4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
7 hours by bus from Lima
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Huanchaco (Peru)
©
Flickr cc Sarahtz
Practical information on Huanchaco
Reviews of Huanchaco
This little 'norteño' paradise will be sure to please you. This seaside resort is the perfect base for a visit to the ruins of Chanchán near to Trujillo.
My suggestion:
During my different visits to Peru, I was lucky enough to visit three climatic zones: the sierra, the selva and the coast. The latter is very well-represented in Huanchaco. There I indulged in pure tourism.
My review
The 'caballitos de totora' massive straw boats in the Mochica tradition, are most definitely the icon of this destination. They are planted in the sand of the magnificent beaches in the seaside resort of Huanchaco, and add real character to this northern destination. This little seaside paradise on the outskirts of the city of Trujillo is situated only 15 minutes away from the city centre by car. It is not only swarming with tourists, but also with the local people.
For lovers of water sports, Huanchaco is also the perfect place to go surfing, with many surf schools nearby. I promised myself that I would try it on my next visit!
For those who want to get away from the beach, a visit to the colonial church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is well worth your time. It is an ancient, well-preserved building with plenty of charm.
©
Flickr cc Sarahtz
Seaside resort a few miles from Trujillo, north of Lima
My suggestion:
Go to spread out your towel at the end of the bay No buildings in sight here, you'll really be aware that you're on a beach in the middle of the desert!
My review
The coast of the country is huge, there are an infinite number of sunbathing and surfing spots. Then again, don't expect to find beaches from paradise, Peru isn't special in this regard. However, the spectacular sunsets alone are worth the detour. And then it's always lovely to allow yourself a few lazy days by the sea, especially after a wild hike in the Andes!
Huanchaco is a sweet, unpretentious little town. It is known for its Caballitos de Torora or reed boats (yes, the same as at those at Lake Titicaca), on which you can take a ride if you wish. As for novice surfers, they'll be very content: here it's obviously a paradise to learn to ride a board.
Having been there many times, I've noticed that tourist attractions have doubled in a few years. By chance the atmosphere is again intended to be cool and it's therefore a destination that I like very much, and above all much more than it's direct competitor, Mancora.
Not a bad choice of restaurants, a few bars sprinkled about here and there, the fiesta on Thursdays and there you are, you can throw a dice as regards evening outings. From a cultural point of view you won't be disappointed. The region offers quite a few archaeological sites: Huaca del so y de la Luna, El Brujo and of course the magnificent Chan Chan.
Huanchaco is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the country. So if it's absolute calm that you're aiming for on the pacific leg of your trip to Peru, continue on your way. If not, why not go and have a look around?
©
Geraint Rowland
230 travelers' photos
