The north of Peru has often been described as the Egypt of South America, due to the abundance of pre-Inca treasures that can be found in this area. Settled on the Pacific coast, Trujillo is one of Peru’s largest cities, with a population of 800,000, and is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in exploring these ancient treasures. Founded in 1534 by Diego de Almagro and named after the birthplace of Francisco Pizarro, this colonial city was inhabited long before the arrival of the Spanish. From Trujillo one can travel to the historical landmarks of both the ancient Moche and Chimú cultures. Of particular interest are the archeological sites of Huaca del Sol y Huaca de la Luna, El Brujo, and the mud-brick city of Chan Chan.
The city of Trujillo offers all the sights and sounds of a bustling metropolis, while maintaining an undeniable small-town feel. The greenness of the city contrasts nicely with the Andean mountains draped in brown, and a variety of restaurants, bars, hotels, churches and museums invite visitors to explore and enjoy Trujillo’s modern and historical landscapes. The city is best explored on foot, and most of the popular plazas, hotels, restaurants and colonial casas antiguas are located in Old Town. Allow at least half a day to wander around Trujillo’s colonial core, where you’ll find a score of well-preserved homes and churches located to the north of the Plaza de Armas.
Art enthusiasts and history buffs should definitely plan a visit to Iglesia y Monasterio El Carmen, which offer Trujillo’s best collection of colonial art. Located nearby is the Museo Arquelógico, which specializes in Peruvian history from 12,000 BC to the arrival of the Spanish. Be aware that in Trujillo siestas are taken seriously and most sites are closed from 1-4 p.m.
If you desire an escape from the honking taxistas and bustle of city life, you might want to check out nearby Huanchaco, a small fishing and surfing village teeming with hotels, guest houses and restaurants, and famous for its narrow-pointed fishing rafts. Another point of departure from Trujillo is Puerto Malabrigo (Chicama), known to surfers as the best surf beach in Peru, and located just 70 kilometers north of the city.