Chan Chan

If you were to rewind the clock back just six centuries at Chan Chan, you would be standing in the largest city in the Americas. This UNESCO-listed adobe complex, built and occupied by the ancient Chimú people, is a marvel to behold.

At the height of its heyday, Chan Chan had about 10,000 constructions within an area of just nine square miles, as well as a labyrinthine network of streets and alleys. The city’s biggest issue was a lack of water, though that didn’t hold the Chimú people back. Their engineering know-how was supremely advanced. They built a series of irrigation canals that fed the city’s crop fields and lush gardens, ensuring they thrived despite the dryness of the climate – a project which trumped anything seen at the time in Europe or North America.

Today, torrential rains, brought about by climate change, have put Chan Chan in peril. While some steps have been made to prevent further damage – coverings have been put in place and draining systems have been cleaned – debate on the best way to preserve it is ongoing. Some archaeologists have even suggested building a waterproof roof over the entire city.

Want to see this ancient adobe marvel? Let us know. We’ll arrange for you to go here as part of your private Peru travel experience.  Contact us today and get your free Peru trip quote.  At Kuoda Travel, all trips are custom and personally designed for you by one of our professional travel experts.