Classic Trujillo

DAY 1.

Arrive in Trujillo and enjoy a seamless transfer from the airport or bus station to your centrally located hotel in the city known as the "eternal spring." In the afternoon, embark on a fascinating city tour featuring a visit to the archaeological museum.

Kick off your journey with a panoramic tour of the stunning churches of Santa Clara and El Carmen, along with their Cloister Convents and the magnificent Church of San Francisco. Next, visit the notable Church of La Merced and the impressive Superior Court of Justice. Continue to the historic Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, a masterpiece constructed between 1647 and 1666, showcasing exquisite rococo altarpieces and paintings from the celebrated Cusco and Quito schools.

As the exploration unfolds, discover the intriguing Archbishop’s Palace and the picturesque Casa Calonge, a colonial gem built post the 1619 earthquake and once home to the liberator Simon Bolivar. The tour also includes a visit to the House of Emancipation, now the Continental Bank, and the elegant Itúrregui Palace, constructed in 1842. Don't miss the delightful Plazuela El Recreo and the historic City Wall, both testaments to Trujillo's rich heritage.

Conclude the day at the captivating Museum of Archaeology and History of the National University of Trujillo, which showcases artifacts from the diverse cultures that thrived in the La Libertad region. Here, delve into the fascinating past and admire the region's valuable relics.

Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2.

Start your day early as a guide picks you up from your hotel to explore the Huacas del Sol and de la Luna, featuring two large truncated pyramids, the Huaca Las Estrellas, Huaca del Cerro Blanco, the Spider geoglyph, and other structures near Cerro Blanco and the Moche River.

The Huaca del Sol served administrative functions, while the Huaca de la Luna was a ceremonial hub, both constructed by the Moche culture from the 1st century B.C. to the 9th century A.D. Between these huacas, a vibrant urban center with homes, squares, and broad avenues once flourished. You'll also visit a traditional Moche artisan workshop.

Following the pyramid visit, journey to Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the Americas and once the most populous settlement on the northern coast from 600 to 700 AD. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this archaeological marvel spans 20 square kilometers and includes small walled citadels. Explore the Nik-An Palace, a tribute to water and the sea.

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery in the fishing village of Huanchaco, famous for its Totora reed horses and stunning ocean views. Afterward, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 3.

After pickup from your Trujillo hotel, head to the Chicama Valley, about 33 kilometers north of Trujillo, to explore the El Brujo Archaeological Complex, a testament to the Moche culture.

This region has been a thriving agricultural valley since pre-Columbian times, supporting livestock and crops like rice and sugarcane. The area is rich in fauna, including horses, cattle, sheep, alpacas, and llamas.

Excavations that began in 1990 unearthed the El Brujo Complex in Trujillo, a pyramid standing 46 meters tall, adorned with friezes and colorful reliefs depicting intricate scenes and geometric patterns. This ancient ceremonial center comprises three main monuments: Huaca Prieta, Huaca Cao Viejo, and Huaca Cortada.

The Wiese Foundation, in collaboration with National Geographic magazine, announced to the world the incredible discovery of the tomb of a female ruler from the pre-Columbian era, dating back to the 4th century.

Explore the site museum, known as the Cao Museum, and admire fascinating artifacts from the era. Discover the mystery of the mummy unearthed at this archaeological complex, La Dama de Cao, a 1,700-year-old figure preserved almost perfectly through an ancient ritual using a mineral for preservation.

After this unforgettable experience, make a final stop at Magdalena de Cao, a mystical town of healers located 5 kilometers from the El Brujo archaeological site. Here, savor a fermented beverage known as Chicha de Jora, made using ancestral methods and aged underground for a year. After the visit, return to Trujillo's Plaza de Armas. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure, with an overnight stay at your hotel.

DAY 4.

At the designated time, you will be transferred to the airport or bus station in Trujillo.