Classic Trujillo

DAY 1.

Upon your arrival in Trujillo, you will be transferred from the airport or bus station to your hotel in the heart of the city, known for its eternal spring. In the afternoon, embark on a fascinating city tour featuring a visit to the archaeological museum.

The tour will begin with a panoramic view of the stunning churches of Santa Clara, El Carmen, and their Cloister Convents, along with the magnificent Church of San Francisco. You'll then visit the renowned Church of La Merced and the striking Superior Court of Justice. The journey continues to the historic Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, an exquisite structure built between 1647 and 1666, showcasing splendid rococo altarpieces and paintings from the illustrious Cusco and Quito schools.

As the exploration unfolds, you'll encounter the fascinating Archbishop's Palace and the delightful Casa Calonge, a colonial mansion constructed post the 1619 earthquake, which once hosted the liberator Simon Bolivar. The tour also includes a visit to the House of Emancipation, now the Continental Bank, and the elegant Itúrregui Palace, erected in 1842. Don’t miss the charming Plazuela El Recreo and the ancient City Wall, both bearing witness to Trujillo's rich history.

Later, visit the remarkable Museum of Archaeology and History of the National University of Trujillo, where you can explore artifacts from various cultures that thrived in the La Libertad region. Immerse yourself in the region's intriguing history and admire its precious relics.

The day concludes with a return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2.

Early morning, a guide will collect you from your hotel for a visit to the Huacas del Sol and de la Luna, featuring two grand truncated pyramids, the Huaca Las Estrellas, Huaca del Cerro Blanco, the Spider geoglyph, and other structures situated near Cerro Blanco and the Moche River.

The Huaca del Sol served administrative functions, while the Huaca de la Luna was a ceremonial hub created by the Moche culture from the 1st century B.C. to the 9th century A.D. Between these huacas lay an urban center with residences, plazas, and broad avenues. A visit to a traditional Moche family artisan workshop follows.

Next, explore Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in America and the most populous city on the northern coast from 600 to 700 A.D. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this archaeological site includes numerous small walled citadels, spanning 20 square kilometers. Visit the Nik-An Palace, constructed in homage to water and the sea.

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery in the fishing village of Huanchaco, famed for its Totora reed boats and stunning ocean views. You'll then return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 3.

After departing your Trujillo hotel, you will journey to the Chicama Valley, about 33 kilometers north of Trujillo, to explore the El Brujo Archaeological Complex, rooted in the Moche culture.

This area has thrived as an agricultural valley since pre-Columbian times, supporting activities such as livestock and farming, including rice and sugarcane cultivation. It’s rich in fauna, featuring horses, cattle, sheep, alpacas, and llamas.

Archaeological efforts, initiated in 1990, revealed the El Brujo Complex in Trujillo, a pyramid soaring 46 meters high, adorned with friezes and vibrant reliefs illustrating intricate scenes and geometric patterns. This ancient ceremonial site comprises three main monuments: Huaca Prieta, Huaca Cao Viejo, and Huaca Cortada.

The Wiese Foundation, alongside National Geographic magazine, famously announced the discovery of a pre-Columbian female ruler's tomb, dating back to the 4th century.

We will explore the site museum known as the Cao Museum, admiring incredible artifacts from the era. Delve into the mystery of La Dama de Cao, a 1,700-year-old mummy remarkably preserved due to an ancient ritual involving a mineral application.

Following this extraordinary visit, we will stop at Magdalena de Cao, a mystical town of healers 5 kilometers from the El Brujo archaeological site. Here, sample Chicha de Jora, a traditional fermented drink, crafted using age-old methods and matured underground for a year. Afterward, return to Trujillo's Plaza de Armas. Enjoy a free afternoon and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 4.

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