" The capital of the spring "

Location
North coast, 111.5 feet (34 m.) above sea level.

Population:
652,000 inhabitants (2000)

About Trujillo:

Trujillo is the capital of the department La Libertad. It was founded by the Spaniard conqueror Diego de Almagro on December 6, 1534 (before the foundation of Lima), located near Chan Chan, capital of the pre-Inca Chimú Nation, in a valley of great cultural hegemony.

Among 1685 and 1687, given the opulence of Trujillo, and due to the incursions of the pirates, the city was walled for its protection, and this enclosure constitutes today the historical center where the old large houses of exquisite gates, the convents and churches, squares and streets like witness of its old stock stand out, of a severe and elegant, colonial and republican city where the luxury was something common.

Trujillo was the first important city of Peru that proclaimed its independence of the Spaniards on December 20th , 1820.

Until mid XX century, the wealth of this town was given in the agricultural production and its export, and from then on it began the industrialization and the trade; prevailing the agricultural production of the sugar cane and rice.

Very near the city you will find numerous and wonderful archaeological centers of the Mochica and Chimú cultures, outstanding Chan Chan's citadel, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Trujillo is also famed by the traditional celebrations of the Marinera's National Contest (Peruvian dance's contest), the International Festival of Spring, Competition of "Caballos de Paso" (Peruvian "Paso" horses), Exhibition of "Caballitos de Totora" (small boats made out of straw of the region), Biannual of Contemporary Art and International Festival of Ballet, for what is also called the "Cultural Capital of Peru."

Huanchaco, picturesque spa and fishermen's creek will offer you the opportunity to see the "caballitos de totora", the same used by the Mochicas in the III century.

Trujillo and Ica are disputed to be the best worldwide breeders in the famous "Caballos de Paso".

Archaeological places : Trujillo is located in the center of the valleys Chao, Virú, Moche and Chicama. On an area that was of great influence and development for the pre-Inca cultures as Mochica and Chimú who have bequeathed us extraordinary constructions, among those outstands Chan Chan's citadel , Huaca del Sol y de la Luna, Huaca del Dragon, the archaeological center El Brujo, whose visit will give you the sensation of an encounter with a millennial civilization.

Trujillo is an excellent destination for those who look for experiences in the archaeological historical environment. A city of rich colonial architecture and very important archaeological centers of the pre-Inca time.