Northern Peru also has its magic and Trujillo is certainly one of those places you can’t miss if traveling to this part of the country. The famous City of Eternal Sunshine holds outstanding archaeological sites and an Instagram-worthy historical center. Here we’ll tell you all about it. Although most travelers tend to overlook this beautiful city while traveling to Peru, here we are to show you that there’s so much more to know about our country than Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Trujillo is an 8-hour bus trip away from Lima and only 1 hour away by flight. This picturesque region is located on the Pacific coast and offers a whole different glimpse at our pre-Columbian history since it was the birthplace of many important civilizations. Likewise, Trujillo is the third largest city of Peru and though its population is nearly 800,000, it doesn’t feel as crowded and bustling as the Capital of Peru.
Therefore, the city itself is easy to stroll around and get immersed in its cultural expression. We want you to have a broader view of all the amazing things to do here, which is why we have gathered a few of the most important attractions of Trujillo that you definitely can’t miss during your trip to Peru.
1|Stroll Around the Historic Center of Trujillo
In case you didn’t know, Trujillo is Peru’s second oldest city and the first region to declare independence from the Spanish crown 6 months before the entire country did!
The Trujillo Historic Center is famous for its impressive colonial architecture and colorful buildings. And though the city isn’t famous for its old town, it is definitely worth a visit. Here are some of the attractions that you should visit:
Plaza de Armas
As in most colonial cities in Peru, the distribution was made around a specific location, a space designated as a public area surrounded by the most important governmental and catholic buildings. The Plaza de Armas in Trujillo is located at the heart of the city as expected and encompasses the Municipal Palace, the Cathedral of Trujillo, the Archbishopric of Trujillo, and many other historical and religious monuments
Likewise, this public space is thoughtfully adorned and one of its important ornaments is a monument dedicated to freedom, which represents the process of independence of the country and the love for freedom.
Paseo Pizarro
It is the most representative colonial street within the entire city center. It extends to 5 blocks where you can appreciate the authentic Spanish-influenced architecture of the town. This cobblestone street is closed to traffic and holds many restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, and souvenir markets.
For that reason, it has become the main tourist hub of Trujillo since it gathers many historical monuments and other attractions. Even though the pre-Columbian attractions might be the highlight here, don’t overlook this part of the city as you make your way through the north of Peru!
2|Visit the Chan Chan Citadel
If you love history as much as you do, then you certainly can’t forget to pass by the largest adobe city of ancient America. The Chan Chan citadel is probably the main attraction within Trujillo since it expands to 20 square kilometers and comprises several walled precincts with intriguing carvings on their surface.
According to archeologists, the Chan Chan citadel was built by the Chimu culture around 900 A.D. and it’s one of the biggest archaeological findings in northern Peru. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 due to its historical importance and impressive structures.
This archeological complex is famous for its large extension and distribution, with administrative, ceremonial, residential, and work areas precisely designated. The architectural style varies depending on the zone, allowing the Chimu to differentiate their social-economic classes.
The entire citadel is enclosed by a large adobe wall with beautiful engravings of animals and geometrical figures, integrating their symbolism and sacred belief into the architecture of the entire capital. However, it is uncertain how many inhabitants occupied these lands before the Inca conquest, but it is estimated that it could have housed between 30,000 and 100,000 people. Would you like to discover this impressive site? Check out this Trujillo travel package and experience it in person!
3|Discover the mysteries of Huaca del Sol & Huaca de la Luna
If you’ve been following our Trujillo travel guide, you surely have read about the powerful Moche people, a culture that originated in the 1st century but mysteriously disappeared around the IX century.
The Moche are one of the most important civilizations in the history of Peru, characterized by their cultural expression, adobe architecture, as well as metallurgical and pottery works. Besides, they were pioneers in hydraulic engineering, managing to solve water droughts in the aridest parts of their territory.
The Temples of the Sun and the Moon are certainly the most impressive structures ever built by the Moche, highlighted by the beautiful artwork on its walls and their massive extension.
Huaca del Sol y de la Luna
It is believed to be the administrative center of the Moche culture and the residence palace for the Moche elite. Unfortunately, almost 70% of its structure was destroyed by the Spaniards which changed the course of the Moche River causing floods to later loot this ancient structure.
This is the most preserved temple in the archeological site. According to the findings, this was the religious center of this ancient civilization. A burial place was found Inside this “moon temple,” apparently for sacrificed warriors.
4|Visit the Huanchaco Beach
As you make your way through history, there’s no better break than going to the beach and just unwinding your mind to the sound of the waves, especially in Peru, where cuisine is undoubtedly delicious!
The Huanchaco beach is the perfect stop for those looking to just take a break from the tourist attractions, though it’s been gaining popularity over the years since it is located near such majestic archaeological sites and offers the perfect setting to surf in Peru.
Besides, the northern gastronomic expression is as delightful as you can imagine, this is surely the perfect place to try ceviche and a refreshing Pisco sour while watching the sunset from the Pacific Ocean’s shores.
Also, you’ll get to discover the Caballito de Totora, an ancient boat made entirely of totora reed, a tradition that has been carried out since pre-Inca times. Certainly an unmissable destination in northern Peru!
5|lTake a Day Trip to El Brujo Archaeological Site
El Brujo Archeological Site is one of the oldest structures in Peru since it comprises a 5,000-year-old legacy that you would love to know about. This archaeological complex is located in the Chicama Valley and gave a turn to the political concept we had about the ancient Peruvian civilizations.
For those who didn’t know, this place is famous due to an important archeological discovery. It was here where the Lady of Cao was found, who is thought to be a high-ranking priestess or even a Moche ruler.
The Lady of Cao was a powerful woman who lived in northern Peru about 1,700 years ago, who was buried with a crown and surrounded by hundreds of copper and golden objects in the Huaca Cao Viejo pyramid.
If you wish to explore this outstanding pre-Columbian site, then luckily for you, we have the perfect tour to El Brujo Archaeological Site, where you’ll get to visit three ancient temples and the Museo Cao where the iconic Lady of Cao and her gold pieces are exhibited.
How to Get to Trujillo
If planning to visit this cultural and historical city, you can easily travel to Trujillo by plane or bus as we mentioned earlier in this blog. To help you organize your itinerary, we have gathered a few recommendations for you:
Traveling by Bus: Trujillo is easily accessible by bus rides. If you’re coming from Lima, keep in mind that this will be an 8-hour bus trip through the warmest part of the country. However, if you’re up to this adventure, make sure to add other destinations in between so you don’t miss anything on the way.
Flights to Trujillo: This would be the most advisable way to get to Trujillo since it takes only 1 hour to get there from the city of Lima. For those willing to experience this city at its fullest, we highly recommend taking a domestic flight. That way, you’ll save time and get to know even more about this authentic city.
South America is one of the best destinations to travel in the world and Peru certainly complements that concept! If you’re eager to know everything about our country, here you’ll find some travel itineraries and packages that will help you explore the best of it!
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