Pakatnamú is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site about five kilometres north of Pacasmayo, on a bluff above the mouth of the Jequetepeque River. It was first settled by the Moche culture around 500 CE and later expanded by the Chimú, and the site contains over fifty adobe pyramids (huacas) spread across a large area of desert terrain. The scale is impressive, though the site is poorly signed and receives few visitors — you will likely have it almost to yourself.
The largest structures date from the Chimú period (roughly 900–1400 CE) and include a great compound and ceremonial platform with evidence of painted murals. The site sits on a dramatic natural promontory with views over the Pacific and the river mouth below. Access is by taxi from Pacasmayo; a guide from the town can provide context that is difficult to glean from the minimal signage at the site itself.