Huanchaco
A surf town and fishing village where fishermen still head out to sea on reed boats called 'little horses', a thousand-year-old tradition. Watch the sunset from the pier in the evening.
Huanchaco is a seaside fishing village about 13 km northwest of Trujillo, famous for its reed boats, the caballitos de totora. Fishermen ride these boats, made from bundled reeds with upturned bows, out through the surf to fish. The craft dates back to the Moche era, and rows of reed boats are often seen drying on the beach. The town is the surfing centre of northern Peru, with surf schools and backpacker hostels. Its seafood restaurants are known for ceviche. On a hill above the bay stands the 16th-century Temple of Our Lady of Charity, which offers views over the bay. Buses take about 30 minutes.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Chan Chan (Nik An Palace)
- Chan Chan Site Museum
- Huaca del Dragón (Huaca Arco Iris)
- Huaca Esmeralda
- Plaza de Armas de Trujillo
- Trujillo Cathedral
- Casa Ganoza Chopitea
- Casa Urquiaga