Chan Chan Travel Guide
Travel to Chan Chan - Glorious archaeological city of the Chimu
- Ratings:
- 4 out of 5 (1 votes)
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chan Chan is one of the largest adobe structures in the world. Consisting of 10 citadels built alongside one another, all entirely constructed out of mud and covering an area of 18 square kilometres, the ancient Chimu capital of Chan Chan is an incredible sight to behold. Its walls covered with maritime-themed reliefs, this centre of Chimu power is still impressive today, as it was in its glorious past when it was the largest pre-colombian settlement in the Americas.
Chan Chan was once the largest city in South America and remained so even when it lay in ruins during part of the Spanish colonial period before cities like Lima and Trujillo finally outgrew it. Today, the wealth and power of the Chimu civilisation is plain to see.
The ruins of Chan Chan are extraordinary, despite much of it now lying in a dilapidated state. Damage caused by El Niño rains have left the once towering mud walls looking as though they have melted. The most severe damage took place as recently as the last century when the majority of the remaining artistic details on the walls were washed away.
One small part of the massive archaeological site, in itself huge, has been saved from the elements by careful restoration. Known as the Tschudi Complex, it is one of the last of 10 urban complexes constructed. It is believed that the design of Chan Chan refected a strict political and social strategy, with each of these divisions being autonomous units.
This vast city, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not the only evidence of the remains of the Chimú, nor is it the only example of the fascinating reliefs they used to decorate their walls. Some distance from Chan Chan, back in the suburbs of Trujillo, stands the Rainbow or Dragon Pyramid used in religious ceremonies where offerings were made to their deities.
Attractions in Chan Chan
Tschudi Complex – Named the Tschudi Complex after the archaeologist who studied it, this restored section of Chan Chan, just one of ten urban complexes, welcomes visitors. Towering walls surround the entire complex and visitors get a feel of how impressive Chan Chan was in its prime – and this is just a small part.
Site Museum – Found a short distance before the turn off towards the Tschudi Complex, visiting is a must if you are interested in the Chimu's mysterious origins. According to legend, a man arrived on a raft from the north wearing the feathers of strange tropical birds some time after the fall of the Moche, rebuilding civilisation.
Huaca Arco Iris – The Rainbow or Dragon Pyramid, found in the suburbs of Trujillo, was a religious centre for the Chimú where offerings were left. The designs that cover its walls are remarkably preserved, and there are still hints of the bright colours that used to cover its exterior.
Relaxing
Located near the beach, Chan Chan is only a short distance from Huanchaco - an ideal place to while away the hours.
Getting Around
Local transport passes through the centre of the Chan Chan ruins but does not stop at the main sites. Direct transport can be organised by tour operators.
Chan Chan Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
