Machu Picchu, Incan marvel nestled in the Peruvian Andes, epitomizes the grandeur of pre-Columbian architecture and culture.
CHAN CHAN RUINS TOUR
“Step back in time with our Chan Chan Ruins Tour and explore one of the greatest archaeological wonders of northern Peru. Located just outside the city of Trujillo, this vast adobe city was built by the Chimu Kingdom around 850 AD. Guided by an expert, you’ll uncover the secrets of Chan Chan’s ceremonial plazas, temples, friezes, royal tombs, and its fascinating museum artifacts. Walk through history as you experience the world’s largest city of mud — a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.“
“Chan Chan Ruins Tour: Unraveling the History and Art of the Chimu Empire”
A Fascinating Walk Through Pre-Inca Splendor
“Chimu Heritage at Chan Chan Museum”
Begin your Chan Chan Ruins Tour at the excellent site museum. View original artifacts — ceramics, textiles, wood carvings, tools — and a scale model of the ancient city. Gain key insights into Chimu society before exploring the ruins themselves.
“Explore the Great Plaza of Chan Chan”
Walk through the vast ceremonial plaza of Chan Chan, where important rituals once took place. Admire high adobe walls adorned with marine friezes that reflect the Chimu’s spiritual connection to the sea and natural world.
“Visit the Royal Mausoleums and Noble Quarters”
Step inside the remains of the royal tombs and noble residences. Learn how Chimu kings and elites lived, their burial practices, and the sophisticated urban planning that once supported tens of thousands of inhabitants.
“Marvel at Intricate Adobe Friezes”
Throughout your Chan Chan Ruins Tour, encounter beautifully preserved friezes — waves, fish, pelicans, sea otters — carved into the walls. These motifs reveal the Chimu’s artistry and their reverence for marine life.
Tour Summary
The experience begins with pickup from your hotel in Trujillo. We visit the Chan Chan Site Museum to discover original artifacts and learn about Chimu culture. Then we explore the vast ruins of Chan Chan, walking through plazas and richly decorated walls. Finally, we head to the fishing village of Huanchaco, where you’ll see traditional totora reed boats and learn about ancient fishing techniques still used today.
Starting Point
Your Hotel in Trujillo
Tour Duration
4 hours approx.
Departure Time
09:00 h.
Language
English
“Why Travelers Choose this Tour”
A Perfect Blend of Archaeology and Culture
This tour offers an enriching combination of ancient ruins, museum treasures, and living coastal traditions—ideal for history lovers and cultural explorers.
Private Visit to the Chan Chan Museum and Ruins
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chan Chan with its vast adobe walls, ceremonial plazas, and intricate friezes, accompanied by expert interpretation.
Learn About Ancient Fishing Traditions
Visit the fishing village of Huanchaco, where you’ll witness traditional fishing techniques and the iconic caballitos de totora—an ancient practice still alive today.
Comfortable Private Tour with Local Expertise
Travel in a private vehicle with a professional guide who brings the Chimu world to life, ensuring an educational and memorable experience.
Chan Chan Ruins Tour
Full Itinerary
Description
Tour to the Chan Chan Ruins in Trujillo
Full Description
Part 1: Pickup and Visit to the Chan Chan Museum
Your Chan Chan Ruins Tour begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Trujillo. Accompanied by an expert local guide, we first visit the excellent Chan Chan Site Museum. Here you’ll explore informative exhibits and view original Chimu artifacts — ceramics, wood carvings, textiles, and tools — all uncovered from the ruins. The museum’s scale model of Chan Chan helps bring the ancient city to life, providing key context before you walk through the site itself.
Part 2: Guided Exploration of the Chan Chan Ruins
Next, we drive a short distance to the UNESCO World Heritage Chan Chan Ruins, one of the world’s largest adobe cities. With your guide, you’ll explore the vast ceremonial plazas, royal tombs, and labyrinthine corridors of this pre-Inca capital. Along the way, admire beautifully preserved marine-themed friezes carved into the walls — symbols of the Chimu people’s deep connection to the ocean. Learn about ancient city planning, religious life, and the powerful legacy of the Chimu Kingdom.
Part 3: Huanchaco Village and Living Traditions
After exploring the ruins, we continue to the charming fishing village of Huanchaco, located on Peru’s northern coast. Here you’ll witness ancient maritime traditions still practiced today by the descendants of the Chimu. Watch fishermen preparing their iconic caballitos de totora (reed boats), crafted with age-old techniques. Your guide will share insights into how these boats — used for thousands of years — remain a vital part of local life. After time to enjoy the seaside atmosphere, we return to Trujillo, concluding your enriching cultural adventure.
What is included ?
- Pick from your hotel in Trujillo.
- Private transportation.
- English speaking guide.
- All entrance fees.
What is not included?
- Extras and gratuities.
Transport & Guide
TRANSPORT
“Transportation for the Tour”
Modern Vehicles
Safe & Comfortable
GUIDE
“Tour Guided in English”
Local Guide
Years of Experience
Customer Reviews
“A fantastic tour — the ruins are spectacular, and our guide brought the Chimu culture to life. The visit to Huanchaco was a beautiful way to end the day”
“Truly impressed by the scale of Chan Chan. The museum and friezes were amazing. Watching the reed boats in Huanchaco was a unique experience. Highly recommend”
Trip Essentials
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this time or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.
Tour Date Change Policy:
You have the flexibility to change the date of your tour with ease, provided that you make the request at least 48 hours in advance.
No charges will be applied for rescheduling within this timeframe.
Cancellation Policy:
If there’s no choice but to cancel, please be informed of any related fees.
Please notify us at least 48 hours before the scheduled tour date to avoid any significant charges.
Last-Minute Cancellations:
We regret to inform you that last-minute cancellations are not accepted.
No Shows:
In the event of a no-show, where a customer fails to appear for the tour without prior notice, a 100% cancellation fee will be levied, and no refunds will be issued.
Suggestions
Suggestions for the Chan Chan Ruins Tour:
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves walking through the ruins and along uneven surfaces.
Bring sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen — the adobe ruins can get quite sunny.
Carry water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Bring a light jacket or layer, especially if you plan to stroll along the breezy Huanchaco beach after visiting the ruins.
Respect the site: Chan Chan is a fragile archaeological monument. Please follow your guide’s instructions and stay on designated paths.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs for the Chan Chan Ruins Tour:
1. How long does the Chan Chan Ruins Tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including the museum, the ruins, and the visit to Huanchaco.
2. Is the tour private?
Yes — this is a private tour with your own guide and transport, allowing for a more personalized experience.
3. Is the entrance fee to the ruins and museum included?
Yes — all entrance fees are included in the tour price.
4. Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Absolutely. Families enjoy this tour — both the ruins and the visit to the reed boats in Huanchaco are fascinating for all ages.
5. How much walking is involved?
The visit to the ruins involves moderate walking on uneven surfaces. The pace is comfortable and there are rest stops along the way.
6. What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), light clothes for the day, and a light jacket if visiting Huanchaco in late afternoon.
7. Where does the tour start and end?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Trujillo (or Huanchaco, on request).
8. Are the guides experienced?
Yes — our professional guides are highly knowledgeable about Chimu history and archaeology, making your visit truly enriching.
9. Will we see the reed boats at Huanchaco?
Yes — part of the tour includes a visit to the beach to see the traditional caballitos de totora, with an explanation of their cultural importance.
Ready to Book ?
