When the Mochicas reached their decline after natural disasters - the La Niña phenomenon: a long period of drought, followed by a Child: a long period of rains and floods - many of them left the area and, together with huaris and Cajamarcas , gave rise to the lambayeque-sicán culture. Others decided to stay around the current Trujillo, also changing traditions and beliefs. This change led years later to the chimú or chimor culture. Like the lambayeque-sicán, also the chimú had their legend of marine origin. If those believed in Ñaylamp, they did it in Tacayanamo that also arrived from the sea and became the first ruler: Chimor Cápac. In the impressive chimú capital, Chan Chan, there is evidence of the existence of ten rulers - it was a kind of hereditary monarchy in which power was inherited from parents to children.


Chan Chan the capital of Chimu empire 

Unlike their Mochica ancestors, the chimús did not use so much decoration in their ceramics, that happened to be black. His pyramids did not look for the sky either and had a maximum of two floors, with administrative and political use until the governor died and became a mausoleum. But the chimú mummies did not stay in their graves: one year after their death they were taken to the great palace square where a ceremony was held with music and food for two weeks. Their gods also changed, we forget Ai-apaec and greet the Moon and the Sea - water is a source of life and its bas-reliefs prove it. We also left behind the sacrifices after ritual battles between great warriors, the chimúes only made offerings of women.
 
HUACA ARCOIRIS OR DEL DRAGÓN AND HUACA ESMERALDA
Many less known than Chan Chan, the great chimú capital, these two huacas remind us of the mochica past of this culture. Of course with their differences, to begin the height and the different gods represented. While the Huaca Arcoiris - or of the Dragon - is within the usual route of the Chan Chan tour, the Huaca Esmeralda must be visited on its own. The ticket (10S /., € 2.60 -US $ 3.50) is valid for the three archaeological complexes and for two days, so you should not stop doing so.

Huaca Arcoiris - or of the Dragon 

HUACA ARCOIRIS OR DEL DRAGÓN
The name of Huaca Arcoiris is due to the image of a double-headed snake - which separates the earthly world from that of the gods - and which can be taken by a rainbow with heads. Similarly, the name of Huaca del Dragon is because of the similarity of the snake with the head of a dragon. Next to this snake are other mythological animals - or possible seahorses - and a tumi, ceremonial knife. Under the snake are two figures with dragon / snake heads that, according to the guide, could refer to Chimor Cápac and a priest. A party takes place on the snake with some dancers who reminded us of the Huacas de la Luna and del Brujo.


Huacas de la Luna and del Brujo 

Like the other huacas chimúes, that of the Dragon has only a height that is accessed through a ramp. From there you can see the deposits for offerings that also served as a warehouse for the surrounding inhabitants.