Huaca Esmeralda
A Chimú stepped temple between the city and Chan Chan, with fishing-net, fish and seabird reliefs still visible on its walls.
Huaca Esmeralda is a two-tiered stepped adobe temple from the Chimú period, located on the roadside between central Trujillo and Chan Chan. It was damaged by floods and treasure hunters, but its walls still bear marine-themed reliefs of fishing nets, fish and seabirds, reflecting the Chimú veneration of the sea. The site is small, and a visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Admission is included in the Chan Chan combined ticket, and it can be visited on the way to Chan Chan. The neighborhood is fairly remote, so it is advisable to hire a car or take a taxi.
Opening hours
09:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Chan Chan Site Museum
- Plaza de Armas de Trujillo
- Trujillo Cathedral
- Casa Ganoza Chopitea
- Casa Urquiaga
- Casa de la Emancipación
- Palacio Iturregui
- Jirón Pizarro