The city of Trujillo is Peru’s absolute hub for cultural initiatives and experiences. Here, the Peruvian dance genre Marinera has its origins, just as the city annually hosts numerous cultural festivals.
Twice Trujillo has been named the capital of Peru, although the city has never officially had this role. However, Trujillo is the “capital” of the La Libertad region. Before the Inca Empire, Moche and Chimú lived in the area.
Trujillo location
Trujillo is the third most populous city in Peru and is located along the coast of northwestern Peru. More precisely, Trujillo is located in the ancient Chimor Valley , which today is best known as the Moche or Santa Catalina Valley .
The city has a mild desert climate, which is why Trujillo is also known as “La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera” – the city with the eternal spring. Here is sunny and pleasant all year round, and as with everything else in Trujillo, this is of course celebrated with a festival.
The starting shot for the International Spring Festival is in October, when tourists, as well as Peruvians from the other parts of the country, travel to Trujillo. Here, the many visitors enjoy the stable temperature of the summer period, which is almost always between 17 and 28 degrees.
Experiences in Trujillo
Plaza de Armas de Trujillo
Like all other major cities in Peru, Trujillo also has its very own square with a throne cathedral. In addition to the cathedral, a lot of other mansions and colonial-era buildings also have space here. Common to them all is the impressive decoration.
It is precisely the many details that make the buildings and especially the cathedral so admirable. There is no doubt that if there is one thing the Peruvians master, it is the execution of architectural details.
Basilica Menor Catedral ” , as the cathedral is officially called, stands on the northeast side of the square. The huge building was first built in the year 1647, but has since been renovated several times. Within the walls there is also a small religious museum with beautiful colonial art.
Huanchaco
Twelve kilometers outside Trujillo is the very relaxed surfing and fishing village of Huanchaco. Here a calm village-like atmosphere prevails, despite the area’s great popularity among tourists.
Huanchaco is mainly used as a bathing place, but the old fishermen still live there. For them, not much has changed. Even the old fishing boats “Cabalitos de totora” of reeds, have not yet been replaced.
Restaurant Mar Picante
In addition to cultural entertainment in buckets, as well as admirable archeology and architecture, Trujillo is also known for its fantastic eateries. If your taste buds love fresh fish, then you are in heaven in Trujillo.
The Mar Picante restaurant is one of many places where the delicious fish dishes can be enjoyed. Many would even argue that Mar Picante has the best seafood in Trujillo. Here are all sorts of different dishes, all served in the most elegant way. You certainly never go hungry from Mar Picante.
The Peruvian Paso horse and Marinera dance
Two very important aspects for Trujillo as the cultural capital are the Peruvian horse breed Paso and the Peruvian dance species Marinera. At the entertainment venue “Caballos Peruanos de Paso y Marinera” these two things are connected in a beautiful and entertaining show.
During the show, a host will tell a lot about both dance type and horse race. However, this is done in Spanish, but as the place is becoming more and more visited by tourists, the main points are now also highlighted in English.
Archaeological Museum
Trujillo is a hub for many things in Peru, and one of these is archeological finds. The “Museo de Arqueología” has collected a lot of beautiful objects from the time of the Inca, Moche and Chimú cultures.
It can be an advantage to order a guide at the museum, to get the full understanding of the many amazing finds. The moche and chumú objects in particular can be extremely difficult to distinguish. The museum manages to paint a good picture of what has taken place through the different time periods in Peru, which is why the museum is also well visited.
“Museo de Arqueología” is modest in its size, yet extremely interesting. Here is a great variety of fine finds, and your eye will be able to glimpse everything from stone figures to ceramics. The museum’s beautiful courtyard and just as great a place to enjoy the eternal spring climate of Trujillo.
Trujillo history
Trujillo has its origins all the way back to ancient times, and has over the years been expanded along the northern coast. Several cultures and peoples have left their mark on the city, which the many archaeological finds can confirm. Both cupisnique, moche, chimú- inca people have had their way in the area.
The many different types of culture have transformed the city into a Peruvian cultural mecca, where everything from dance, literature and history are allowed to unfold in different ways. Trujillo in particular is known for its many festivals. The most important among them are “National Marinera Festival” and “Trujillo Spring Festival” and “International Book Festival” .
“Cradle of Freedom and Cradle of Justice”
… A familiar term used about Trujillo. This is because the city, in addition to its cultural aspects, is also the home of the Peruvian legal system. On December 7, 1537, Trujillo was awarded his own coat of arms by the Spanish King Charles V.
Every year on December 29, a flag with the coat of arms outlined is flown over the city, to celebrate the city’s independence. This they got through in the year 1820. The pride among the locals is generally great, and the tributes are many. The city also has its very own hymn, which is used for official ceremonies.
