If you are planning a cultural route in La Libertad, the El Brujo Archaeological Complex should undoubtedly be part of your itinerary. This millenary site, preserving 14,000 years of history, is located just one hour from Trujillo. It is made up of three huacas, murals, and friezes filled with iconography, as well as one of the most significant discoveries in Peruvian archaeology: the Lady of Cao.

To ensure you enjoy a complete and seamless experience, here you will find a guide with useful information, recommendations, and tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Hours, rates and Services at El Brujo

The El Brujo Archaeological Complex is open Monday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. General admission rates are as follows:

• Adults: S/ 10.00

• University and Technical Institute students: S/ 5.00

• School students and senior citizens: S/ 1.00

No prior reservations are required. In addition, visitors are advised to check the official website before their visit to confirm any updates regarding opening hours or admission rates due to special activities or dates. You can find the updated information [here].

How to get there from Trujillo?

From downtown Trujillo, you can take a bus, shared taxi (colectivo), or hire a tourist service to reach the district of Magdalena de Cao. The distance is approximately 60 km, and the trip takes between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.

There are also public transportation services departing from Trujillo toward Paiján or Chocope, where you can then take a moto taxi to the site.

Best time to visit El Brujo and what to bring

The district of Magdalena de Cao has a warm, dry climate for most of the year. This makes it possible to visit in any season, although the months between May and September are generally cooler and more pleasant for touring El Brujo.

Clothing and equipment recommendations:

• Wear light clothing and protect yourself from the sun (shirts, hats, sunglasses).
• Apply sunscreen every 2 hours if possible.
• Use comfortable, closed-toe shoes for walking on uneven dirt and sandy terrain.
• Bring water and a light snack to stay hydrated throughout the visit.
• Don’t forget your camera or phone, sunsets at El Brujo are truly spectacular.

Main attractions you can’t miss

The richness of El Brujo goes far beyond its impressive antiquity. Among its main highlights are:

• Huaca Cao Viejo: The principal ceremonial structure of the complex, where the tomb of the Lady of Cao was discovered. The building preserves polychrome murals and ritual platforms that provide a direct window into the Moche worldview.
• Polychrome mural and marine friezes: At the Huaca Cao Viejo, friezes decorated with geometric, marine, and mythical motifs are preserved. It is an excellent spot to take memorable photos during your visit.
• Collection depositories: recently renovated, these spaces allow visitors to learn about the conservation, classification, and analysis of the archaeological materials recovered at the complex. This is an educational experience rarely offered at other tourist sites. More details about these spaces [here].

Contact information and more for your visit to El Brujo

To help with your planning, you can visit the official website of the complex, where you will find updated information on visits, special activities, and contact details for school or tourist groups. If you have specific questions before your visit, you can also reach us via the Visitor Services WhatsApp: 933 412 730.