Trujillo
Capital of eternal spring
Trujillo, capital of the region of La Libertad, is the third largest city in Peru. It lies on the north coast, 561 km/
349 miles from Lima, in the Moche River valley where the Moche and Chimu civilizations developed between 200 B.C. and A.D. 700. Both cultures were remarkable for their pottery and work in gold and silver.
Eight kilometers (5 miles) south of the city of Trujillo stand the ceremonial centers or huacas known as the Temples of the Sun and the Moon of the Moche civilization. It is believed that they were, respectively, an administrative center and a center of worship. The Temple of the Sun is a graded pyramid 43 meters high (141 ft), while the Temple of the Moon, only 500 meters away (545 yards), is made up of superimposed temples built at different times during the Moche civilization. Some of the walls have dramatic polychromed murals, with clear details that show the face of the fire god Aia-Paec.
Its year-round pleasant climate has earned it the title of 'Capital of Eternal Spring'. It's large, main square is surrounded by beautiful colonial churches and homes. It has wonderful beaches such as Delicias, Salaverry, Huanchaco and Chicama, gathering points for international surfing competitions and where local fishermen still use 'caballitos de totora', reed canoes made the same way for thousands of years.
The typical dance of the coast is the 'marinera' and Trujillo is where the most important competitions are held, earning the name of Capital of the Peruvian Marinera. Trujillo is also an important breeding and competition center for Peruvian pacer horses.
Altitude
34 masl (100 ft)
How to Get There
- By air: daily flights from Lima to Trujillo (50 minutes).
- Overland: Buses to Trujillo on the Pan-American Highway due north from Lima (561 km/348 miles - 8 hours); from
Chiclayo (210 km/ 130 miles - 3 hours); from Piura (410 km/255 miles - 6 hours); and from Tumbes 759 km/472 miles.
- Public transport from Trujillo to Chan Chan (5 km/3 miles - 15 minutes) and the Huanchaco resort (13 km/8 miles - 25 minutes). Public transport to the Temples of the Sun and the Moon (8 km/4.9 miles - 20 minutes).
Lodging
Up to five-star hotels and hostels in Trujillo. Up to threestar hotels and hostels in Huanchaco.
Activities
Archaeology, bird watching, angling and surfing (Huanchaco and Chicama).
Tourist Services
Restaurants in Trujillo offer local and international dishes. Transport services and travel agencies.
Minimum Length of Stay
Three days to see the historical center and archeological sites.
Recommendations
Sunscreeen, light clothing (T-shirts, shorts), comfortable shoes, hat.
Nearby Attractions
Trujillo historical center: houses and churches. Other archaeological sites: Huaca El Dragon, El Brujo,etc.
Seaside towns of Huanchaco, Puerto Malabrigo and Pacasmayo.
Season / Climate
Sunshine all year round; temperate and warm, particularly hot during the summer months (December- March).
Festivals
- National Marinera Contest (January/February):
opportunity to take in the full splendor of the marinera,
a typical coastal dance.
- The Huanchaco Carnival (February): the Carnival dates back to the late 19th century, inspired by the Venetian
Carnival.
- Surfing Championship (March): held at Chicama, the championship draws surfers from all over the world
- International Spring Festival (September /October).
- National Peruvian Pacer Horse Competition (September 29): organized by the Trujillo pacer horse breeders and owners' association during the Spring Festival.
Gastronomy
- Seco de Cabrito con Frijoles: tender goat stew with cilantro and maize beer, served with beans.
- Shambar: thick wheat soup with pork and beans.
- Sopa Teologa: chicken broth with pieces of bread.
- Frijoles a la Trujillana: black beans with sesame seeds and hot chili pepper.
- Pepian de Pava: turkey stew with rice and corn.
|
