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Huaca del Sol

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Historical site
—°3
Huaca del Sol (Peru)

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The Huaca del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) is a massive adobe structure located in the Moche Valley of northern Peru, forming part of the Huacas de Moche archaeological complex. Built by the Moche culture between 100 and 800 AD, it likely functioned as an administrative and military center and a residence for the ruling elite. Originally measuring approximately 450 meters in length and 40 meters in height, it was the largest pre-Columbian adobe structure in the Americas. Experts estimate that over 130 million sun-dried mud bricks were used in its construction, many featuring distinct maker marks from different communities. Much of the structure was tragically destroyed in the 17th century when Spanish colonizers diverted the Moche River against its base to wash out gold from ancient burials. Today, only about one-third of the original structure remains, standing opposite the smaller but ritually significant Huaca de la Luna.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C181818181818181819181818
Rain mm2322352292625161818

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Huaca del Sol is a massive adobe pyramid open to visitors. Access is restricted, however; often only the exterior areas can be explored.
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Typical hours
The site is usually open daily from 9:00 to 16:00. Check locally for seasonal variations.
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Photography
Photography of the pyramid exterior is allowed at all times. Inside, there may be restrictions; ask your guide.
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Time needed
A visit to Huaca del Sol takes about 30 minutes to one hour. For a combination with Huaca de la Luna, plan two to three hours.
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Combine with
This pyramid is right next to Huaca de la Luna and should be visited together. The Archaeological Museum of Trujillo also provides interesting background information.
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Getting there
Huaca del Sol is a few minutes walk from Huaca de la Luna. By taxi from Trujillo city center, it takes about 15 minutes.
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Insider tip
Visit both Huacas in the morning when temperatures are still bearable. Bring plenty of water as there is no shade.

Geography

Coordinates
-8.13400, -78.98500

Facts

  • An estimated 130 million adobe bricks were used to construct the pyramid.
  • The structure originally measured approximately 450 meters in length.
  • At its peak, the pyramid reached a height of about 40 meters.
  • Archaeologists have identified over 100 different maker marks on the bricks.
  • Spanish settlers destroyed two-thirds of the pyramid in the 17th century.
  • It was the single largest adobe structure in pre-Columbian America.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la LunaHuaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna<1 km · SExplore →
Port of SalaverryPort of Salaverry2 km · WExplore →
TrujilloTrujillo5 km · SExplore →
Chan ChanChan Chan10 km · SExplore →
HuanchacoHuanchaco15 km · SExplore →
Virú Asparagus FarmsVirú Asparagus Farms27 km · NExplore →
El BrujoEl Brujo36 km · SExplore →
Porcón Farm (Granja Porcón)Porcón Farm (Granja Porcón)46 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Huaca del Sol (3)

Asamblea de Dios en Trujillo📍 landmark

A Protestant place of worship in Trujillo, located near the historic archaeological sites of the Moche Valley.

🕒 Sa 18:00-19:00

La Cueva⛪ religious

A spiritual site near the ruins of Trujillo, whose name suggests a natural or cavern-like setting.

Monte de Oracion El Altar de Dios⛪ religious

This prayer mount gives a quiet retreat with broad views over the surrounding Trujillo landscape.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Huaca del Sol?
A huge adobe brick pyramid of the Moche culture.
Can you climb the pyramid?
No, it is closed to visitors for protection reasons.
How long does the visit take?
About 1-2 hours together with the Huaca de la Luna.
Do you need a ticket?
Yes, a ticket is required for the archaeological complex.
Are photos allowed?
Yes, taking photos from the outside is easily possible.
Huaca del Sol: where is it located?
Huaca del Sol is located in Peru.
Huaca del Sol: what is there to see?
Highlights include Asamblea de Dios en Trujillo, La Cueva, Monte de Oracion El Altar de Dios.
Huaca del Sol: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Huaca del Sol: why is it worth visiting?
The Huaca del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) is a massive adobe structure located in the Moche Valley of northern Peru, forming part of the Huacas de Moche archaeological complex.
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Nearby cities

Trujillo — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Trujillo
Center of the Chimú culture in northern Peru.
Tarapoto — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Tarapoto
The city of palms in the Peruvian high jungle, a paradise for nature lovers and waterfall enthusiasts.
Huanchaco — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Huanchaco
A historic fishing village near Trujillo, world-famous for its traditional reed boats and excellent surfing conditions.

History & landmarks

Cajamarca — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Cajamarca
A historic highland city where the Inca Empire met the Spanish conquerors, famous for its colonial architecture and thermal springs.
Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna
Two massive pyramids of the Moche culture near Trujillo, known for their colorful murals and reliefs.
Chan Chan — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Chan Chan
The largest pre-Columbian city in South America and the former capital of the Chimú Empire, built entirely of mud bricks.
Cumbemayo — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Cumbemayo
An impressive archaeological site known for its pre-Inca aqueducts and the distinctive rock formations 'Los Frailones'.
Huaca Rajada — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Huaca Rajada
The archaeological site in northern Peru where the famous tombs of the Lord of Sipán were discovered.

More places

Huaca de la Luna — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Huaca de la Luna
A Moche ceremonial center famous for its well-preserved, colorful wall reliefs.
Port of Salaverry — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Port of Salaverry
A strategically important port for the La Libertad region, exporting agricultural products and minerals.
Trujillo Botanical Garden — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Trujillo Botanical Garden
A tranquil urban garden in the heart of Trujillo that houses native plants and small animals like peacocks.
Virú Asparagus Farms — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Virú Asparagus Farms
A state-of-the-art agricultural coastal area that has made Peru one of the world's top exporters of asparagus.
El Brujo — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
El Brujo
A major archaeological complex known for the mummy of the Lady of Cao.
🗺️
Lagunas Norte Mine
An important gold mine in the Andes, located in the La Libertad region.
Marcahuamachuco — Huaca del Sol (Peru)
Marcahuamachuco
One of the most important archaeological complexes in the northern highlands of Peru from the pre-Inca period.
🗺️
La Arena Mine
A gold and copper mining operation that contributes to regional mineral exports.