14 kilometres from the city of Trujillo is one of the most popular beaches in Peru. It is a “must” for those visiting the city. With rough waters, golden sand and a pleasant breeze, added to day and night entertainment, Huanchaco is an ideal place to enjoy a restorative holiday with family or friends.
On the beach you can find ancient ships called “Caballitos de Totora”, which were originally built during the Mochica and Chimú cultures and are still in use, which shows the respect the inhabitants have for their ancestors. At present, some fishermen still sail on those boats forming part of the landscape, together with the surfers and their glass fibre boards. A popular legend tells that the first surfers were Huanchaco fishermen.
The accommodation in Huanchaco is suitable for any budget. You can find hostels and five-star-hotels with balconies overlooking the sea, which make summer nights a delight of silence and warm breeze.
Along the waterfront you can find a great variety of restaurants offering the traditional dishes of the area, based on the most delicious fish and the best seafood. At night, and specially at the weekend, the waterfront comes alive in the many pubs and bars which welcome both locals and foreign visitors. There are also annual festivals (specially in summer), like the “Luau” ( a party celebrated in Huanchaco Club), or Huanchacan Carnival.
The great number of visitors to the beach, can practise water sports like surfing or bodyboarding thanks to the amazing waves you find there. Every year they organize championships of this fantastic sport, and surfers from all over Latin America join in. Many important schools in Huanchaco are said to have made people in Huanchaco love this sport, and they will probably be responsible for the appearance of all the future Peruvian surfers.
We also recommend you to visit the colonial church of the Santísima Virgen del Socorro, patron saint of the city.
We can get there by land on a short journey from Trujillo airport, which receives flight connections from Lima airport. The best time to visit it is summer, from Noverber to March, when the temperatures are about 32ºC.
