United States Ambassador to Peru Brian A. Nichols described Chan Chan archaeological complex as a world gem during a visit to the astounding mud citadel in northern Trujillo city.
The diplomat toured Chan Chan's Nik An Palace for nearly an hour joined by authorities and specialists of La Libertad Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC).
"It is impressive, hence its worldwide fame. I had always wanted to visit [Chan Chan] and thank God I've been able to […]," Ambassador Nichols said.
"We [the U.S.] are very proud to have collaborated in part of the museum's restoration works. We see Chan Chan as a world gem, as yet another location that shows Peru's relevance as one of the most important civilizations in world history," he pointed out.
At the site, the U.S. official learned about Chan Chan's history, architecture, iconography and ceremonial world, as well as the political and religious organization of pre-Columbian Chimu Kingdom, which had the adobe city as its capital.
To conclude, Nichols stressed the Inca country's major tourism development opportunities are based on archaeological sites.
"I have always said Peru has more archaeological sites than infrastructure to support this [tourism], which is something I see as a growth engine for the country, much like its cuisine," he pointed out.
Chan Chan
Chan Chan is a pre-Columbian adobe city located in Moche Valley, not far from the beachside town of Huanchaco and Trujillo city.
Built between 9th and 15th Centuries A.D., the site covers an area of approximately 20 square-kilometers.
It must be noted Chan Chan was included in UNESCO Worldwide Heritage List back in 1986.
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