8 Unmissable Tourist Places in Trujillo, Peru You Should Know

The Historic Center of Trujillo represents the heart of the city and is the perfect starting point for exploring Trujillo Peru attractions. Its Cobblestone streets and colonial structures in vibrant colors boast hundreds of years of history and sophistication. Wandering around this neighborhood is akin to entering a historic period of Peru’s colonial past occupied by mansions balconies, and plazuelas.

A notable feature is the Basilica Cathedral of Trujillo, which was constructed in 1666. Visitors can view golden baroque altarpieces and religious paintings from within. While there, visitors can tour Casa Urquiaga, a well-preserved colonial house that was converted into a museum of archaeological items and colonial furnishings.

Highlights of the Historic Center

• Plaza de Armas: The city market square, lined with palm trees and bright colonial facades.
• Casa Urquiaga: A historical palace converted into a museum with bold art and pre-Hispanic artifacts.

Why Visit the Historic Center?

The blend of architecture, art, and everyday life is just right. The outdoor cafés, vendors at local markets, and street performers create a lively, yet relaxing environment. This area is one of the most popular Trujillo Peru landmarks and an ideal spot to experience the local rhythm.

The serene Conache Lagoon, which is surrounded by desert sand and greenery, is located just 14 kilometers from Trujillo. Residents like to spend time here because of the picturesque scenery, calm waters, and tranquil atmosphere.

Guests can kayak, sandboard, or just change and unwind by the lagoon. Families bring their picnics here and enjoy local offerings, such as ceviche or fried fish, from nearby kiosks. The area is also home to herons, ducks, and carob trees, which makes this a great place for photographs or walking nature tours.

How to Get There

Take the Industrial Highway from Trujillo toward Laredo. The trip takes about 30 minutes by car or taxi.

Only 20 minutes from Trujillo, Huanchaco Beach is one of the most iconic coTrujillo Peru tourist attractions and a must-see for surfers and travelers. Recognized as a World Surfing Reserve, it is famous for its consistent waves and deep connection to ancient maritime traditions.

Local fishermen have been riding the waves in Caballitos de Totora, reed boats that are still made and used even today, for more than 3,000 years. Seeing these beautiful traditional vessels sailing across the waves at sunset is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Trujillo Peru.

Huanchaco is also recognized for its seafood dishes, with oceanfront restaurants serving flavorful ceviche, fried fish, and the traditional beverage chicha de jora.

Insider Tip

Go early in the morning to see the fishermen preparing their reed boats, or join a local surf lesson for a cultural experience on the waves.

The Garden of the Senses (Jardín de los Sentidos) is a serene oasis situated roughly 15 minutes from Trujillo’s downtown. The garden was designed as an inclusive experience for visitors who are visually impaired, while providing an other experience for each of the five senses.

Guests can stroll along perfumed plant-lined walkways, fountains, and shaded gardens with bird sounds and flowing water. Relaxation and consciousness are encouraged in the garden, and as such, it is most dear to families and tourists who wish to identify with nature.

This lesser-known destination is tranquil and separated from Trujillo’s busy driveways and sites of archaeological importance.

Pacasmayo, a coastal town about 100 kilometers north of Trujillo, is another gem of Trujillo Peru tourism. Visitors are drawn to its long wooden pier and golden beaches, making Pacasmayo the perfect base for surfers, kite surfers, and anyone searching for a little more peace and quiet than what you find in Trujillo.

With good wind and nice waves, Pacasmayo is a great surf destination in northern Peru. When you finish surfing, you can visit the town’s plaza, see the old colonial houses, and sample tasty seafood dishes such as arroz con mariscos and chita frita.

How to Get There

From the Trujillo terminal, there are buses that leave frequently for Pacasmayo, and the trip takes about two hours. Many visitors go to Pacasmayo in combination with a trip to Huanchaco or the El Brujo Archaeological Complex.

Only five kilometers from the city, the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and Moon) consist of two stunning adobe pyramids which were built by the Moche civilization more than 1,500 years ago. They are two of the most significant archaeological sites in northern Peru and offer a considerable amount of information regarding pre-Inca culture.

The Huaca del Sol acted as a political and administrative hub. The Huaca de la Luna functioned in religious ceremonies, where visitors can see very well preserved murals of gods, warriors, and rituals in brilliant colors.

Why Visit the Huacas?

These serve as the basis for understanding the cultures that produced them, such as the Moche culture, which was notable for its highly developed architecture and ceremonial traditions. The on-site museum provides a wealth of knowledge about the history and craftsmanship of this culture.

After being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Chan Chan, Trujillo, Peru, was incorporated as the capital of the Chimú Kingdom, which was one of the most formidable civilizations prior to the Incas. It’s the biggest adobe city ever created and takes up more than 20 square kilometers in area.

The city was split into citadels with plazas, temples, storerooms, and royal residences. The walls displayed elaborate carvings of fish, birds, and geometric designs that illustrated the Chimú people’s close link to the ocean.

What to See in Chan Chan

The Nik An Palace Complex is a part of Chan Chan that is best preserved and open to visitors. Tour guides help to explain the meanings of the carvings and what daily life was like for this ancient civilization one of the highlights of Trujillo Peru attractions.

Strolling through Chan Chan offers visitors a real sense of awe something akin to traveling back in time to an ancient civilization that has been lost to time.

Situated 60 kilometers north of Trujillo, the El Brujo Archaeological Complex is another vital Moche site that has received world recognition. The site became well-known after the discovery of the Lady of Cao, the astonishingly preserved mummy of a high-ranking Moche woman who lived over 1,700 years ago.

Her tattoos, jewelry, and ceremonial objects demonstrate that she had significant political and spiritual power, upending what historians thought about women in ancient Peru.

The Cao Museum is nearby, showcasing items and multimedia exhibits describing the rituals, beliefs, and artistry of the Moche civilization.

Why Visit El Brujo

It presents a singular perspective into ancient Peruvian society and recognizes one of the most remarkable archaeological finds in the Americas. The site has a particularly favorable position and offers sweeping views of the Pacific coast, making it a cultural attraction as well as a scenic highlight in the north of Peru.