Rainbow Temple

(Local Name: Huaca Arco Iris / Huaca El Dragón) Just a few kilometers northwest of Trujillo in the suburb of La Esperanza is the Huaca Arco Iris (Rainbow Temple). Locally the site is also referred to as Huaca El Dragon (Dragon Temple). Both names come from the friezes on the walls, some of which are in the shape of rainbows and another which is thought to be a dragon.

This well preserved Chimú temple was excavated in the 1960s, with the upper region being rebuilt. The defensive wall is more than 2m / 6.5ft thick, and there is only one entrance. There is a very small site museum, as well as souvenir shops.