Where to Stay in Trujillo – A Guide to this Peruvian City
Trujillo is the capital of the namesake province and the third-most populated city in Peru. Located in coastal northwestern Peru, Trujillo is famous for its colonial architecture and its Huacas, archaeological sepulchral sites of ancient pre-Columbian civilizations. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Trujillo, Peru.
The main cultural attractions in Trujillo’s City Center include Trujillo Central Park, Trujillo Cathedral Basilica, the Trujillo Toy Museum, El Carmen Monastery, the Wall of Trujillo, and many colonial-era mansions like Casa Urquiaga, Palacio Iturregui, and Casa Ganoza Chopitea. See accommodation in Trujillo City Center.
However, long before the Spanish set foot in Peru, present-day Trujillo was populated by ancient indigenous peoples like the Cupisnique, Moche and Chimu civilizations. These advanced cultures left incredible archaeological sites like Huaca del Sol, Huaca de la Luna, Huaca El Dragón, Huaca Esmeralda, and the impressive Yacimiento Arqueológico Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Due to its location in northwestern Peru, Trujillo has a desert climate. Temperatures remain stable throughout the year and typically hover between 17 and 24 ºC. Because of its constantly pleasant temperature and infrequent rains, Trujillo is an ideal tourist destination year-round.
To get to Trujillo by air, the city is served by the Aeropuerto Internacional Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos. This airport offers connections to other Peruvian cities, as well as international flights to Santiago, Chile.
Trujillo is also very well-connected by long-distance buses to the rest of Peru. See long-distance bus routes, schedules & fares.
Local transportation in Trujillo consists of bus lines. The Historic City Center is very pedestrian-friendly, and there are also taxi services available. Another option is to rent a car in Trujillo for your trip.
The best area to stay in Trujillo is the Historic City Center. This old district is home to Trujillo’s best cultural attractions, charming colonial architecture, restaurants, nightlife, and shops. It is also where the top boutique hotels are located. See accommodation in Trujillo Historic City Center.
Other great options to consider when choosing the best location in Trujillo include Huanchaco and Trujillo’s West End.
Keep reading to find out more about the best location in Trujillo for tourists.
Tierra Viva Trujillo is situated in Trujillo, 2 km from Trujillo Main Square and 2 km from Chan Chan Mud City. With a bar, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation features a concierge service, luggage storage space, and currency exchange for guests.
The Best Areas to Stay in Trujillo, Peru
1. Recommended area: Historic City Center
The Historic Center, also known as Cercado de Trujillo, is the best area to stay in Trujillo.
This area, centered around Plaza de Armas and framed within Avenida España, is the heart of the city.
Plaza de Armas de Trujillo is the founding place of the city in 1535. Around it, there are government buildings, as well as the Cathedral and the Archbishopric of Trujillo.
Trujillo was one of the three walled cities during Spanish rule in the Americas, the other two were Lima and Cartagena. The current Avenida España circles the Old Town on the space where the old defensive walls of Trujillo used to stand. You can still see some sections of the Trujillo Wall in Plaza El Recreo.
In the Historic Center of Trujillo you can find a large part of its colonial-era cultural and architectural heritage.
In addition, this area concentrates the main economic, administrative and cultural activities in this Peruvian city.
The many colonial mansions or quintas still standing in this area are characterized by semi-circular arches, vaulted ceilings and latticed balconies and windows.
The Historic Center is undoubtedly the recommended area to stay in Trujillo if you want to experience its immense historical colonial heritage and be close to all the attractions.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Trujillo, Peru:
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Historic churches
- Heart of the city
- Close to the attractions
- Plaza de Armas
- Excellent cuisine
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Colonial
Featuring a garden and terrace, Hotel Colonial is located in Trujillo, a 2-minute walk from Iturregui Palace. The property has a restaurant, 24-hour reception, room service and free WiFi.
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Budget
El Mochilero
Situated in Trujillo, 600 meters from Trujillo Cathedral, El Mochilero features a garden. The property is close to several famous attractions, around 600 meters from La Merced Church.
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Luxury
Hotel Libertador
Hotel Libertador Trujillo offers accommodation in Trujillo, on a privileged corner of Plaza de Armas, the town’s main square, and overlooks historic colonial-era buildings.
2. Huanchaco & Beach Area
Huanchaco is a coastal city in the Trujillo metropolitan area.
This resort town is located about 15 kilometers west of the Historic Center of Trujillo, along the Pacific Ocean coast.
Huanchaco is famous for its lively promenade and for being one of the most prominent surfing spots in the world.
This town was recognized as a World Surf Reserve on October 26, 2013, becoming the first beach in Latin America to obtain this recognition.
Huanchaco offers a calmer beachy alternative to the hustle and bustle of Trujillo.
In addition, Huanchaco is located near the city’s airport, making it the best option for travelers in transit or those who need to be close to the air terminal.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Trujillo, Peru:
- Near the beach
- Trujillo Airport
- Best area for surfers
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel El Sombrero
Hotel El Sombrero is located in Huanchaco and offers a terrace. The property has a restaurant and a bar. Free WiFi and private parking are available.
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Budget
Hostal Naylamp
Located in Huanchaco, Hostal Naylamp features a garden and terrace. It also has a 24-hour reception and restaurant, and offers free private parking and Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Mochican Palace Hotel
Located in Huanchaco, Mochican Palace Hotel offers a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, furnished terrace with bar, regional à la carte restaurant, free Wi-Fi and continental breakfasts. The beach is within walking distance.
3. West Trujillo (Near Chan Chan Site & Mall Plaza)
The Chan Chan Archaeological Site is one of the most important pre-Hispanic architectural complexes in Peru.
This pre-Columbian city was built entirely of adobe by the Chimus. It is the largest adobe city in the Americas and the second largest in the world.
This archaeological site, one of the most important attractions in Trujillo, is located northwest of the Trujillo metropolitan area, between the cities of Trujillo and Huanchaco.
Very near you’ll find Mall Plaza Trujillo, the most important shopping center in the city.
The western area of Trujillo offers affordable accommodations.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Trujillo, Peru:
- Chan Chan Archaeological Site
- Plaza Mall
- Cheap hotels
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