More archaeological delights in Huanchaco, a little coastal suburb of Trujillo, Peru's 3rd biggest town.

Chan Chan is a vast complex of adobe (mud) buildings lived in by the Chimu people in around 1300. We took a tour around the remains of what was one of 8 palaces. There is not much left but it's impressive just to see the scale of the city complex, all built by hand in the really dry desert.

The Huaca del Sol y de la Luna, across the other side of town are two temples which were built by the Moche people, who were ancestors of the Chimu, in around 600. You can't visit the Temple of the Sun but the Temple of the Moon is really impressive, basically 5 temples built one on top of the other. The paint that they used on their walls to depict serpants, fights and spiders amongst other things is still bright and visible 1400 years later. Unfortunately, a lack of funding has prevented all of the temples from being fully excavated and some of the pieces that were taken to the US are unlikely ever to be returned.

Lots of negotiations regarding the combi buses which serve as a cross between buses and taxis always makes things fun. Having monopoly money as currency makes us sometimes forget that we are haggling over the equivalent of twenty pence. A few people try and sneak a few extra Soles onto the cost of something but will often smile good naturedly and return all your change when you raise your eyebrows. Food is also getting cheaper here, the classic chicken soup and rice and meat two course dinner, including a healthy juice costs as little as a pound. Some of the dining establishments look a little dodgy but we still have strong bellies, long may it continue.

Our first overnight bus from here to Huaraz was not too painful, comfy seats and some trashy films to watch. Drinks and sandwiches served at your seat too made it just like a plane, but a whole lot bumpier.