The Chimu empire rivaled the Inca until they were subdued by the Inca. Chan Chan is the ancient Chimu site right outside Trujillo and it is immense. 25 to 30 km is its size and made of adobe. The largest pre-Columbian site in the Americas.
To get there we just grabbed a taxi from the city center and it cost ten soles after I refused twelve soles. Entrance is 11.50 soles and you can hire a guide for 25 soles if you want to be rushed thru which isnīt necessary since the museum afterwards gives a fair amount of info. Inside the complex is amazing: huge walls, figures of fish and pelicans carved into the adobe, housing complexes, religious squares and the main burial for the jefe......out in the desert. Sunblock, a great idea. There is a small concession area at the entrance for water and snacks with baņos.
Spent about two hours photographing the site and there were hardly many people since we got there early. Site opens at 9am and closes at 4.30pm. The boleto you buy is good for Chan Chan, Huaca Esmeralda, the museum and Huaca Dragon and lasts two days.
Taxis wait for anyone that wants aride back to Trujillo but if your up for a walk the museum isnīt far, a couple km from Chan Chan. We walked to the museum and had a look, not a large place but had some interesting pieces. Next we walked to find Huaca Esmeralda but didnīt catch it, apparently its a few blocks behind the church Maniche. No big deal. We continued and walked all the way back to the Plaza de Armas in Trujillo. An interesting day to say the least, maņana its off to the Huacas de Sol y Luna.
|
