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You might be rushing to visit Machu Picchu, but northern Peru has a treasure trove of history and culture waiting to be explored. Trujillo, the City of Eternal Spring, is a perfect blend of colonial charm and pre-Columbian heritage.
Located about 500 kilometers from Lima, this Peruvian city is an ideal base for exploring impressive archaeological sites like Chan Chan and the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna. With its pleasant year-round climate and fewer crowds, Trujillo offers a more authentic experience for travelers looking to explore at a relaxed pace.
As you wander through its colonial center, enjoy surfing in nearby Huanchaco, and sample the region’s famous seafood, you’ll discover why Trujillo is becoming a must-visit destination in Peru.
Discovering Trujillo: Peru’s Northern Gem
As you step into Trujillo, you’ll discover a city that seamlessly blends history and modern charm. This place is a treasure trove of experiences, from its well-preserved colonial architecture to its surrounding ancient ruins.
The City of Eternal Spring
Trujillo is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant climate year-round. This nickname is a testament to the city’s ideal weather, making it a perfect destination regardless of when you visit. The area around Trujillo is also worth exploring, with its rich cultural heritage.
Brief History of Trujillo
Founded in 1534 by Francisco Pizarro, Trujillo has a rich colonial history evident in its historic center. The site of the city played a significant role during Peru’s independence movement, declaring independence from Spain in 1820. When visiting Trujillo, you’ll discover many things to see and do, from exploring the city’s colonial past to visiting the surrounding archaeological site.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1534 | Founded by Francisco Pizarro | Marked the beginning of Spanish colonization |
| 1820 | Declared independence from Spain | Played a key role in Peru’s independence movement |
Explore the Historic Plaza de Armas
As you step into the heart of Trujillo, Peru, the historic Plaza de Armas is an unmissable destination. This spacious square is considered one of the nicest in South America and is meticulously maintained, making it a perfect reflection of the city’s pride.
Basilica Menor Cathedral
The Basilica Menor Cathedral is a striking feature of the Plaza de Armas, with its ochre-yellow façade and baroque architecture dating back to the 17th century. Although it has been rebuilt several times due to earthquakes, its historical significance remains intact.
Colonial Architecture and Monuments
The Plaza de Armas is surrounded by colorful colonial buildings with intricate balconies, adding to the square’s charm. At its center stands the impressive Freedom Monument (La Libertad), commemorating Peru’s independence from Spain, which Trujillo was the first city to declare.
The plaza is not just a historical site but a living part of the city, coming alive in the evenings with locals socializing and street performers entertaining visitors. It’s a great place to experience authentic Trujillo culture.
In summary, the Plaza de Armas is the heart of Trujillo’s historic center, offering a blend of history, architecture, and local culture that makes it a must-visit place in the city. As you explore this beautiful plaza armas, you’ll discover why it’s considered one of the most beautiful main squares in Peru.
Visit Chan Chan: The Largest Adobe City in the World
Unveiling the history of the Chimú civilization, Chan Chan stands as a remarkable example of ancient engineering. As the largest adobe city in the world, it is a must-visit destination when in Trujillo, Peru.
History of the Chimu Kingdom
The Chimú Kingdom built Chan Chan around 900 AD, and it served as their capital until the Incas conquered it in the late 15th century. At its peak, it’s estimated that between 30,000 and 100,000 people lived in this vast complex.
The city’s design and architecture reflect the advanced engineering skills of the Chimú people, with intricate walls featuring geometric designs and animal motifs that have survived for centuries.
Exploring the Nik An Palace
Within the Chan Chan complex, there are nine major palaces, but visitors can currently explore the restored Nik An Palace. This palace provides a glimpse into the lives of the Chimú rulers and showcases the sophisticated craftsmanship of the time.
The Nik An Palace is a highlight of any visit to Chan Chan, offering insights into the history and culture of the Chimú Kingdom.
Practical Tips for Visiting Chan Chan
To make the most of your visit to Chan Chan, consider hiring a guide as there are no explanatory boards within the complex. An English-speaking guide costs around S/40 for up to five people, making it a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re interested in the history and significance of the site.
- The entrance fee to Chan Chan is S/10, which also grants access to Huaca Esmeralda and Huaca Arco Iris.
- Getting to Chan Chan is straightforward; take a van from Ovalo Grau in Trujillo heading to Huanchaco and ask to be dropped off at the Chan Chan gate.
Marvel at Huacas del Sol y de la Luna
As you explore the ancient ruins near Trujillo, you’ll come across the breathtaking Huacas del Sol y de la Luna. These impressive pyramid structures, built by the Moche civilization around 450 AD, predate the nearby Chan Chan ruins by approximately 700 years.
The Temple of the Moon: Ancient Moche Art
The Temple of the Moon, or Huaca de la Luna, is the main attraction at Huacas del Sol y de la Luna. This temple is smaller than the Temple of the Sun but is rich in history and features remarkably well-preserved colorful murals and friezes depicting Moche deities, warriors, and sacrificial scenes.
The Moche building technique used at the Temple of the Moon is particularly fascinating. Approximately every 100 years, they would completely cover the existing temple with mud and build a new, larger temple on top, inadvertently preserving the original artwork. Archaeologists have discovered six distinct temple layers at Huaca de la Luna.
Visiting Information and Guided Tours
To visit Huacas del Sol y de la Luna, the entrance fee is S/10, with an additional S/3 for the museum. Unlike Chan Chan, guided tours are included in the price, providing invaluable insights into Moche culture and the significance of the colorful murals.
To reach the site from Trujillo, you can take a public van from Ovalo Grau or catch one on Av. Los Incas. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs around S/1.50 each way. With its rich history and well-preserved structures, Huacas del Sol y de la Luna is a must-visit destination when in Trujillo.
Trujillo, Peru: Best Things to Do Beyond the Main Attractions
Venture beyond Trujillo’s top attractions, and you’ll uncover a wealth of lesser-known ruins and cultural experiences that offer a deeper insight into the region’s rich history.
Huaca Esmeralda and Huaca Arco Iris
Two of Trujillo’s hidden gems are the Huaca Esmeralda and Huaca Arco Iris, both ancient Chimu temples that showcase the region’s architectural and cultural heritage. Huaca Esmeralda, discovered in 1923, features intricate ornaments depicting fishing nets, birds, and sea waves, despite being damaged by El Niño. Huaca Arco Iris, or the Rainbow Temple, is adorned with repeated rainbow motifs and is considered by many to be more impressive than Huaca Esmeralda.
El Brujo Archaeological Complex
For those willing to venture further, the El Brujo Archaeological Complex, located about an hour’s drive from Trujillo in the Chicama Valley, offers a glimpse into multiple pre-Columbian civilizations. The complex is home to the remains of the Moche culture and features the remarkable discovery of the Lady of Cao, a mummified female ruler whose remarkably preserved tattooed body and grave goods are displayed in the on-site museum.
Museums and Cultural Centers
Trujillo is also home to several excellent museums, including the Museo de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia de la Universidad Nacional de Trujillo. This museum houses an impressive collection of ceramics and textiles from the region’s various pre-Columbian cultures, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the local civilization.
Experience Huanchaco: Surfing and Ancient Fishing Traditions
Huanchaco, a laid-back beach town near Trujillo, offers an exciting blend of ancient fishing traditions and modern surfing culture. This former small fishing village has transformed into a popular destination, attracting surfers and backpackers from around the world with its consistent waves and rich history.
Ride a Caballito de Totora
One of the most unique experiences in Huanchaco is riding a caballito de totora, a traditional reed fishing boat used by local fishermen for over 3,000 years. You can ride with a fisherman who will paddle you through the waves using a traditional bamboo pole. As you sit on the back of the caballito, you’ll feel the ocean breeze and see the fishing nets being cast.
Surfing Lessons and Beach Activities
Huanchaco is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions year-round, making it a surfer’s paradise. With about a dozen surf schools in town, you can easily find surfing lessons and board rentals at reasonable prices. The beach is also perfect for relaxing, and you can enjoy watching the spectacular Pacific sunsets at the numerous beach bars.
Where to Stay in Huanchaco
If you’re considering staying in Huanchaco, there are numerous accommodations to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to comfortable hotels like Hotel Bracamonte. Staying in Huanchaco provides a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Trujillo, and with regular, affordable transportation between the two, you can easily explore the archaeological sites and other attractions.
Taste the Flavors of Northern Peru
The flavors of Northern Peru are a culinary journey you won’t want to miss. The region’s coast is renowned for its fresh seafood, and Trujillo is the perfect place to experience the local cuisine.
Famous Ceviche and Seafood
Ceviche is the undisputed star of the local food scene in Trujillo and Huanchaco. This dish of raw fish “cooked” in citrus juice and seasoned with spices, cilantro, and onion is elevated to an art form along Peru’s northern coast. You can try the famous ceviche at Squalos in Trujillo or Warique El Buzo in Huanchaco, which buys directly from local fishermen who still use traditional caballito de totora boats. When enjoying ceviche, make sure the fish is fresh.
Local Restaurants and Food Markets
For an authentic dining experience, head to Mercado Central (Central Market) in Trujillo, where local vendors serve fresh, inexpensive meals to a primarily local clientele. Many restaurants in the area are specifically called “cevicherias,” specializing exclusively in different variations of ceviche. When choosing where to eat seafood, look for restaurants busy with locals, typically around 1-3 PM when Peruvians enjoy their main meal. You can also try other regional specialties like arroz con mariscos (seafood rice) and sudado de pescado (fish stew).
Conclusion: Planning Your Visit to Trujillo
If you’re looking for a place that combines historical exploration, beach relaxation, and culinary delights, Trujillo is the perfect choice. With two full days, you can experience the best things Trujillo has to offer, from its historic center to its nearby archaeological sites.
When planning your visit, consider Trujillo’s coastal desert climate, which means sunny days year-round. The cooler, drier season from May to October is ideal, while November to April sees occasional afternoon showers. Make sure to avoid December and January if possible, as these months attract domestic tourists from Lima.
For the best experience, stay in both Trujillo and Huanchaco to explore the colonial center, nearby ruins, and enjoy the beach and surfing scene. Make sure to bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and cash for smaller establishments. With its unique blend of history, culture, and relaxation, Trujillo offers some of the best things to do in northern Peru, making it a great addition to any Peru itinerary. By planning your visit carefully, you’ll be able to make sure you experience all that Trujillo has to offer.
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The above is subject to change.
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