Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
The Huacas del Sol y de la Luna are two monumental temples built by the Moche culture between the 1st and 8th centuries. These impressive adobe structures, located in the Moche Valley near Trujillo, testify to the Moche's architectural and artistic expertise.
The Huaca del Sol, now partially collapsed, is believed to have served as an administrative and political center. It originally measured over 40 meters high, making it the tallest adobe structure in pre-Columbian America.
The Huaca de la Luna, more accessible to the public, was a ceremonial temple. It reveals exceptionally beautiful polychrome murals, depicting deities, sacrifices, and mythological symbols.
The Huaca de la Luna is famous for its particularly well-preserved polychrome murals illustrating the symbolic and ritual universe of the Moche. The central figure frequently represented is the god Ai Apaec, recognizable by his fierce face, fangs, and elaborate headdress. This deity, referred to as the "decapitator god," is often shown holding a tumi (ceremonial knife) and a severed head, explicit symbols of human sacrifices.
Archaeological research conducted at the site, particularly in ritual plazas 3A and 3C, has uncovered the remains of over 70 sacrificial victims. These male bodies showed clear signs of ritual violence, such as blows to the head or decapitations. These discoveries confirm that the painted scenes were not merely mythological but reflected actual practices of Moche culture.
Archaeologists including Régulo Franco, Santiago Uceda, John Verano, and Christopher Donnan have established a direct correspondence between the wall murals, funerary ceramics, and human remains found, revealing a society deeply structured around religious power and sacrifice as expressions of domination and cosmic order.
The site is located in the Moche Valley, approximately 30 minutes by public transport or 20 minutes by taxi from Trujillo center.
Accredited guides are available at the site entrance to offer guided tours in Spanish, English or French (depending on availability). These tours help better understand the mythological symbols, adobe construction techniques, and the organization of the Moche world.
💡 It's recommended to request a guide on site (no online reservation needed). The rate depends on the number of visitors and chosen language. Tours can be individual or shared with other tourists.