MOCHE KINGDOM
PROGRAM
ASK
FOR AVAILABILITY
A program that takes the visitor on a journey of
discovery along the north coast of Peru, between the
cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo, lands once dominated by
the empire of the Moche.
The Moches lived along the north coast of Peru from the
2nd to the 6th centuries, A.D. The Moche were powerful
and warlike, eventually dominating nearly the entire
northern coast. But they were principally known for
their artistic expression and technological development,
including metalwork for the production of
extraordinarily beautiful jewelry, and masterful design
and production of both ceremonial and decorative
pottery.
If the Moche were the best known of the region's
pre-Incan cultures, other cultures also inhabited the
area at different times. Among these were the Chimu and
the Lambayeque, who took over the southern and northern
margins of the Moche areas respectively, after the Moche
disappeared during the 6th century A.D.
THE CITIES
The two largest cities of Peru's north coast, Chiclayo
and Trujillo are modern cities with strong and
diversified economies. Both are less than 100 feet above
sea level, with warm, dry and comfortable climates year
round.
The valleys near these two cities were the cradles of
various pre-Incan civilizations, with the best known
among them being the Moche. Among the most important
Moche archeological sites are the Huaca Rajada (Rajada
Monument) and the Huaca de la Luna (Pyramid of the
Moon), near Chiclayo and Trujillo respectively. The
treasures discovered in the mausoleum of the Huaca
Rajada are shown at the Royal Tombs of the Lord of Sipan
Museum, one of the most modern museums in Latin America
and considered among the finest museums of its kind in
the world.
Other important regional pre-Incan cultures were the
Lambayeque and Chimu. The impressive Valley of the
Pyramids, located in the small town of Tucume, was the
capital of the Lambayeque kingdom; the Fortress of
Chan-Chan, declared a World heritage Site by UNESCO, is
the largest city in the history of the world constructed
entirely of adobe mud bricks, and was the capital of the
Chimu kingdom.
One remarkable characteristic of Trujillo is its
exquisite colonial architecture. The streets of the city
center abound with examples of this beautifully
aesthetic construction style. Noteworthy examples are
the La Emancipación and Urquiaga houses, among others.
Additionally, these cities are justly known for having
the finest culinary attractions in Peru. Some typical
regional dishes are duck with rice, marinated goat in a
dark sauce, and numerous dishes prepared with the local
bounty of fish and other seafood, including what many
consider to be the finest ceviche in the world.
Day 01: LIMA – CHICLAYO
Arrival in Chiclayo early in the morning and transfer to
the selected hotel. Visit the Huaca Rajada, or
Cracked Temple, archeological site. At the Huaca Rajada
we'll find the mausoleum of the Lord of Sipán; one of
the most powerful Moche kings of his time, with absolute
power of life and death over all his subjects. Upon his
death he was buried, together with his host of
attendants and much of his riches, in a remarkable
burial complex. The complex has multiple differentiated
areas, among them religious monuments, patios,
cemeteries, living areas, military fortifications, etc.
Lunch at a tourist class restaurant in Chiclayo.
Royal Tombs of the Lord of Sipán Museum.
In the museum, one of the most modern and acclaimed in
all South America, one can appreciate the magnificence
of the archeological find at the Sipán site: ceramics,
textiles, jewelry in gold and silver, and an enormous
quantity of ceremonial utensils.Return to the hotel.
Valley of the Pyramids and the on-site museum.
Túcume was the last capital of the Lambayeque kingdom.
The Túcume pyramids are among the principal monuments of
the region. Their 26 enormous structures are made
entirely of adobe, and were designed for diverse
ritualistic, commercial, residential and other
functions.
The construction of these
pyramids was begun in the 10th century. Huaca Larga is
the largest structure, with an impressive 2300 feet in
length, 920 feet in width and 100 feet in height. It's
the single largest adobe structure in South America.
Recent discoveries at the site include painted murals in
its interior squares, surrounded by walkways and roofed
in galleries. Right after the visit transfer to
Trujillo. Lunch of local specialties in a tourist class
restaurant in Pacasmayo.
The Huaca de la Luna and
the Moche countryside
One of the most interesting characteristics of the Moche
culture were their artists, who obtained the highest
level of mastery in the creation of pottery and
decorative iconography of their monuments.
The first stop is the Moche Hands crafts factory, where
leather crafts featuring Moche iconography are made
using the “pirograbado,” or “fire-branding” technique.
The craftsmen here produce various types of purses, bags
and wallets, in addition to incredible basketry and wood
carvings. The route continues on foot for a walk of
about 10 minutes to experience a small section of the
Moche countryside. This short walk allows visitors to
appreciate the traditional Moche lifestyle, including
its family-based culture and kitchen gardens, and in
addition observe a few representative plant species like
mango, lúcuma, guava and papaya trees, and local
versions of red pepper, cabbage and squash among others.
The walk finishes in the Inconceivable Face workshop,
where it's possible to participate in the production of
modern Moche ceramics. These craftsmen have rescued the
age-old techniques of their renowned Moche ancestors in
the manufacture of ceramics using fine mud molds. During
the visit the native music group The Caymans will
present a sample of Moche music using traditional
instruments like the pututo, and a type of ceramic
trumpet.
INCLUDE
Private car for all tours and transfers
Spanish/English speaking guide
Lodging at the select hotel.
Meals as mentioned in the program
All tickets/entrances
ASK
FOR AVAILABILITY
