Highlight
Huaca de la Luna
Moche temple with layer upon layer of painted reliefs, the closest big sight to the port.
Typical duration
75 min
Price
About S/10–15 with guided visit (check on site) (≈ €2.5–3.7 / $2.7–4)
From port
12 km / 7.5 mi
Transfer time
20 min
Indoor / Outdoor
outdoor
Queue risk
medium
🕐 Best time to visit
Morning; last guided group leaves around 15:00
Huaca de la Luna was the Moche's main ceremonial temple between about 100 and 800 AD. Each new ruler built over the old temple, sealing earlier levels, so the colours of the reliefs survive remarkably well. Visits are by guided group only, leaving roughly every hour until mid-afternoon. You walk through courtyards with images of the fanged god Ai Apaec to the stepped north façade, where rows of warriors, prisoners and priests are painted in red, yellow, white and black. The vast Huaca del Sol across the plain can be seen only from outside.
Getting there from the port
Taxi from the port gate (about 20 minutes); agree a waiting time with your driver.