nine sub-cities each ruled by a different sovereign. Around 100,000 residents inhabited 10,000 buildings in the main city. The city was used to store large quantities of gold, silver and ceramics, which, within two decades of the Spanish arrival, were completely looted. Sadly, not much remains of the original city due to heavy downpours and tomb robbers, or huaqueros. The best-preserved section of the city today is the Tschudi Complex. The complex still features friezes and courtyards as well as some original walls; the other walls have been restored.

Read more: Chan Chan — The Rise and Fall of a Kingdom

Getting There
Tours go to all four sites on the ticket, though some outfits omit Huaca Esmeraldas, for the danger ($7 average). To go on your own, hop on a Huanchaco combi and alight at the site or the museum ($0.35). Taxi to Chan Chan, Huaca Esmeraldas and Huaca Arco Iris $1.70-7 per person (depending on size of group and ability to negotiate), with wait.

Travel Tips: It is best to take another combi between the museum and site, or go in a large group, due to robberies and assault.

Price Description: Adults, $3.70

Retirees, university students (with ID), teachers, $2

Children (5-13 years old), $0.35

Open Hours from:9 a.m.

Open Hours to:4:30 p.m.

Days Closed:Christmas and New Years Day