The heart of the city and its historic center is Plaza de Armas and Pizarro and Ayacucho streets. It is here that you can see not only the lush yellow facade of the 17th-century cathedral and the Freedom Monument by Edmund Moeller but also the most beautiful villas (casonas) as well as other colonial buildings that amaze with their stylish, colorful walls and ornamented hallways. Interesting examples are casa Tinoco, casa Calonge, casa Ganoza, and casa Emancipation. Pay particular attention to decorative iron balustrades and bars typical for Trujillo architecture. The area is also full of stores and stalls offering quality local goods, such as handmade leather shoes, belts or bags.
Most often the city is visited due to its proximity (only several kilometers) to the two major archeological sites presenting the way of life of Mochica and Chimu civilizations in the pre-Columbian times. It used to be the largest metropolis of the ancient world. Built of sun-dried Chan Chan bricks, it attracts with the spectacular pyramids made of the same material, the temple, and administrative buildings of Huaca de la Luna y Sol. A little further, around 50 km away from the city, you’ll find the archeological complex, called El Brujo as well as the Cao Museum which unveils the pre-Inka history of the region.
The typical dish from Trujillo is called ceviche (cebiche). It’s the salad based on five ingredients, such as finely chopped fish fillets, lemon, onion, salt, and chili. It’s been proved that the recipe comes from the Mocha people and can be 2,000 years old. Other regional delicacies include shambar – a soup based on beans and smoked ham served with roasted corn (traditionally given on Mondays) and sopa teologa – a turkey or chicken stock with bread, potatoes, milk, and cheese. You should also order Trujillo black beans with sesame seeds and mirasol chili. And where to dine? Popular restaurants are El Celler de Cler, Jugueria San Agustin, and El Mochica.
