Huanchaco is a small beach town close to the city of Trujillo, about 500 kilometers north of Lima. Huanchaco was originally a fishing village and has retained its rich history very well. Nowadays it serves as the perfect setting for a very diverse mix of visitors. Huanchaco made its way into the international guide books by which it became a highlight on backpackers and tourists itineraries.
Huanchaco is famous for many reasons. For the nearby citizens of busy Trujillo it serves as the perfect weekend getaway or thé place to get a second home in the clean ocean air. Probably because of the potential for surfers it became known internationally because Huanchaco has great waves. (To know everything about surfing in Huanchaco look here.) Nowadays many tourists mix with local surfers and classy citizens of Trujillo in the many restaurants and bars that the village has on offer, creating a happy vibe.
At any time of the year Huanchaco hosts great times for a mix of locals, backpackers, national- and international surfers, package tourists, expats and volunteers. The best place in Peru to take some days of rest on the beach, a break from travelling or to take some weeks or even months to learn to surf, volunteer, learn spanish or just relax.
Huanchaco is internationally know for its ‘caballitos de totora’ (litterally: little horses from reed). This are the historic one person boats made from reed that have been in use in Peru for the past 3000 years. Debate is ongoing if the fishermen on these boats would even be the first surfers in history! The historic importance of these boats is huge, but the fact that these boats are still in use here is what makes it so astonishing. The boats are lined up along the beach which makes for a very photogenic and atmospheric surrounding to be in. To see the fishermen floating around on them, paddling their bambu paddle, surfing them in, pulling them ashore and unloading their fish just totally completes the amazing experience of seeing something historical happening right in front of your eyes.
Another reason for its popularity are the many archeological sites that are in the area, of which Chan Chan is the most important. At least as impressive are the ruins of Huacas del Sol y de la Luna and Huaca el Brujo. These sites shouldn’t be missed on any travel through the north of Peru and are complemented with fantastic museums nowadays and have well renovated parts that include massive pyramids, colorful murals and even a tattoed mummy on display. Many sites are easily visited by public bus or tours can be arranged in Huanchaco.
Many people stay much longer in Huanchaco than planned. This is because Huanchaco at this time still has the feeling of a quiet fishing village, only getting a bit ‘busy’ on weekends or holidays when peruvians come to enjoy the beach. The climate is just perfect, with mostly sunny days, an average temperature in daytime of about 25C and basically no rain at all. It is not a party town, but there are nice places to get a cocktail any day of the week and in weekends there is live music and busy dance floors to be found.
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