Chan Chan is an archaeological site in Peru, on the country's northern coast, in South America. It was the ancient capital of the Chimú Empire, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The city is known as the largest adobe city in the world. Its walls are built from mud brick, and many of them still carry intricate geometric patterns and animal motifs. That these decorations have survived in Peru's coastal desert is a large part of what makes the site remarkable for visitors interested in pre-Columbian architecture.
What a visit offers
Chan Chan is a place to walk slowly and look closely. The site is spread over a wide area, and the experience is shaped by its scale: the ceremonial plazas and royal compounds give a sense of how the city was organised, and the surviving walls show the craft of the people who built it.
- Wandering the vast ceremonial plazas
- Viewing the mud-brick walls with their geometric and animal designs
- Exploring the royal compounds that formed the heart of the capital
Planning your trip
Because Chan Chan lies in desert country, the setting is open and dry, so it suits visitors who enjoy wide landscapes and quiet, unhurried exploration. Those interested in history and archaeology will find the most to engage with, while others may appreciate it as a striking outdoor experience. Check current access arrangements before you go, as they are not covered here.