![]() Trujillo’s cathedral dominates one side of the Plaza de Armas, while other religious buildings - such as the Iglesia del Carmen and Iglesia de la Merced - are scattered throughout the surrounding streets (throw a stone and you’ll probably hit one - theoretically, of course, don’t get yourself arrested). If you’re a fan of churches, welcome to paradise. All of the main tourist attractions (apart from the historic center itself) lie outside the city, but there are still plenty of things to do in the urban area. If you really want to get to grips with Trujillo and take in most of the main attractions, you’ll ideally need at least three full days. And when you’ve had your fill of Spanish colonialism, jump on a bus (or arrange a tour) and head back in time to the surrounding Moche and Chimú archaeological sites. It’s easy to spend hours strolling through the historic streets taking in the sights and sounds of the old city - a good thing for budget backpackers in the otherwise expensive colonial core. It’s an impressive sight, especially the beautiful Plaza de Armas (main square) with its central monument and surrounding historic buildings. The historic center - the area located within Avenida España (the location of the old city wall) - is packed with colonial casonas and republican-era mansions. On a more positive note, Trujillo is one of the most elegant colonial cities in Peru. As with any other big city, stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and exercise basic security measures. It also has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous cities in Peru, but you certainly shouldn’t avoid Trujillo because of it. Trujillo is the third largest city in Peru after Lima and Arequipa, with a population of 682,834 (National Census 2007). Trujillo Cathedral in Peru (photo © Tony Dunnell) ![]() The city attracted various religious orders, which in turn lead to a boom in church construction. Trujillo was almost destroyed by an earthquake in 1619, a disaster that only served to strengthen the religious nature of the settlement. Just five years after its foundation, Trujillo had developed a thriving economy centered on sugar cane and wheat production. To take hold of the region, the Spanish conquistador Diego de Almagro founded the settlement of Trujillo de Nueva Castilla on December 6, 1534, becoming one of the first conquistador settlements in South America. With the Chimu Kingdom spent and the region subject to the Incas, the sands along the north coast of Peru now felt the weight of Spanish boots and heavy hooves. The Chimu Kingdom expanded from its vast capital city of Chan Chan (near present-day Trujillo), remaining a powerful regional force before falling to the now potent Inca Empire in about 1470 (not long before the arrival of the Spanish). ![]() As capable as it was, the Moche civilization collapsed, possibly due to environmental change.įrom the fall of the Moche rose the fledgling Chimú culture, a civilization that would grow to become a dominant state (the Kingdom of Chimor) along the coast of Peru. Based in the area now occupied by the administrative region of La Libertad and its capital city of Trujillo, the burgeoning Moche culture, which existed from about 100 AD to 800 AD, built massive structures such as the Huaca del Sol and the Huaca de la Luna. ![]() A Brief History of Trujillo, Peruīack in the day, when the Incas were a tiny tribe and the Spaniards were yet a distant nightmare, the Moche (Mochica) civilization dominated the coast of northern Peru. And it’s not just the historic city center that sets Trujillo apart once you’ve explored the cathedrals, the republican mansions and the fine, fine eateries, head a short distance beyond the city limits where lie the remnants of more ancient civilizations. Head north, my friends, head north, up the coast from Lima to Peru’s City of Eternal Spring…Įxcuse the slightly romantic intro, but Trujillo really is that kind of city. The marinera, the paso horse and the ghosts of the Chimú culture. The Plaza de Armas in Trujillo, Peru (photo © Tony Dunnell)Ĭolonial elegance and Moche temples. ![]()
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