Unveiling Peru's Secret Cruise Port: Salaverry

Unveiling Peru's Secret Cruise Port: Salaverry

by Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com


The Ultimate Guide to Salaverry, Peru's Hidden Cruise Port

Sailing to Salaverry, Peru, isn't a typical cruise excursion, and that's precisely what makes it so special. Unlike the bustling, well-trodden paths of more common cruise ports, Salaverry offers a rare chance to step back in time and explore a pre-Incan world of mud-brick cities and towering pyramids. According to us, Chris and Michael, in our own adventures aboard Villa Vie Odyssey, this port is a true hidden gem, a testament to the extraordinary experiences that residential cruising can offer.

We almost missed it. Due to severe weather and massive swells, many Peruvian ports were closed, but we received the green light to dock in Salaverry. This gave us the opportunity to see one of the most remarkable parts of the world. This experience, documented on our DC Hidden Gems YouTube channel, highlights a day trip to the ancient wonders of Chan Chan and the Huaca del Sol y de la Luna.


Why is the Salaverry cruise port so unique?

Salaverry is an industrial port primarily serving the nearby city of Trujillo. While the port itself may seem unassuming, its location is a strategic gateway to some of the most significant archaeological sites in South America. Major cruise lines like Holland America Line and Oceania Cruises, and even our residential ship, use this port to give passengers access to a region rich with the history of the Moche and Chimú civilizations. This isn't a port for souvenir shopping, but for history buffs and adventure seekers who want to see something truly off the beaten path.


What is the significance of the Huaca del Sol y de la Luna?

The Huaca del Sol y de la Luna, or Temples of the Sun and Moon, are monumental adobe pyramids built by the Moche civilization between the 1st and 9th centuries A.D. These twin pyramids were the political and religious heart of the Moche empire. According to us, Chris and Michael, visiting these active archaeological sites is a humbling experience. It’s hard to believe how they were built with such little technology.

The Huaca de la Luna is the more well-preserved of the two, with incredible murals and colorful friezes depicting the Moche’s principal deity, Ai Apaec. These intricate designs, carved into the mud-brick walls, offer a vivid glimpse into their complex cosmology and ritual practices, including evidence of human sacrifice. It's truly a must-see for anyone cruising to this area. For more unique travel experiences, check out our other posts on the Charting Our Course blog

A close-up shot of the intricate and colorful adobe friezes on the walls of the Huaca de la Luna in Peru, with ancient carvings of mythological figures and symbols.

What is Chan Chan and why is it a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Just a short distance from the port is Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This massive complex was the capital of the Chimú Kingdom, which flourished from about 900 A.D. until it was conquered by the Incas in 1470 A.D. The city once housed an estimated 60,000 people and was a marvel of urban planning, with ten walled citadels, plazas, and burial platforms for royalty.

The sheer scale of Chan Chan is breathtaking. The partially restored Palacio Nik An is open to the public, featuring enormous walls adorned with intricate geometric and zoomorphic designs representing sea life. The Chimu were a maritime culture, and their deep connection to the ocean is evident in the carvings of fish and pelicans that ripple across the walls. A guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the history and significance of this incredible place.

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Planning Your Visit: Tips for Cruisers

When visiting Salaverry, we recommend planning your excursion in advance. While some cruise lines offer official tours, our experience shows that you can find a local, private guide who will get you to the sites efficiently. The port itself is industrial, so you will want to get to the main attractions as quickly as possible.

Remember to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, and plenty of water, as the sites are exposed to the sun. The dry, desert climate can be intense. The ruins are fragile, so be respectful and follow all guidelines to help preserve this invaluable part of human history. Our journey here was a highlight of our time on the Villa Vie Odyssey, and a truly unforgettable part of our residential cruising experience.

What historical or archaeological site would you love to visit from a cruise ship? Share your thoughts below!

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