Trujillo Travelers Recommend

The desert valley surrounding Trujillo was once the territory of the Moche and Chimú people. Pre-Inca ruins in the region provide insight into these fascinating early civilizations, from their spiritual beliefs to city planning practices. See below for our top picks of archaeological sites in and around Trujillo. 

Chan Chan

The largest and perhaps most significant archaeological site in Trujillo, the ancient adobe city of Chan Chan was built by the Chimú people and was active between the mid-ninth and 15th century. At its height, around 60,000 people lived here, and its rulers are thought to have been fabulously wealthy, with large reserves of gold, silver, and precious materials. Visitors can wander a portion of the site and view ceremonial courtyards, frieze-covered walls, and other ancient structures. 

Temples of Moche

These two adobe temples—the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon—predate Chan Chan by several centuries. Built with around 140 million adobe bricks, the Temple of the Sun would have been an imposing sight, though only parts of it have survived to the present day. The smaller of the two temples, the Temple of the Moon, was most likely used for ceremonial purposes and features some of the colorful wall friezes the Moche people are known for producing. 

The Temple of the Dragon

Situated near Chan Chan and believed to have been constructed between the 10th and 11th century, this adobe pyramid is adorned with wall reliefs depicting human, animal, and anthropomorphic creatures. Look out for the dragon relief, after which the temple is named. 

El Brujo

Located north of Trujillo, this archaeological site features remains from the Sicán, Chimú, and Moche cultures. Among the star finds to have been uncovered at El Brujo are Moche murals and the Lady of Cao, a mummy discovered in 2006. The mummy, as well as various objects that were buried with her, can be seen at the on-site museum. 

The city of Trujillo has a bit of an identity crisis; stuck somewhere between beach town and archeological playground, there is also a heavy Colonial presence that dominates the center of the city. Luckily for travelers visiting Trujillo, it’s possible to experience all the different identities over the course of three action-packed days.

Day 1: Temples and Ruins

Trujillo is known more than anything else for its well-preserved temples and ruins. It only makes sense, then, to begin the day at Chan Chan—the largest adobe city found anywhere in the world and the capital of the Chimu Empire. While smaller temples—such as the Temple of the Dragon—are included in the Chan Chan entrance fee, the main highlight is Tschudi Palace and its exquisitely carved alleyways and walls. In the afternoon, travel back almost 2,000 years to the days of the Moche Empire, and stare in wonder at the hand painted murals at the temple of Huaca de la Luna.

Day 2: El Brujo and Colonial Trujillo

Before diving into the Colonial charms, spend the morning taking a drive to the temple complex at El Brujo. The distance from the city makes for fewer visitors, although the excavated tombs and cultural relics offer no less fascination or intrigue. Back in Trujillo after the morning at El Brujo, spend the afternoon enjoying the sites that were so eloquently constructed by the Spanish. Tour the interior of Casa Urquiaga to get a feel for the Colonial elite, and examine the collection of religious artwork at the historic El Carmen Church. By night, stroll the happening Plaza de Armas with its soaring monuments and statues, and photograph the yellow Trujillo Cathedral illuminated against the night sky.

Day 3: Sand and Surf

After two days of Trujillo history, enjoy a day of action and adventure along the wild Peruvian coastline. Take a sandboarding tour to slide down dunes that loom above rural villages, or spend the day exploring surf culture at the coastal suburb of Huanchaco. While here, take a ride on a caballito de totora to experience the world’s first surf craft, and end the day with a plate of ceviche while watching the sun sink into the sea.

As the site of numerous ancient civilizations, Trujillo is rich in cultural relics, and the coastal city offers fascinating insight into the history and heritage of northern Peru. Here’s how to experience indigenous culture while in Trujillo.

• Visit the beach town of Huanchaco and take a ride on a caballito de totora, a traditional reed-woven boat that is considered to be the world’s first surf craft.
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Chan Chan, the one-time capital of Peru's Chimú civilization, on a day trip from Trujillo.
• Learn more about Trujillo’s ancient civilizations on a guided tour of the National University of Trujillo Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.
• Browse the stalls at Trujillo’s Mercado Central (Central Market) for traditional art and handicrafts.
• Visit ancient sites including the Moche Temples of the Sun and Moon, and the Chimú Temple of the Dragon.
• Experience a traditional marinera dance performance at a local restaurant or venue, or visit during the Marinera Festival in January.
• Sample the local specialty ceviche —raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and spices—which has been a staple food in Trujillo for centuries.

To Spanish conquistadors, the city of Trujillo was among the most important settlements of the New World. Founded in 1534 by Diego de Almagro, it was the first Peruvian city to declare independence from Spain in 1820 and remains Peru’s second-largest city. Retrace Trujillo’s colonial past at these historic sites.

Plaza de Armas

All visits to colonial Trujillo begin in the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, located at the heart of the historic center. On one corner, the Cathedral Santa María is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, while Edmund Möeller’s Freedom Monument stands proud over the central plaza.

Urquiaga House

The imposing Casa Urquiaga also looks out over the Plaza de Armas. This bright blue mansion dates back to 1604 and was famously the house from which Simon Bolivar helped foment the revolution. Inside, visitors can see Bolivar’s desk, admire the 17th- and 18th-century furnishings, and see a number of Chimu artifacts.

El Carmen Church

There are around a dozen churches in Trujillo’s historic center, but most notable is the enormous El Carmen Church, which occupies an entire city block. Its cream and red façade is typical of the city’s 18th-century colonial architecture, but even more impressive is the large collection of colonial art on display inside.

Casa de la Emancipación A short stroll from the Plaza de Armas, the Casa de la Emancipación was the site where the independence of Peru was declared in 1820. Now home to the BBVA Continental bank, it’s a striking mix of colonial and Republican styles, with bold yellow and red walls, and intricate wrought-iron balconies.