Huaca de la Luna, or Temple of the Moon

Huaca de la Luna, or Temple of the Moon, was once a major monument in the capital of the Moche civilization. Located outside of Trujillo, Peru, Huaca de la Luna is part of one of the most ancient urban settlements in the Andean region. The temple expanded over a period of some 600 years between the first and eighth centuries A.D. The older structures were covered with mud bricks or adobes, creating new platforms for new constructions. Significant excavation has been carried out in recent decades, and, since 2001, World Monuments Fund has contributed to an interdisciplinary project at the site that emphasizes archaeological research, conservation, and public presentation. Tourism has increased as a result of growing interest in Moche culture and the Huaca de la Luna site. The site offers employment and economic opportunities to the region as visitors, scholars, and students make Huaca de la Luna a destination.

Site from distance, 2010