El Brujo Complex
El Brujo is an ancient monument of the Moche culture. The original ruins - once filled with countless treasures and Peru's most famous mummy, the Lady of Cao - is now accompanied by an outstanding museum.
El Brujo is located 37 miles (60 km) northwest of Trujillo. The moniker Brujo, which can be translated as "Wizard," is due to the fact that many healers, witches and shamans used to visit the pyramids here.
Located in the Chicama valley in the province of Ascope, El Brujo has been under investigation since the 1990s and has developed into an impressive destination for the historical-minded travelers.
El Brujo was one of the most important religious sites of the Moche culture. The complex contains the famous Cao Viejo and Huaca Cortada pyramids. The huge pyramid Cao Viejo is similar to the Huaca de la Luna, which is close to Trujillo; its relief murals and colorful wall designs are still intact and provide visitors with a fascinating look into ancient artwork.
Today, this pyramid is still full of surprises. There are many legends that are still told by the inhabitants of the Chicama Valley—one tells of a carriage full of gold that appeared at the opening of the pyramid and then drove into the sea, where it sank.
The discovery of the Lady of Cao, a female Moche mummy, in the Cao Viejo had the biggest impact on the El Brujo complex. Visitors can tour both the burial chamber and the museum, where the Cao mummy is displayed along with the many precious artifacts that were found buried with it. The museum is one of the most modern and progressive museums in Peru.
Experiences in El Brujo Complex
Explore hand-picked El Brujo Complex tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Transfer from Chiclayo to Trujillo Via El Brujo Complex
El Brujo Complex Half Day Tour
Transfer from Trujillo to Chiclayo Via El Brujo Complex
Where to stay in El Brujo Complex
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every El Brujo Complex accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Libertador Trujillo
The Libertador Trujillo is set within a colonial building in the town of Trujillo. This hotel has a central location and super friendly staff.
Hostal El Centurión
Hostal El Centurión is located in northern Peru – the cradle of Peruvian civilization. Staying here, you’ll have comfortable accommodations close to some of Trujillo’s most important archaeological sites and museums.
Costa del Sol Wyndham Trujillo
Costa del Sol Trujillo is located in northern Peru, an area that has attracted archaeologists because of its large number of pre-Columbian ruins. This hotel is comfortable and has all the amenities that busy travelers look for, with a spa and a pool to help you recover from the hot desert.
Costa del Sol Trujillo
Costa del Sol Trujillo is set just outside the city of Trujillo. The hotel features attractive rooms, breathtaking pools, and ample amenities.
Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list, it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
