Trujillo, Peru Attractions
Archeological Sites and City Sites in Peru's 3rd Largest City
Trujillo, Peru has always been one of Peru's major tourist attractions. Thanks to increased cruise ship traffic, a new kind of traveler is arrving to indulge.
Trujillo, Peru, now a common stop on many cruise ship itineraries, is rapidly becoming a major international tourist destination. The city founded in 1534, is the third largest in the country after Lima and Arequipa, and has a number of world renown tourist attractions such as Adobe cities and pyramids, a popular beach resort, and a historic colonial center.
Trujillo Archeological Sites
Chan Chan - The world’s largest Adobe city and a UNESCO world heritage site, the massive Chan Chan is just a few kilometers from the center of Trujillo. Built around 1300 AD by the Chimu culture, the city is believed to have held more than 100,000 people. The walled city is spread out over 20 square kilometers. Only segments have been restored such as the Tschudi Palace, where the most important members of Chimu society once lived and the most elaborate friezes can be found.
Huacas del Sol y de la Luna - These two large Moche pyramids just outside of the city center were occupied for more than 600 years. The Huaca de la Luna, or Temple of the Moon, is the only one that has been extensively excavated and can be visited. Apart from a small museum you’ll find archeologist actively at work peeling away layers of the pyramid which have revealed tombs and a number of preserved carvings and paintings.
Huaca Arco Iris - The Rainbow temple sits in the district of La Esperanza, 5 kilometers northeast of the city. The small pyramid is adorned with many well preserved carvings such as anthropomorphic figures and rainbows. Also known as Huaca El Dragon.
Trujillo City Sites
Plaza Mayor - The very heart of Trujillo is the Plaza Mayor, one of the most impressive in all of Peru. It is centered by a large monument dedicated to the liberation of Peru, which was first declared here. The square is the hub of all activity in the city and surrounded by restored colonial buildings and the mid-17th century Cathedral. Inside the church there are paintings from the Cuzqueña and Quitian schools, as well as Baroque and Rococo altars.
Colonial Houses - Many of the buildings in Trujillo’s center are remnants of colonial times. Many of the sixteenth century houses and mansions have been restored and are painted in deep blues, reds, and yellows. Most are open from Monday-Saturday for visiting, while some are private residences and businesses. Several local operators run tours of Trujillo’s colonial architecture. Highlights include Casa Calonge (Pizarro 446 - where Simon Bolivar stayed and a there’s a small collection of colonial furniture and Chimu gold ornaments), Casa del Mayorazgo de Facala (Pizarro 314 - Large tiled patio, stone floor, wood columns, and a beautiful Mudejar corner balcony), and Casa Ganzoa Chopitea(Independencia 630 - A fine 17th century mansion opposite Iglesia San Francisco with a variety of styles and influences throughout).
Huanchaco Beach
Trujillo’s beach neighborhood, Huanchaco Beach or Playa de Huanchaco, is one of the best places in Peru to see the Tortora Reed fishing boats. These reed boats have been used by fisherman for thousands of years virtually unchanged. Surfing and seafood are also big attractions at this popular beach resort that attracts visitors form across Peru. The beach is paralleled by an avenue lined with craft stalls, hotels, seafood restaurants, and bars.
