Huaca Esmeralda

Another huaca that is often mentioned in tourist literature but only worth visiting if you have extra time is Huaca Esmeralda.

This partially restored huaca consists of two superimposed platforms with areas for storing foods and stylized carvings of nets with birds and fish. Unfortunately this huaca used to be a favorite hangout for drug addicts and has been mostly destroyed.

Getting to Huaca Esmeralda

To get there, take a combi toward Huanchaco [1] and get off at Iglesia Mansiche and then walk four blocks. The best option, however, is to go with a guided tour from Trujillo [2] or take a round-trip taxi for US$3, as the neighborhood is not safe. Make sure to buy a pass beforehand at Chan Chan [3] or Huaca Arco Iris [4], because they are not sold at Huaca Esmeralda.