There is another late Moche defensive site about 45 minutes away that we visited last week that is even more impressive and grand than Cherro Chepen called San Ildefonso. It is just beginning to be studied. The entire area is protected by walls and “guard stations” where piles of rock used to sling at the enemy are still sometimes found. We climbed this mountain for 2 hours and 40 minutes. I must say I was impressive like the energizer bunny. I can’t begin to tell you how up and down it was. If I knew I would be doing climbing like that I wouldn’t have come! It was so worth it though. Everyday we learn something new about the Moche and how sophisticated their culture was. Pics from San Ildefonso:
Here is our group with our leader Ari at far left:
Daniel decided to get into a looter's hole:
The desert drive to the mountain:
Rock wall built by Moche:
Rocky climb:
More rock walls built for defense by the Moche around 600-800 AD
Our policeman rode on top of the van part of the way.
We always have a policeman accompany our teams to the sites.
Moche ceremonial site, see platform in the middle.
Moche terracing:
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