Just 14 km north of the popular tourist town of Trujillo is Huanchaco, a laid-back beach town that is definitely worth the trip for anyone seeking a respite from the rigors of travel. According to Chimú mythology, this peaceful fishing village was the landing-spot of Takaynamo, the founder of the ancient empire who supposedly ordered the construction of the famous mud-brick city of Chan Chan around 1200 AD.
Today, Huanchaco is a popular beach hang-out for Peruvians and gringos alike. Due to its popularity among beach bums, this modest town offers a variety of hotels and restaurants to suit any traveler’s budget. In addition to accommodation, there exist a variety of attractions in town, including an artisan market, mouth-watering seafood (check out Lucho del Mar), relaxed nightlife, and surfing lessons to name a few.
Early risers can observe the town's fishermen mounting their caballitos de totora, beautifully crafted narrow pointed fishing rafts that appear on both Mochica and Chimú pottery. Or, if you're up for a climb head up to Santuario de la Virgen del Socorro, reportedly the second-oldest church in Peru. Regardless of where you stay or what you do, the general attitude in Huanchaco is that you can have a lot of fun doing very little.