At a Glance: 3-Day Trujillo Itinerary

Planning your schedule ahead of time saves money and effort. Many sights are close together, but some require longer drives. This itinerary groups attractions by geographic location. You will spend less time in cars and more time exploring. Here is a quick look at what we will cover in this guide.

• Day 1: Explore the ruins of Chan Chan and relax at Huanchaco beach.
• Day 2: Visit the magnificent Temples of the Sun and Moon.
• Day 3: Discover the Lady of Cao at the El Brujo complex.

Each day focuses on a distinct historical era or experience. You can easily swap days based on your interests or the weather. Most of these locations are within a 15-to-60-minute drive from the city center. Check out our list of top attractions near Trujillo for more ideas.

Day 1: Ancient Wonders and Coastal Sunsets

Start your journey at the massive archaeological site of Chan Chan. This was once the capital of the Chimu Empire. It is the largest adobe city in the whole world. You can walk through the restored Nik An palace area. The impressive wall carvings show local sea life and bird designs.

Day 1: Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Head to the Nik An compound at Chan Chan. Hire a guide at the gate to explain the intricate Chimu history. Allow at least two hours for the site. Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Take a short taxi ride to the seaside town of Huanchaco. Eat a lunch of fresh ceviche, which is a local specialty. Evening (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM): Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. See the "caballitos de totora" or reed boats used by fishermen.

You can find more details in our Chan Chan ruins guide. For some beach time, look into Huanchaco beach activities later in the day. The site of Chan Chan is a UNESCO World Heritage site that requires preservation efforts. Wear light clothing as the northern sun can be very strong here.

Day 2: The Temples of the Moche Valley

Today you will step back further in time to the Moche civilization. The Huacas de Moche site is located just south of Trujillo. These temples were built around 1,500 years ago. One temple was for administrative use, while the other was religious. The murals here have kept their vibrant colors for centuries.

Day 2: Morning (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM): Visit the Huaca de la Luna. This temple is famous for its colorful friezes of the "Decapitator" god. Do not miss the Huacas de Moche Museum nearby for context. Afternoon (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM): Return to the town of Moche for a traditional lunch. Try the local Shambar soup if you visit on a Monday. Evening (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore the colorful plaza of Moche town. Head back to Trujillo for a rest.

Tourists often combine these temples into one half-day trip. You can find many Huacas del Sol and Luna tours that include transport. The site is dusty, so wear closed-toe shoes. Most visitors spend about three hours total at the complex. It is a must-see for anyone interested in pre-Inca history.

Day 3: Incredible Day Trips from Trujillo Peru

The El Brujo Archaeological Complex is one of the most exciting day trips from Trujillo Peru. It is located about 60 kilometers north of the city. This site gained international fame due to a major discovery. Archaeologists found the tattooed mummy of a powerful female leader here. She is known as the Lady of Cao.

Day 3: Morning (8:30 AM - 10:30 AM): Take a private car or tour bus to the El Brujo site in the Chicama Valley. The drive takes around one hour each way. Afternoon (10:30 AM - 1:30 PM): Explore the Cao Museum and the main temple. See the remarkably preserved tattoos on the Lady of Cao's skin. Evening (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Stop in the village of Magdalena de Cao. Try the local "chicha de año," a fermented corn drink. Return to Trujillo for dinner.

Visiting the El Brujo archaeological site is a fascinating experience. It shows that women held top leadership roles in ancient Peru. If you have extra time, ask about the Chicama surf break nearby. After your long day, enjoy some local food in Trujillo to celebrate your trip. Make sure to book your transport in advance for this route.

Essential Planning for Your Trujillo Adventures

When planning your trip, consider the local climate carefully. Trujillo stays mild all year, but the sun is intense. Always carry a hat and plenty of bottled water. Applying sunscreen every few hours is a smart habit. This will keep you comfortable during long walks at archaeological sites.

Transportation is quite easy if you stay near the city center. Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap for short distances. Always agree on the fare before you start the ride. For longer trips, consider renting a private driver for the day. You can also use "combis" or small vans for the most budget-friendly option.

Safety is a priority for most travelers in Northern Peru. Stick to well-known tourist paths and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. It is best to explore ruins during daylight hours only. You can read our Trujillo Peru travel safety guide for more tips. Most locals are very helpful and proud of their heritage.

Optional swap: If you are tired of ruins, visit the local artisan markets. These markets offer beautiful pottery and woven textiles. You can also take a walk through the colonial city center. The colorful buildings on Main Plaza are perfect for photography. This is a great low-budget way to spend an afternoon.