Huanchaco and historic surroundings

This is Mike...
We made it to Huanchaco beach communtiy just north of Trujillo, Peru. This place is on the so-called Gringo trail but is still very much small, incomplete, and a dusty town. Somethings that make the town very special though are the reed canoes the indigenous people still weave in the old fashion style for fishing in the ocean, and the various indigenous archaeological ruins in the area. The town is most likely popular among expats for the low cost of living and the availability of underpopulated surf breaks. The weather is similar to that of a California beach town with overcast mornings and cool breezes. We are going to stay here to recharge the batteries before the long drive to Lima and beyond. Last night we went out to a great restaurant where I was able to indulge in spicy Ceviche which has been on my wishlist since the trip began. We will definitely have to make room for more Ceviche in the weeks to come.

The north central coast of Peru is a windblown desert

The girls posing in front of a reed canoe that was stood up to dry out.

Artwork on the walls of Chan Chan ruins.

The Chan Chan complex is comprised of 10 large structures covering about 20 square kilometers of which one complex of about 30 acres is accessible to tourists.

The symbol of the waves

The amazing artistic details that still survive after 1800 years are wonders for sure.

This was the water reserve that was within the compound, it is about the size of a football field. It has been drained by the archaeologists to preserve the structure

This portion of the interior wall is about 15 feet tall the exterior walls were 30 feet tall.

The king's burial chamber is shown here, the burial sites of his concubines (not shown here) flanks each side of his chamber. It is said that several hundred concubines were buried next to the king when he died.

Temple of the sun (Huaca del Sol)

The detail still preserved in the temple of the moon (Huaca de la Luna) is amazing.

I could not help but think how similar this art was to Asian art.

The raised murals of the temple were both large and ornate.

Each and every adobe brick was stamped with a symbol and would have a designated place in the temple, not one detail was random or by chance in this holy place.

1800 years of beauty for all to see. The sand buried the city which actually preserved the artwork.

The temple was massive as this picture can show.

An excellent example of the original plaster flooring that is still intact. The entire place was covered to show smooth only surfaces and was painted in every manner of color.

A sacrificial alter where some paid the ultimate price.

The temple of the moon is tucked into the base of a small mountain.

The natives stand the canoes up so they can dry out. After several weeks of use the reeds get waterlogged and become useless. This town is the last town to still use this ancient technique for making canoes. 

Nice sunset poking through the marine layer.

Fresco of deities