Overview:

Located just outside of Trujillo, Huaca El Dragon ( Huaco del Arco Iris ) is an archaeological site made of adobe bricks and is part of the Chimu Wall system in the archaeological complex of Chan Chan. It's believed to be constructed around 1100CE and was used for astronomical observations as well as for rituals during religious ceremonies. The site is made up of 4 pyramid structures that were most likely the palace of a powerful Chimu leader. It has a colorful adobe facade, various sculptures and designs and is considered an important relic from the ancient Chimu culture. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

Located in the city of Trujillo in northern Peru, Huaca El Dragon (Huaco del Arco Iris) is a pre-Inca ceremonial and residential site that dates back to the Lambayeque period (850-1350AD). It is believed to have been a sweat lodge used for ceremonials and political meetings. Due to its age and importance, Huaca El Dragon was declared a National Cultural Heritage Site by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture in 2009. The most prominent feature of Huaca El Dragon is its unique architecture. The structure consists of four pyramidal-shaped terraces held together by adobe walls. The largest terrace has two circular structures of 5 meters each in its upper part, connected by walls of different colors. The site also has a colorful decoration featuring intricate designs in red, green and yellow that give it its name, "Arco Iris" (rainbow). The decoration is associated with the myth of the local culture at the time of its construction, where the gods resided in its upper part and the people lived in its bases. Huaca El Dragon is a great destination for visitors who want to learn about the pre-Inca cultures of Peru and explore a place that is more than 1,300 years old. Guided tours are available and visitors can explore the ruins, learn about the history of the area and admire the beautiful artwork of the terraces. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

Huaca el Dragon (Huaco del Arco Irís) is an archaeological site located in the historic city of Trujillo in the northern region of Peru. It is one of the largest Huacas in the area, mentioned in many ancient indigenous manuscripts. The site dates back to the Moche Period (100-800 AD), and is composed of a large temple pyramid that was built in a stepped style. It is believed to have been constructed by the Moche people as a site to worship deities, and dedicated to their sun-god Inti. Its name, Huaca El Dragon, originates from a traditional myth that states that a supernatural dragon used to sleep under the pyramid. The pyramid is made up of four levels, and the main elevation is shaped like a stepped pyramid with four peripheral figures. The site is divided into four surrounding associative courtyards: Chavin, Camino Real, Pampa del Cuchón, and Cuzco. The surrounding courtyards are decorated with symbols, geometric figures, and friezes. They also feature a large number of adobe structures and huacas, or sacred shrines. At the Huaca El Dragon, archaeologists have unearthed some significant pieces, including a gold ceremonial mask and horned serpent figure, both of which were discovered in the first level of the pyramid during an excavation in the 1980s. These two artifacts are believed to represent the mythical Dragon mentioned in ancient indigenous manuscripts. Huaca El Dragon has been a significant archaeological site for many years and is now a major tourist destination in Trujillo. It provides insight into the culture and history of the ancient Moche people, and offers visitors a unique cultural experience. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Huaca El Dragon (Huaco del Arco Iris) is a archaeological site located in Trujillo City, Peru, and the largest adobe pyramid in the Americas. 2. Huaca El Dragon is believed to have been a religious and ceremonial center for the Moche culture, which flourished along the northern coast of Peru from approximately 300-800 AD. 3. The site was discovered by Ricardo Palma in 1912 and is believed to date to about the sixth century AD. 4. Huaca El Dragon is characterized by its large size, two friezes decorated with dragons, warriors, prisoners, as well as other anthropomorphic figures, and a polychrome mural painted in the four directions. 5. The Huaca El Dragon is thought to have been the center of the Moche ruling elite and the development of political and social stratification. 6. Archaeological artifacts uncovered at the site include gold, copper, silver, bronze, and turquoise objects. 7. Huaca El Dragon is currently under threat from water contamination and erosion, largely due to ongoing urban and industrial development in the area. In 2012 it was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era