Huaca de la Luna
Explore the ancient Moche civilization at Huaca de la Luna, a stunning adobe pyramid adorned with vibrant murals and intricate sculptures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Huaca de la Luna
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient Moche civilization at Huaca de la Luna, a stunning adobe pyramid adorned with vibrant murals and intricate sculptures.
"An underrated archaeological site with incredibly preserved murals and paintings, absolutely worth a visit."
Mandatory Guided Tours
Entry requires a guide; tours are on a 'pay what you want' basis (5-10 soles recommended).
Sun Protection is Crucial
Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. It gets very hot and sandy!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Polychrome Murals
Temple walls
Discover ancient Moche art with stunning, well-preserved murals depicting deities and daily life.
Intricate Sculptures
Temple facades
Marvel at detailed adobe sculptures that showcase the Moche civilization's artistic prowess and religious beliefs.
The Moche Museum
Adjacent to the Huaca
See unique Moche ceramics and artifacts that offer deeper insights into this fascinating ancient culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tours
Sun Protection is Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Mandatory Guided Tours
Entry requires a guide; tours are on a 'pay what you want' basis (5-10 soles recommended).
Sun Protection is Crucial
Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. It gets very hot and sandy!
Affordable Transport
Take a 'colectivo' from Trujillo for about 5 soles, or use ride-sharing apps for around 12 soles.
Budget-Friendly Eats
Find delicious and filling set menus for around 10 soles near the ticket office.
Tips
from all over the internet
Mandatory Guided Tours
Entry requires a guide; tours are on a 'pay what you want' basis (5-10 soles recommended).
Sun Protection is Crucial
Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. It gets very hot and sandy!
Affordable Transport
Take a 'colectivo' from Trujillo for about 5 soles, or use ride-sharing apps for around 12 soles.
Budget-Friendly Eats
Find delicious and filling set menus for around 10 soles near the ticket office.
Combine with Huaca del Sol
Visit both Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna for a comprehensive Moche experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Huaca de la Luna to be an underrated archaeological gem with remarkably preserved murals and sculptures, offering deep insights into the Moche culture. While the mandatory guided tours are informative, some find them rushed. The site is easily accessible and affordable, making it a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts.
"We had to wait because they only have entrance with the guide at specific times and I didn't know!
Bring a hat and suncream for the sun, it's really hot! Sunglasses good for the sand flying with the wind.
The entrance is 10soles for 1h guided tour and it's a really nice interesting place. They are lot restoring the building nor the drawing and be able to see clearly still colored drawings, sculptures for me was impressive.
Easy to reach with s colectivo that leaves in front of it for 2$ one way!
Just outside the museum and where you get the tickets, along the street from where you arrive from Trujillo, you will have s nice place where to eat a whole menù for 10 soles and the lady the is amazing and give big portions too!"
Simona Argirò
"This area is far more fascinating the people creating this stuff are over 1000 years before the Inca making it far more impressive"
david mtichell
"We visited Huaca de la Luna in late August 2025. In my opinion, this is a truly underrated archeological site. The walls and paintings are so well preserved as I have not seen it in other Moche sites in northern Peru. It is absolutely worth a visit if you pass by Trujillo and have a (half) day to spare. I would even go so far as to say, I would prefer it over Chan Chan (if you have to choose one).
Here is some information that might be helpful for your visit:
1) Transport: you can get here with a collectivo, bit since we had limited time we opted for a taxi. Using the InDrive-App we paid only 12 Soles from the city center.
2) Entry fee: currently the regular fee is 10 Soles for the Huaca itself and 5 Soles on top if you want to visit the museum. Note that the ticket office is at the entrance to the museum (5 min walk away from the entry to the Huaca).
3) Guide: it is mandatory to have a guide to visit the Huaca. However, it's on a "pay what you want" basis. From what we saw, people give 5-10 Soles per person. They even had an englisch speaking guide. And having a guide here was absolutely worth it as he provided many insights in the history of the site and the Moche culture.
Enjoy your visit!"
Dmitry Smirnov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Huaca de la Luna from Trujillo using a 'colectivo' (shared van) for approximately 5 soles. Alternatively, ride-sharing apps like InDrive can get you there for around 12 soles. The journey is relatively short, making it an accessible day trip.
Huaca de la Luna is located about 5 km south of Trujillo in the La Libertad department of Peru. It's easily accessible for a half-day or full-day excursion.
Yes, many tours of Trujillo's tourist attractions include Huaca de la Luna, often alongside Chan Chan and Huaca del Sol. This is a convenient way to see multiple Moche sites.
For budget travelers, colectivos are a great option. For more convenience and speed, especially if you have limited time, a taxi or ride-sharing service is recommended.
If you take a colectivo, be aware of their departure points in Trujillo. Ride-sharing apps offer a more direct and often faster route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Huaca de la Luna is typically 10 Soles. An additional 5 Soles grants access to the museum.
It's generally not necessary to book tickets in advance, but tours depart at specific times. Arriving early can help you catch an earlier tour and avoid crowds.
Yes, guided tours are mandatory to visit the Huaca itself. They operate on a 'pay what you want' basis, with most visitors contributing 5-10 Soles per person.
No, it is mandatory to have a guide to explore the Huaca de la Luna site. Guides provide essential historical context and insights into the Moche culture.
While specific hours can vary, tours often start around 10 AM. It's advisable to check locally or arrive before the gate opens to plan your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Given the desert climate, light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential to protect yourself from the sun and wind.
Yes, Huaca de la Luna can be an educational and engaging experience for children, offering a glimpse into ancient history and art. Ensure they have sun protection and stay hydrated.
You'll see impressive adobe structures, vibrant polychrome murals depicting Moche mythology and daily life, and intricate sculptures. The adjacent museum displays significant Moche ceramics.
A guided tour typically lasts about an hour, but you might want to allocate extra time for the museum and exploring the surrounding area. Some visitors felt tours were rushed.
Basic facilities like restrooms are usually available. There are also food options nearby, offering affordable set menus.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's a recommended spot right outside the museum entrance, along the street from Trujillo, offering generous set menus for around 10 Soles.
No, there are no restaurants within the archaeological site itself. However, affordable and tasty dining options are available just outside the entrance.
You can find local Peruvian cuisine, often served as a 'menú' which includes a soup and a main course, at very reasonable prices.
It's a good idea to eat either before you go or at the nearby eateries after your tour, as there are no dining facilities within the site.
Expect to pay around 10 Soles for a full set menu, which is considered very affordable for the portion sizes and quality.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on-site, especially within enclosed museum areas. Some guides may limit photo stops.
The vibrant murals and intricate sculptures offer fantastic photo opportunities. The late afternoon light can also enhance the colors and textures.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites to preserve the structures and avoid disturbing other visitors. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for capturing both wider architectural shots and details of the murals. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive temple structures.
Be mindful of the lighting conditions, especially during midday. Try to capture the scale of the structures and the detail in the artwork. Respect any areas where photography might be restricted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the guided tour as an opportunity for interactive learning. Guides can often tailor their explanations to be more engaging for children. The nearby museum also offers a chance to see Moche artifacts up close. Keep the visit to a manageable length, perhaps focusing on the most visually striking areas, to maintain children's interest.
💰 Budget Travelers
For dining, skip tourist traps and head to the local eateries near the museum entrance. You can enjoy a substantial set menu for about 10 Soles, offering great value. Visiting Huaca de la Luna can easily be combined with other free or low-cost activities in the Trujillo area, making it a perfect addition to a budget-friendly itinerary.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
The guided tour is essential for a deep dive into Moche cosmology, social structure, and religious practices. The guides often share detailed insights that go beyond surface-level observations. Visiting the adjacent museum is also highly recommended to see a broader collection of Moche ceramics and artifacts, offering a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable civilization.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Moche Civilization: Masters of the North
The Moche were prolific builders, constructing massive adobe pyramids like Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna. These structures served as ceremonial centers, administrative hubs, and residences for the elite. Huaca de la Luna, in particular, is celebrated for its remarkably preserved polychrome murals and intricate relief sculptures that adorn its walls. These artworks provide invaluable insights into Moche cosmology, their pantheon of gods (including the fearsome Ai Apaiec, the 'Decapitator'), and their rituals, which sometimes involved human sacrifice.
Visiting Huaca de la Luna offers a direct connection to this ancient world. The site's ongoing restoration efforts allow visitors to witness the vibrant colors and detailed artistry that have survived for over a millennium. The adjacent museum further enriches the experience by showcasing a stunning array of Moche ceramics, known for their realism and detailed depictions of people, animals, and mythological scenes.
Exploring Huaca de la Luna: A Guided Journey
The site itself is divided into different sectors, including the older and newer temples, courtyards, and ceremonial platforms. As you move through the complex, you'll encounter walls covered in vibrant murals depicting mythological figures, warriors, and animals. The level of preservation is remarkable, allowing you to see the original colors and intricate designs. Sculptural friezes also adorn many surfaces, adding another layer of visual richness.
While the tours are informative, some visitors have noted that they can feel rushed, with limited time for photography or deeper exploration of certain areas. The ticket office is located at the museum entrance, a short walk from the Huaca itself, so factor this into your arrival time. The 'pay what you want' system for guides encourages a contribution based on the quality of the tour, making it an accessible way to gain in-depth knowledge.
Practicalities for Your Visit
Transportation to the site is straightforward. From Trujillo, you can opt for a budget-friendly 'colectivo' (shared van) or a more convenient taxi or ride-sharing service. The journey is relatively short, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
Food and amenities are available nearby. Just outside the museum entrance, you can find local eateries offering affordable and filling set menus, perfect for a midday meal. While there are no dining facilities within the archaeological site itself, these nearby options provide a convenient and economical choice.


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