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The city of Chan Chan is one of the most prominent historical sites in all of Peru. It is set in the beautiful Moche Valley, and just a few miles away from the shores of Trujillo. Within the ruins of this city are the remains of the Chimu Empire, also known as the Kingdom of Chimor. Their existence began somewhere around 850 AD and ended in 1470 AD. It is believed that the Chimu Empire was the largest kingdom around during the Late Intermediated period, which accounted for two-thirds of the Andean civilization. Legend has it that Chan Chan was founded by Taycanamo, who supposedly came by way of canoe from the sea. The Chimu people had their own personal type of worship, which was to the moon, as opposed to the Inca who gave their reverence to the sun. Reason for this was because they felt that the sun only destroyed things, which makes sense when you consider that the desert environment lended to that belief. The Chimu natives managed to hold back the Inca from invading their territory until 1493, at which time the new empire took over its rule.

Chan Chan is believed to be the largest pre-Columbian adobe city to have existed on the continent. The archaeological ruins speak for themselves. They extend over a fairly wide area, with four main sites that you can tour. You can explore the ruins by walking, or by taking a taxi from one site to the next. It is advised to hire a guide in order to get the fullest impact of the history that flows through the remains of this early empire. There are citadels, temples, royal cemeteries, living quarters and plazas to tour, as you stroll back through time. Etch into the memories of your mind the intricate carvings on the adobe walls, which depict a life highly influenced by the sea. One of the highlights of the ruins is the Tschudi Palace, which most likely was home to 1,000 people of nobility. Its courtyard is definitely a beautiful place to observe the works of the Chimu. Its walls exhibit some of the markings of its time and the coastal area in which they lived. It has been determined, by experts, that some 30,000-50,000 natives lived in the city of Chan Chan. If you stop into the Museo de Sitio de Chan Chan, before visiting the ruins, you can see some very informative exhibits that will aide in your understanding of these people and their lifestyle.

Choosing a time of the year in planning your visit is important. From December to April you can take time to visit the ruins, along with planning a trip to the local beaches. This is a desert location, so it is the perfect place to enjoy the pristine shoreline of the glistening Pacific Ocean. Complete your stay in one of the lovely hotels, or hostels in nearby Trujillo, and take an extra day to explore this third largest city in Peru. There is plenty to do and see, as you combine this trip with all of the sites and pleasures of this beautiful coastal region of Peru.