Trujillo Peru: The Ultimate Guide
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on December 7, 2021 by James Bustamante
Trujillo, Peru, Is a city full of local traditions and customs that bring travelers from all over the country. It is known as the city of the “La Eterna Primavera” or the eternal spring thanks to its year-round agreeable weather. This colonial city is a single point of tourism and a hub or headquarters for tourists. At the same time, they head out on day tours to archaeological sites and other destinations in this northern region.
Where is Trujillo, Peru?
Trujillo is located in the Libertad region of Peru, to the north of Lima. The total distance from Lima to Trujillo is 347 miles or 558 km.
How do I Get to Trujillo?
If you want to go to Trujillo, there are several ways to achieve this. The first and by far the easiest/quickest method is by plane. The flight from Lima to Trujillo just takes 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. The price is around $100 US for a roundup flight so it is quite affordable. The airlines that fly this route would be LATAM and Sky Airlines.
You can also get to Trujillo by car or on a double-decker bus. If you rent a car and go from Lima to Trujillo the ride will be a total of 9 hours and 15 minutes, it is basically a full day drive up the coast heading north. The bus will take slightly longer to reach Trujillo from Lima by 30 minutes extra. The total bus ride will take 9 hours and 45 minutes.
A good bus company that drives this route would be Olttursa or Redbus, they have a good safety record and have been a well-established bus company for many years. The cost for the bus ride is $50 roundtrip.
Website: https://www.redbus.pe/viajes/pasajes-de-bus-oltursa
History of Trujillo
Trujillo is one of the oldest colonial cities in Peru. When the “Conquistador” Francisco Pizarro arrived onto the Peruvian shore one of his first actions was to conquer as much territory as he possibly could.
Francisco Pizarro learned that the Incan empire had recently made a conquest of their own, The people of Chimu. After considering this recent event, Pizarro decided to form an alliance with the Chimu and they, in turn, allowed him to build a major city on their land.
To build the city, Pizarro sent one of his most trusted conquistadors called Diego de Almagro. The newly built town would be located near the Chimu capital city of Chan Chan. It was decided to name the town “Trujillo” after the birthplace of Pizarro, Trujillo Spain.
After many years of Spanish rule, the city of Trujillo declared independence in the year 1820 and was the first Peruvian city to do this. Due to this very event, Trujillo became the capital city of the Libertad department in 1825.
Trujillo’s “Plaza de Armas” or Main Square, you will find the Freedom Monument at the center. This is a sculpture that was enacted to show the struggle for independence Peru went through. It was made by a German artist called Edmund Moeller.
What Is The Climate Like in Trujillo?
Trujillo is famous due to its great climate throughout most of the year. In fact, it is called “La Ciudad de la Eterna primavera” or The city of the eternal spring for this very reason. While you are in Trujillo you can enjoy clear skies, an average high temperature of 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius), and an average low temperature of 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius).
What Will I See in Trujillo?
The city of Trujillo in Northern Peru has some interesting places to visit however it is not much different than other coastal cities. Other than the Colonial architecture, food, weather, and welcoming locals there isn’t much of a reason to spend more than a day exploring the city. The biggest advantage of being in Trujillo is the ability to travel to other places that are near to the city.
The Trujillo Main Square
Similar to many other cities you’ll find in Latin America, the heart of Trujillo is situated at the main square. At the main square, you’ll notice the colonial-style buildings that date back to the time of the Conquistadors. You will also notice the impressive cathedral which houses a museum of religious colonial art.
The center of the plaza will feature the Liberty monument, which symbolizes the proclamation of Peruvian independence from Spain. Walking around the square you’ll find fruit juice stands and restaurants that serve typical dishes from the region.
The Archaeological Museum
The archeological museum in Trujillo, Peru has an exhibit featuring the cultural developments in the northern coasts of Peru starting in the year 10,000 BC and ending with the arrival of the Conquistadores in 1538. This museum is located in Jiron Junin 682, Trujillo. You can visit from Monday- Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Entry cost is $1.5 US for adults and $0.33 for children.
Important Destinations Near Trujillo
What can I visit that is near Trujillo? This region is known for the Chimu culture which thrived all through the northern coastline of Peru. Below we have a few ideas of important places you might want to visit during your trip to Trujillo.
Chan Chan The Oldest City in The Americas
Chan Chan is a pre-Columbian city made from Adobe located on the northern coasts of Peru. This massive city of adobe was originally constructed by the Chimu culture, who lived and thrived in the Peruvian coastline. We can find Chan Chan northeast of Trujillo before getting to the district of the famous Huanchaco beach.
Chan Chan was declared to officially be a Unesco heritage site in 1986. Chan Chan is a massive city comprising 9 smaller cities. This was all governed by the Chimor empire which was the governmental name used by the Chimu culture of northern Peru.
Archaeological Complex El Brujo
El Brujo is an archaeological complex located in the north of Peru, approximately 37.2 miles (60 km) from the city of Trujillo in the Chicama river valley. This is the district of Magdalena de Cao in the province of Ascope.
The “El Brujo” complex is made up of the Huaca Prieta, The Huaca Cao Vieja and the Huaca Cortada. This complex is famous for the town of the mummified remains of the “Senora de Cao” or The Lady of Cao, who is said to have governed the Moche culture.
Huanchaco Beach
Huanchaco is a fishing town near Trujillo that is famous for its artisan-style fishing. Many fishermen still use the “Caballitos de Totora” or reed boats (reed watercraft). These boats are made with “Totora”, which is a plant (giant bulrush sedge) that can be found here as well as in Lake Titicaca high in the Peruvian highlands. These Totora boats have been used for over 2,000 years by the lines of local fishermen.
Huanchaco is also a favorite destination of surfers from not just Peru, but all over the world thanks to the currents and winds that characterize this region.
The Peruvian Paso Horse
One of the attractions of being in northern Peru is being able to watch a Peruvian Paso Horse demonstration (Caballo de Paso Peruano). This breed of hours is particular to Peru and has a characteristic smooth ride. The horse has a peculiar gait called “Paso llano” which is a visually agreeable four-beat natural gait.
The Peruvian Paso horse is protected by a national decree which was enacted in 1992. This breed was also declared to be the Cultural Heritage of the nation the National Institute of Culture in Peru. Trujillo is said to the origin of this breed of horse which was descendants of the original 60+ horses brought by Francisco Pizarro.
Conclusion
If you want to visit Trujillo, Peru you’ll definitely enjoy the time spent in the city however the big attractions are usually situated outside of this colonial metropolis. The region is famous in Peruvian history as well as cultural history dating back thousands of years. The people are warm and friendly and the food is equally amazing.
For more information on visiting Peru’s northern region or any of our fully customizable Peru Tour packages, make sure to contact our travel advisers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go from Lima to Trujillo?
Yes, you can go from Lima to Trujillo by plane, car or you can even take a bus.
Is Trujillo worth going to?
Yes, Trujillo is a beautiful colonial city that is famous for its actions towards making Peru independent as well as the local cultures that thrived before colonial times.
Is Trujillo Peru safe?
Yes, Trujillo, Peru is a safe place to visit. Just like in any other city in the world it is best to always be cautious of shady-looking streets or pickpockets.
