Trujillo, capital of the department of La Libertad, 561 Kms. North of Lima. Home of the "Marinera", one of Peru´s most famous dances and site of the extensive mud-brick ruins of Chan Chan,erstwhile capital of the Chimú kingdom (A.D. 1000-1476). Covering some 20 Kms., Chan Chan is composed of ten self-contained compounds or "barrios", each built by the reigning Chimú monarch to house his court and household, as well as storage facilities, a walk - in - well and, on the king´s death, his mausoleum.

City altitude : 47m.above sea level

City climate : Hot.

Huanchaco, A few minutes from Trujillo is Huanchaco, a beach renowned for the quality of its waves and its fair surfing weather. Well know are the "Caballitos de totora" or reed boats of Mochica origin are still made by fishermen of the region for fishing and sport purposes. Here you can enjoy the sunset and a meal at one of the numerous seafood restaurants.

Puerto Malabrigo (Chicama), An hour north along the Panamericana highway is the Port of Chicama. Its waves are considered by experts to be the largest in the world. The Hawaiian Surfboard World Championship takes place in this beach.

Throughout the coast of La Libertad, restaurants offer excellent local beer as well as delicious fish and seafood dishes.

Moche, Traditional and picturesque town, 8km south of Trujillo.

The coastal strip set the stage for the rise of many Columbian cultures, such as Cupisnique, more than 3,000 years old, and the pre-Ceramic Huaca Prieta civilization, more than 5,000 years old. By the year 1,200 A.C., the first one to expand beyond its cradle was the Moche or Mochica culture. It was basically an agriculture and/or a warrior culture, which built countless temples and palaces such as the Sol (Sun), Luna(Moon), Esmeralda(Emerald), Arco Iris (Rainbow) and other "huacas". The Chimu culture emerged later and built its capital in Chan Chan , the largest pre-Columbian city. At its zenith, Chan Chan was home to 100,000 inhabitants who stubbornly resisted the expansion of the Inca Empire.

The archaeological remains of Chan Chan, 6 km. (3.7miles) Northeast of Trujillo, are rather well preserved although built with mud bricks ("adobe"). The visit takes almost a full day.