Best of Trujillo

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Trujillo

On the northwest coast, Peru’s third-largest city is famed for both its colonial architecture and the fascinating pre-Colombian archaeological sites. Sunny skies and pleasant weather year-round have earned Trujillo the nickname, “City of Eternal Spring.” You can step into the past by exploring its 18th-century churches and the pastel-hued mansions that house galleries and museums. Even more impressive are the ancient sites beyond the city. Chan Chan, built in 1300, is the world’s largest adobe city, while the impressive Moche temples of Las Huacas del Sol and Huaca de la Luna pre-date Chan Chan by some 700 years.

The landscape also plays a starring role in northern Peru. Previous kimkim travelers have enjoyed visiting the quaint fishing village of Huanchaco. Nearby, you can head off on memorable fishing trips aboard a caballito de totora, a type of reed boat that’s been in use for 3000 years. Further north, off-the-beaten-path destinations like Pacasmayo hide some of Peru’s best surf spots. Trujillo is also known for its Peruvian Paso horses, developed from the first Spanish breeds brought over by the conquistadors. You can see these elegant steeds in action during traditional performances held throughout the year.

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Archaeology & Culture in Northern Peru: From Trujillo to Chiclayo - 8 Days

Explore the culture and archaeology of Northern Peru on this eight-day adventure. Discover La Ruta Moche, the “road” along the northern coast of Peru, which includes the kingdoms of Moche, Chimu, and Lambayeque, with impressive archaeological sites that are among the most famous in South America. See a horse show, take a city tour, and visit the temples and Chan Chan in Trujillo. Then, check out the Archaeological Complex and the Museum of the Lady Cao in El Brujo. Spend time learning about Sican culture, and head to Túcume to enjoy traditional activities after visiting the iconic pyramids.

History & Culture of pre-Inca Peru - 11 Days

From the coast to the mountains, explore Peru's pre-Inca cultures and ruins in this 11-day itinerary. Start in metropolitan Lima, then visit Pisco on a day trip to take a spectacular flight over the iconic Nazca lines. From here, head north up the coast to Trujillo to discover the Mochica pyramids, the mud-brick city of Chan Chan, and the Tucume pyramids of the Sican people. Drive inland through the cloud forest into the Amazonas region to see Gotca waterfall and Kuelap fortress, a walled Chachapoya structure known as the "Machu Picchu of the North". With over 5,000 years of architecture and civilization to experience, this trip is a must on any traveler's list.

Discover Northern Peru: Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo & Chachapoyas - 10 Days

Go off the beaten path in northern Peru to discover some of the country's most incredible archaeological sites. Besides touring pre-Columbian temples and pyramids, you'll also visit Indigenous and Spanish-colonial landmarks in cities like Cajamarca. As a bonus, you'll hike up to one of the country's most beautiful waterfalls, tour "Machu Picchu of the North," and visit an actual mummy museum.

History & Culture of Peru - 14 Days

From the coast to the mountains, explore Peru's Inca and pre-Inca cultures and ruins in this 14-day itinerary. Start in metropolitan Lima, then head north up the coast to Trujillo to discover the Mochica pyramids, the mud-brick city of Chan Chan, and the Tucume pyramids of the Sican people. Drive inland through the cloud forest into the Amazonas region to see Gotca waterfall and Kuelap fortress, a walled Chachapoya structure known as the "Machu Picchu of the North". Next, head to Cusco to walk in the footsteps of the Incas and explore beautiful landscapes and cultures of the Sacred Valley. Top it all off by spending a day visiting the iconic Machu Picchu citadel. With over 5,000 years of architecture and civilization to experience, this trip is a must on any traveler's list.

Ancient Cultures of Northern Peru: Cajamarca, Leymebamba, Trujillo & Lima - 15 Days

Explore the history of the pre-Inca civilizations that inhabited northern Peru on this thrilling 15-day tour. You will start in Lima, the coastal capital. Enjoy a cosmopolitan experience before heading north to Cajamarca to see temples and ancient graves. From here, you'll drive to the Amazonas region to visit mausoleums, mummies, and the ruins of Kuelap. Then, you'll drive to the coast for more archaeological excursions, including Caral, the oldest civilization in the American continent.

History & Culture of Peru - 15 Days

This exploration of ancient and modern Peru starts with Lima—and a spectacular flight over the Nazca Lines. You'll then make your way north to tour the Mochica and Tucume pyramids, along with the mud-brick city of Chan Chan. Drive inland to the Amazonas region to see the "Machu Picchu of the North" before walking in the footsteps of the Incas in Cusco. Top it all off with a private tour of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins.

Inca fortress with terraces and temple hill in Ollantaytambo, Peru

Ancient Peru: Huacas de Moche, El Brujo, Túcume, Kuélap & The Sacred Valley - 15 days

Peru is famous for the ruins of Machu Picchu to the south, but the lesser-known pre-Inca sites across the country are just as impressive. This 15-day itinerary brings you up close to some of the largest and oldest sites, like the sprawling city Chan Chan, the mysterious Moray terraces, and the imposing Kuélap fortress, as you travel from arid desert to misty cloud forest.

Explore the wonders of Machu Picchu and other ancient sites in Peru

Peru's Ancient Civilizations & Rituals: Trujillo, Kuélap & Cusco - 15 Days

Traveling by car, plane, train, and foot, you'll experience Peru's ancient civilizations and customs on this active cultural adventure. Soak up the vibrant energy of cosmopolitan Lima and explore the former Inca capital, Cusco, then learn about the rituals of ancient civilizations at El Brujo. In Chachapoyas, see the mysterious Karajia Sarcophagi and learn about Peru's pyramids and engineering feats at the Royal Tombs museum. Hike to a hidden waterfall at Gocta, sleep under the stars at Waqrapukara, and stand in awe at Machu Picchu.

Sunset in Huanchaco with traditional totora reed boats

Peru Cultural Tour & Short Inca Trail - 16 Days

Explore Peru's history from Pre-Incan cultures to the Inca empire, all the way to modern times. Start in the modern capital of Lima, then take a spectacular flight over the iconic Nazca lines. From here, head north to discover the Mochica pyramids, the mud-brick city of Chan Chan, and the Tucume pyramids of the Sican people. Then, challenge yourself on the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and enter the iconic ruins through the Sun Gate.

Experience Magic and Adventure in Peru: Machu Picchu, Kuélap, Cusco - 17 Days

Embark on a journey through Peru into the incredible world of the Incas and other Andean civilizations. You'll visit some of the most significant archaeological sites of Peru while also experiencing the unforgettable nature of the Andes. Wander through the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, feel the mists of one of the world's highest waterfalls at Gocta, taste new flavors and dishes on a unique culinary tour of Cusco, and much more.

Catarata de Gocta is one of the highest waterfalls in the world

Best of Lima & Northern Peru - 13 Days

Steeped in history, this fascinating tour covers the most important archaeological sites of Northern Peru. Start the adventure with a few days to explore the capital of Lima. From here, fly north to Chiclayo and begin an epic road trip—by private transfer—visiting exceptional pre-Incan museums, complexes, and ruins. Over 13 days, you'll see a range of landscapes, like coastal deserts, Andean mountains, and a portion of the Amazon jungle, culminating with a hike to one of the world's highest waterfalls.

Spend your last night of the trip in Huacachina, a desert village surrounded by sand dunes

Ultimate Peru: Deserts, Rainforests, Ruins & Wildlife - 16 Days

Uncover Peru's natural and cultural wonders on this comprehensive 16-day trip. Begin in the north-coast desert, where you'll discover archaeological sites and ancient pyramids, then spot endangered wildlife on a four-night cruise through the Amazon Rainforest. Next, tour Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley, including UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, before heading south to witness marine life in Paracas National Reserve, camp among the Huacachina dunes, and fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines.

Other popular travel destinations in Peru
Sacred Valley · Lima · Cusco · Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu · Machu Picchu · The Amazon · Southern Peru · Puno · Northern Peru · Arequipa & Colca Canyon · Paracas · Arequipa · Inca Trail · Iquitos · Chachapoyas · Colca Canyon · Tambopata · Nazca · Chiclayo · Ica · Ausangate Trek · Mancora · Ayacucho

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