El Brujo – Archeological Site & Museum

The El Brujo Archaeological Site in Trujillo, Peru, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the Moche civilization. Centered around the well-preserved Huaca Cao Viejo and the intriguing Dama de Cao mummy, the site provides an enriching experience for history enthusiasts. With guided tours available and a museum showcasing remarkable artifacts, El Brujo promises to transport you back in time. However, accessibility challenges may impact some visitors’ experiences. Uncover the secrets of this ancient site and discover why it’s become a must-visit destination for those interested in Peruvian history and culture.

Good To Know

• El Brujo is an archaeological site located in Trujillo, Peru that focuses on the history of the Lady of Cao and the Moche civilization.
• The site features the Huaca Cao Viejo, an ancient Moche ruin from the 1st-8th centuries, and the well-preserved mummy of the Lady of Cao.
• The site’s museum showcases polychrome friezes and a pre-Inca cemetery, offering cultural insights into the architectural marvels of the Moche civilization.
• Admission tickets can be purchased on-site and typically cost around $10 per person, with discounts available for children under 12.
• The site is accessible via air-conditioned transportation, though it is not wheelchair-friendly and is located near public transportation options.

Overview of the Site

The El Brujo Archaeological Site is located in Trujillo, Peru, focusing on the history of the Lady of Cao and the Moche civilization.

It’s a half-day tour with a maximum group size of 10 participants. The meeting point is near the Costa del Sol Hotel on Jirón Independencia 467, and free pick-up is available near the Historical Center, though additional fees may apply for other locations.

The tour options are in the morning or early afternoon, and visitors can explore the ancient ruins of the Huaca Cao Viejo, the well-preserved mummy of the Dama de Cao, and the on-site museum featuring polychrome friezes and a pre-Inca cemetery.

Admission fees for the Huaca Cao Viejo and Dama de Cao aren’t included.

Highlights of the Tour

Exploring the ancient ruins of the Huaca Cao Viejo offers visitors a glimpse into the architectural marvels of the Moche civilization, which thrived from the 1st to 8th centuries. The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to view the well-preserved mummy of the Lady of Cao, a possible Moche ruler. The on-site museum showcases polychrome friezes and a pre-Inca cemetery, providing further insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Tour Highlights	Description
Huaca Cao Viejo	Ancient Moche ruins from 1st-8th centuries
Dama de Cao	Well-preserved mummy of a possible Moche ruler
Museum	Features polychrome friezes and pre-Inca cemetery
Admission Fees	Not included for Huaca Cao Viejo and Dama de Cao

Ticket Information

Visitors to the El Brujo Archaeological Site and Museum can purchase tickets on-site for access to the Huaca Cao Viejo ruins and the Dama de Cao exhibit.

Admission fees aren’t included in the tour price, so guests must buy separate tickets. Prices vary, but a combined ticket for both the ruins and the museum exhibit typically costs around $10 per person.

Children under 12 may receive discounted rates. Visitors should plan to arrive early, as ticket lines can be long, especially during peak seasons.

The site’s accessibility is limited, as it’s not wheelchair-friendly, but it’s near public transportation options.

Transportation and Accessibility

Air-conditioned vehicles transport visitors to the El Brujo Archaeological Site and Museum.

Pick-up services are available from designated points or the meeting location near the Historical Center.

However, the site isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s located near public transportation options.

The key details regarding transportation and accessibility are:

1. Air-conditioned vehicles for comfortable travel.
2. Pickup service from designated points or meeting location.
3. Site isn’t wheelchair accessible.
4. Located near public transportation options.

Confirmation and Cancellation

At the time of booking, visitors receive confirmation of their reservation. The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time. This provides flexibility for participants in case plans change unexpectedly.

Cancellation Window	Refund Policy
24 hours or more	Full refund
Less than 24 hours	No refund
No-show	No refund

This straightforward cancellation policy ensures transparency and fairness for all tour participants. The confirmation and cancellation process is designed to provide a hassle-free booking experience for visitors to the El Brujo Archaeological Site and Museum.

Pricing

Pricing for the El Brujo Archaeological Site and Museum tour starts from $30.00.

This entry-level package includes:

1. Access to the Huaca Cao Viejo ruins and the Dama de Cao exhibit.
2. Guided tour with an English-speaking expert.
3. Air-conditioned transportation to and from the designated pickup points.
4. Complimentary pickup from the Historical Center; additional fees apply for other locations.

While admission fees for the Huaca Cao Viejo and Dama de Cao aren’t included in the tour price, the museum exhibits and pre-Inca cemetery are accessible as part of the package.

Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.

Reviews and Ratings

The El Brujo Archaeological Site and Museum has received largely positive reviews from visitors. With a total of 9 reviews, the site boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The majority of reviewers, 7 in total, awarded the site the full 5 stars, praising the informative guides and well-preserved artifacts. Only one review each was given 4 stars and 3 stars, with no negative 2-star or 1-star ratings. As one reviewer noted, "Great tour, informative guide. Highly recommended." While another mentioned the Dama de Cao exhibit was closed during their visit, the site overall seems to offer a compelling and educational experience for visitors.

Rating	Number of Reviews
5 stars	7
4 stars	1
3 stars	1
2 stars	0
1 star	0

Additional Details

Confirmation of the tour booking is received at the time of purchase, and a free cancellation policy is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

The tour can be arranged for either the morning or early afternoon, and air-conditioned transportation is provided.

While the site isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transport.

The admission fees for the Huaca Cao Viejo and the Dama de Cao exhibit aren’t included in the tour price, which starts from $30.00.

Additional Details:

1. Tour options: Morning or early afternoon
2. Transportation: Air-conditioned vehicle
3. Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible, near public transport
4. Admission Fees: Not included for Huaca Cao Viejo and Dama de Cao

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Site?

The best time to visit the site is during the dry season from April to November, when the weather’s mild and the site’s less crowded. It’s open year-round, but the high season can get hot and busy.

What Languages Are the Tours Offered In?

The tours at El Brujo Archaeological Site & Museum are offered in Spanish and English. Visitors can choose the language that best suits their needs when booking their tour.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has no specific age or fitness requirements. It’s suitable for most visitors, though the archaeological site involves walking on uneven terrain. Those with mobility issues may find parts of the tour challenging.

Can We Take Photographs Inside the Museum?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the museum, though some exhibits may have restrictions. It’s best to check with the tour guide or staff upon arrival to understand the photography policy.

Are There Any Special Events or Exhibitions Happening During My Visit?

Unfortunately, there’s no information provided about any special events or exhibitions happening during the visitor’s upcoming visit to the El Brujo Archaeological Site and Museum. The details focus on the standard tour options and highlights at the site.

The Sum Up

The El Brujo Archaeological Site offers a captivating glimpse into the Moche civilization. Visitors can explore the well-preserved Huaca Cao Viejo, the intriguing Dama de Cao mummy, and a museum showcasing remarkable artifacts. While the site isn’t wheelchair accessible, guided tours in the morning and early afternoon provide an enriching experience for history enthusiasts.