Located in the Moche Valley near Trujillo, Peru, the Huaca del Sol is a massive adobe brick pyramid built by the Moche civilization between 100 AD and 800 AD. Situated near the volcanic peak of Cerro Blanco alongside its neighboring ruin, Huaca de la Luna, this impressive structure once stood at the heart of the Moche capital city. When you visit, you will encounter the remains of what was once the largest pre-Columbian adobe structure built in the Americas, originally constructed with over 130 million adobe bricks.
The pyramid underwent eight distinct construction stages by 450 AD, as successive rulers added new layers of brick directly on top of the old ones. Archeological evidence shows that this four-level complex served as a center for ritual and ceremonial activities, a royal residence, and burial chambers. Although early 17th-century Spanish colonists redirected the Moche River to loot gold—destroying about two-thirds of the temple through hydraulic mining—the remaining structure still rises 41 meters (135 feet) above the coastal desert.
As you explore, look closely at the adobe bricks to spot distinct makers' marks left by more than a hundred different contributing communities.
What to see at Huaca del Sol
- Marvel at the largest pre-Columbian adobe structure ever built in the Americas.
- Discover brick makers' marks from over a hundred ancient contributing communities.
- See the remaining 41-meter-high structure built across eight distinct construction stages.
- Learn how the temple functioned as a royal residence, ceremonial site, and burial ground.
- Witness the history of a site damaged by 17th-century river-redirecting gold lootings.
Visiting tips
Be aware that the site faces ongoing preservation threats from historic looting and modern El Niño erosion.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Huaca del Sol is easy to reach on Trujillo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Chan Chan and Huaca de la Luna. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Trujillo travel guide.
See the full Trujillo travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.