Trujillo is a city in northwestern Peru. It's known for the nation's traditional dance, marinera. The colonial center is home to the grand Trujillo Cathedral, with its bright yellow facade, and the blue Casa Urquiaga. Nearby, the neoclassical Iturregui Palace has Italian marble statues and a courtyard. West of the city, the huge adobe complex of Chan Chan is an abandoned city once home to the ancient Chimu kingdom. ― Google
Elevation: 34 m
Mayor: Mario Reyna
Department: La Libertad
District: Trujillo
Founded: November 1534
Best months: April to December
Dry, sunny weather with mild temperatures (~20–28°C).
Avoid: January to March (can be cloudy or rainy due to coastal weather patterns).
By Air:
Flights from Lima (1 hr) to Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (TRU).
By Bus:
From Lima: 8–10 hrs (comfortable options include Cruz del Sur and Oltursa).
From Chiclayo: 4–5 hrs.
Chan Chan Archaeological Zone
Massive pre-Inca adobe city, once capital of the Chimu Empire — the largest adobe city in the Americas.
Huaca del Sol & Huaca de la Luna
Stunning Moche temples with colorful murals and excavated ruins.
Historic Center of Trujillo
Colonial architecture, colorful buildings, Plaza de Armas, and the Trujillo Cathedral.
El Brujo Complex & Señora de Cao Museum
Moche pyramid site with murals and the preserved tattooed mummy of a high-ranking priestess.
Museo de Arqueología UNT
Insightful museum on the region’s ancient civilizations.
Explore ancient civilizations
Take guided tours to Chan Chan, Huacas, and El Brujo for an immersive archaeological journey.
Enjoy Huanchaco Beach
Surfing hotspot and traditional fishing town with reed boats (caballitos de totora).
Attend a Marinera Dance Show or Class
Trujillo is the capital of Marinera, Peru’s national dance.
Take a city walking tour
Discover colonial mansions like Casa Urquiaga and Casa Ganoza Chopitea.
Watch Paso Horses
Shows featuring Peru’s elegant Caballo de Paso breed are popular outside the city.
Budget:
Hostal Wanka – Simple, central, friendly.
El Mochilero – Backpacker-friendly with basic amenities.
Mid-Range:
Hotel El Gran Marqués – Comfortable rooms and good service.
Tierra Viva Trujillo – Clean, stylish, great breakfast.
Luxury:
Casa Andina Premium Trujillo – Modern with a pool and excellent dining.
Costa del Sol Wyndham Trujillo – Larger hotel with resort-style amenities.
Local Dishes to Try:
Shambar: Hearty Monday soup made with grains, beans, and pork.
Ceviche norteño: Spicy, served with yuca or corn.
Cabrito con frejoles: Goat stew with beans.
King Kong: Traditional dessert from nearby Lambayeque.
Recommended Restaurants:
El Celler de Cler – Gourmet Peruvian-fusion in a romantic setting.
Romano – Traditional and modern dishes in a classic atmosphere.
Squalo’s – Delicious seafood, especially ceviche and grilled fish.
El Mochica – Local flavors and great shambar.
Dance & Music:
Trujillo is Peru’s cultural capital for Marinera, a graceful and elegant courtship dance.
Annual National Marinera Festival is held in January.
Festivals:
Marinera Festival (January) – National dance competition and Paso Horse parades.
Spring Festival (late September) – Parades, floats, and beauty pageants.
Handicrafts:
Reed weaving in Huanchaco, traditional clothing, and Moche-inspired pottery.
Colonial Pride:
Locals are proud of their well-preserved colonial center, artistic traditions, and pre-Columbian history.