Trujillo, Peru
Trujillo is a charming coastal city in Peru known for its colorful colonial architecture, lively cultural scene, and proximity to ancient archaeological sites like Chan Chan and Huaca del Sol.
Trip to Trujillo, Peru
Day 1: Arrival and Shopping
Upon arrival to Trujillo, you can begin your adventure by visiting the city center, Plaza de Armas, to do some shopping. The city’s center offers various beautiful baroque buildings and shops where you can buy souvenirs and traditional crafts. In the afternoon you can visit the Mercado Central, a covered market that primarily sells fresh and dry goods where you can try local fruits, meats, and fish. It’s an excellent chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.
Day 2: Chan Chan and Huanchacho Beach
On the second day visit Chan Chan, an enormous adobe city that was once home to the Chimu culture. You can walk through the archeological ruins and view the amazing architectural work and art forms. Later on, visit Huanchaco Beach, a small coastal town known for its long surf waves and picturesque scenery. After relaxing in the sun, try the local dish ceviche, which is a combination of fresh seafood and citrus juice.
Day 3: El Brujo Archaeological Complex and Lady of Cao Museum
On day three, take a trip to the El Brujo Archaeological Complex, located in the north of Trujillo. Built between 100-700 AD, El Brujo is composed of three ancient temples. You can take in a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the site. Afterward, visit the Lady of Cao Museum, which displays the mummy of Lady of Cao who ruled the mochica civilization. The museum houses her beautifully adorned tomb, which contains more than 400 objects made of gold and silver.
Day 4: Otuzco Windows and La Candelaria
On the fourth day, visit Otuzco Windows, a fascinating place known for its ancient burial tombs. Later on, you can head to the town of La Candelaria which is famous for its beautiful church, which dates back to the 17th century. La Candelaria is home to many well-known artisans who produce colonial style paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.
Day 5: Huacas del Sol y de la Luna and Moche Temples
On day five, visit Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (also known as Temples of the Sun and Moon). These are infamous archeological sites built by the Moche civilization. The temples offer an excellent insight into the life of the Moche people and display some of their detailed creations. Afterward, visit the Moche Temples, which are located next to Huacas del Sol y de la Luna. The Moche Temples are known for their artistic excellence and high level of artistry.
Day 6: Trujillo Food and Culture Tour
On day six, take a food and culture tour of Trujillo. You can visit the city center and visit the various food vendors and stalls selling traditional Peruvian cuisine such as empanadas, churros, and tropical fruit juices. During the tour, you can explore the city’s local culture, music, and dance, and even learn about the folklore of Trujillo.
Day 7: Archeological Complex of Chanquillo
On the last day, visit the Archeological Complex of Chanquillo located in the south of Trujillo. The site is home to an ancient observatory and calendar built by the Pre-Columbian civilization, which dates back to 1000 BC. The complex consists of 12 observation points and two solar markers. You can take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this unique construction.
