Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
RUIN
Chan Chan
(adult S11; 9am-4:30pm)
Built around AD 1300 and covering 20 sq km, Chan Chan is
the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas, and the largest adobe city in the world. At
the height of the Chimú empire, it housed an estimated 60,000 inhabitants and contained a
vast wealth of gold, silver and ceramics. The wealth remained more or less undisturbed
after the Incas conquered the city, but once the Spaniards hit the stage, the looting began.
Within a few decades little but gold dust remained. Remnants of what was found can be
seen in museums nearby. Although Chan Chan must have been a dazzling sight at one
time, devastating El Niño floods and heavy rainfall have severely eroded the mud walls of
the city. Today the most impressive aspect of the site is its sheer size; you'll need an active
imagination to fill in the details.
The Chimú capital consisted of 10 walled citadels, also called royal compounds. Each
contained a royal burial mound filled with vast quantities of funerary offerings, including
dozens of sacrificed young women and chambers full of ceramics, weavings and jewelry.
The Tschudi Complex, named after a Swiss naturalist, is the only section of Chan Chan
that's partially restored. It is possible that other areas will open in the future, but until they
are properly policed and signed, you run the risk of being mugged if you visit them.
At the Tschudi Complex you'll find an entrance area with tickets, snacks, souvenirs,
bathrooms, the small
Museo de Sitio Chan Chan
(admission free with Chan Chan ticket)
with information in English and Spanish, and guides (S20). The complex is well marked
by fish-shaped pointers, so you can see everything without a guide if you prefer. Your
entry ticket for Chan Chan is also valid for the Chimú sites of La Huaca Esmeralda and La
Huaca Arco Iris.
Combis
to Chan Chan leave Trujillo every few minutes, passing the corners of España
and Ejército, and España and Industrial. A taxi from Trujillo runs S10.
