Chan Chan

Chan Chan, located just outside Trujillo, is a vast archaeological site that once served as the capital of the Chimor kingdom. Covering about 20 square kilometers, it is the largest adobe city in the world. Visitors can walk through the remains of massive walls, plazas, and intricate reliefs depicting marine life, a testament to the Chimú people's connection to the sea. The site is divided into nine citadels, each a walled complex with temples, storage rooms, and burial platforms. The Tschudi Palace, the most restored section, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Chimú architecture with its high walls and detailed friezes. The experience is both awe-inspiring and humbling, as you witness the scale of a civilization that thrived without a written language. The dry coastal climate has preserved the adobe structures, though ongoing conservation efforts are crucial to protect them from El Niño rains.

Don't miss

• Walk through the Tschudi Palace, the most restored and accessible citadel.
• Admire the intricate adobe friezes depicting fish, birds, and waves.
• Visit the on-site museum to see artifacts and learn about Chimú culture.
• Explore the vast plazas and storage rooms that once held goods.
• See the Huaca Arco Iris (Rainbow Temple) nearby for more adobe art.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Chan Chan

Cheapest way inGuided Tour of Historic and Monumental Trujillo5★ · 1,239 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$14 per personSee dates →Best full dayFull Day Trujillo Piramides Sol y Luna , Chan chan y Huanchaco5★ · 127 travelers5–7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$160 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleTrujillo in a Day: Chan Chan, Huanchaco, Sun and Moon Temples4.3★ · 17 travelers~8 hoursFrom$154 per personSee dates →