Heritage & monuments
Huaca de la Luna
About the Site
Huaca de la Luna is a large adobe brick complex built by the Moche civilization, who occupied the area from roughly the 1st to 9th centuries. Located near Trujillo alongside Huaca del Sol, it preserves key architectural remnants of the ancient Moche capital. Visitors come to see multi-tiered adobe structures, excavated ceremonial plazas, and polychrome relief friezes depicting Moche iconography.
Getting There
The site lies approximately 5 kilometers southeast of Trujillo's city center. A taxi from downtown takes 15 to 20 minutes. Public minibuses also run regularly toward the site from central Trujillo, taking around 25 to 30 minutes.
Time to Allow
Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to tour the excavated temples and the on-site museum.
When to Visit
Morning is optimal to avoid midday desert heat and sun exposure. Tourist groups often arrive around midday, so arriving early ensures a quieter visit.
Nearby Combinations
You can combine your trip with several nearby spots:
- Lake Conache (4.2km): A desert lagoon bordered by sand dunes.
- Plazuela El Recreo (4.7km): A historic public square in Trujillo.
- Plaza de Armas of Trujillo (4.8km): The city's main historic square.
- Statua antropofica (4.8km): A local statue monument.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors