Located in the Chicama valley, this complex from the Moche culture holds three pyramids, Huaca Prieta, Huaca Cao Viejo, and Huaca El Brujo, which important to the history of this area. Upon the immense walls, some extending almost 100 feet into the air, artists portrayed the rulers of the civilization and colorful scenes of daily life. It is said that each time a new ruling generation came into power, a new level of these temples were built. This has led to precious preservation of many of the paintings on the layers that are being excavated.

Huaca Cao Viejo
The White Temple was most likely used for religious rituals, now referred by local inhabitants as holding positive energy. Within this temple, archaeologists have found the ruins of an important ceremonial center. Its two walls decorated with high-relief, colorful designs of icons. It is believed that the ceiling, which has sustained severe decay, was painted with similar decorations. The narrative scenes that decorate both walls each have figures in scenes of fishing and navigation, representing the close proximity to the coast. Scenes of combat (pictured at right), healing, and mythical animals have also been found, displaying the interests of the people at this time.

Huaca Prieta Temple
While invaluable to the researchers studying the Huaca Prieta civilization, this temple may offer little for visitors who don't have sufficient knowledge about what they are looking at. This temple may have been created around 5,000 years old, and researchers have discovered much about the type of agricultural life these people lead, with references to many different sorts of crops like squash and cotton.

Huaca El Brujo/Partida/Cortada
The Huaca Partida is said to be a temple with negative energy, which is represented by a woman, the sea of the moon. Certain members of the community would perform spiritual and healing ceremonies within the temple. Has some cool and menacing figures in high relief brandishing a knife in one hand and a recently decapitated head in the other.

Transportation
El Brujo is about 37 miles from Trujillo, and usually takes about 1-1.5 hours to drive from Trujillo along the coast.

Additional Information
Research at this site began over 15 years ago, after the murals were discovered by graverobbers. Excavation is now being conducted by the National University of Trujillo, the National Institute of Culture, funded by a prominent Peruvian bank. The bank funding the excavations, the Banco Wiese-Sudameris has a Hall of Culture in Lima, which holds some artifacts that have been found in the complex so far.

In order to visit El Brujo, an invitation from the Wiese Foundation, the Regional Institute of Culture, or the University of Trujillo must be requested.

Trujillo Overview

  Attractions
  Nearby Attractions
    Sun & Moon Temples
    El Brujo
    Huanchaco

  Lodging