Trujillo is called the “City of the Eternal Spring”, because the weather is nice all year. The year is sunny and in summer (January – March) it is hot and very sunny. This place has a lot of history since, the Mochica people who lived there before Incan times, Incas who conquered these lands and formed part of the empire. Spaniards founded the city and it is one of the first places Spanish Conquistadors founded a city in Peru in 1534. This is the reason some archaeological places are near Trujillo City and the city itself has beautiful Spanish colonial houses. Places such as Chan Chan, the biggest city made of bricks, and Huaca del Sol (Sun Temple) and Huaca de la Luna (Moon temple) are the stars here, but the beaches and exceptional food are a good reason to go to Trujillo.

Clinics & Hospitals of Trujillo

Hospital Belén de Trujillo - This clinic is located at Bolívar Avenue, Trujillo 350. Telephone: 044 24-5281.

Hospital Regional Docente de Trujillo - This clinic is located at Mansiche Avenue 795, Trujillo. Telephone: 044 23-1581.

Centro de Salud Huanchaco - This clinic is located at Atahualpa Avenue 128, Huanchaco. Telephone: 044 46-1547.

Museums of Trujillo

Museo de la Nacion - This museum is full of all sorts of historic artifacts from weaving to 3D models of the ruins that make Peru so intriguing. Exhibits also include medical procedures of ancient times and how they were carried out. The museum is located at 2466 Javier Prado Este in the San Borja district and opens Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 5 pm. Admission:Adults $2 USD, Students $1 USD, and special events are $3.30 USD per person. Telephone: 476-9878.

Museo Del Banco Central De Reserva - This museum hosts mainly a pre-Columbian theme and artifacts. If you recognized the name it also once served as a bank and you will need to bring some sort of identification with you as it is required for admission. You can find this museum at the corner of Lampa and Ucayali and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am until 4:30pm. Weekend hours are 10am until 1pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission: Free! Telephone: 427-6250.

Museo Postal Y Filatelico - In central Lima you'll find this interesting museum within an actual working post office. The post office is very near to the main plaza and is open from 8:30am until 6:30pm Monday through Saturday and 9am until 12:30pm on Sunday. Admission: Free! Telephone: 427-7261.

Museo De Arte - This museum is known for its Peruvian art and has many other exhibits to include colonial furniture and pre-Columbian artifacts. If you want to take pictures of artifacts this is not where you want to do it. Photography is not allowed! There is also a cafe and film cinema inside the museum. You can find this museum at 125 Paseo de Colon and is open from 10am until 5pm Tuesday through Sunday. Admission:$2 USD. Telephone: 423-4732.

Museo Taurino - This museum is dedicated to those bull fighters from the past and present. You will find more than just a few pictures showing matadors here. Some exhibits include blood stained clothing (from a fallen matador), some local paintings and drawings, as well as some scenes painted by the ever so famous Picasso. The museum is located at 332 Hualgayoc in the Rimac district and is open from 9am until 6pm Monday through Saturday. Admission:$1.40 USD. Telephone: 481-1467.

Museo De Oro Del Peru - Scandal surrounds this museum as once it was the spotlight museum of Lima. Many of the once priceless artifacts were deemed fakes in 2001. Since then the museum has made assurances that all pieces now on display are genuine and original. The upper Arms section of the museum also hosts one of the largest gun collections in the world. Other artifacts span from decorative gold jewelry, clothing and figures. You can find this museum at 1100 Alonso de Molina in the Monterrico district of Lima, and is open from 11:30am until 7pm daily. Admission:Adults $8.50 USD, Children $4.20 USD. Telephone: 345-1292.

Museo Larco - This museum was once a mansion built atop of what once was a pre-Columbian adobe style pyramid. Within the compound itself there is an astonishing collection of pottery with some of the more interesting pieces being spotlighted. There are many other artifacts inside including one textile piece that has 398 threads to the linear inch. This shows the Peruvians are very good at making textiles even today. Photography is not allowed! You can find this museum at the corner of San Martin & Vivanco in the Pueblo Libre district and is open 9am until 5pm Tuesday through Saturday also 9am through 4pm on Sunday. Admission:Adults $3 USD, Students $1 USD. Telephone: 463-5070.

Attractions of Trujillio

Main Square - Diego de Almagro, one of the firsts Spaniards in Peru, founded the city. The remarkable thing about this square is the colonial houses around the square and the monument in the center. The monument represents the liberty and the style is Baroque made by a German artist, Edmund Muller.
Houses around the square are from the colonial times so could be an interesting item for visitors to take a look at them.

Trujillo Cathedral - Location: Main square - This church was built in 1666 and has some paintings from the “Cuzco School”, a style created by Cuzqueño artists in the colonial times.

Ciudadela de Chan Chan
Location: 5 km northeast of Trujillo (20 minutes by car) Museum: Monday – Sunday 9am – 4pm - Chan Chan was added to the list of the Heritage Cultural Patrimony run by UNESCO in 1986. Archaeologist say the biggest city made of bricks was the capital of the Chimu culture. They say that almost one hundred thousand (100,000) people lived there in those times. Chan Chan has lots of squares, houses, storages, streets and temples. The walls are decorated with geometric drawings, animals of the area and mythological animals. There is a museum too, so the visitors can have a better overview of this culture.

Huaca Pucllana - This is another pyramid dating back to 400AD and has been restored over three centuries. Excavations are ongoing and tours are given is Spanish regularly. This temple was a ceremonial center of Lima Culture for people who lived in the central coast between 200-700 A.D. You can find this pyramid at the corner of Borgona & Tarapaca in the Miraflores district and is open 9am until 5pm Wednesday through Monday. Telephone: 445-8695. Admission: Adults $3.50 USD, Children $1 USD.

Parque de las Leyendas Zoo - This zoo is full of native Peruvian animals and international animals. There are around 210 species of local animals available for viewing. Some of these wonderful animals are from the diverse regions Peru has to offer to include the beaches, mountains, and rain forests. You can find the zoo at Parque de las Leyendas in the district of San Miguel and is open 9am until 5:30pm daily. Admission:Adults $2.50, Children under 11 years of age $1.20. Telephone: 451-8696.

Fuerte Real Felipe - This coastal fort was built in 1747 and safeguarded the coast against pirates and corsairs. The fort was last used under Spanish rule during the 1820's as the last stand during the rebellion that gave Peru its independence. The compound is extensive and has many areas used in those times. An assault field still remains as well as the field used to play sports by the soldiers. You can find this fort at Plaza Independencia in the Callao district and is open from 9am until 2pm daily. Use care in traveling to and from the fort as the neighboring area is known to be somewhat bad for crime. Admission: Tourists $2 USD, Peruvians $1.20 USD, Students $.60 USD. Telephone: 429-0532.

Casinos - Most of the casinos are located in the more international hotels. Marriot, Sheraton, and Los Delfines have nicer casinos and betting is in USD. Slots are usually pretty tight throughout the Lima area, but you will find the rules for Blackjack are the same for that of Nevada. The only difference is the betting. You must bet in multiples of $2 increments and the minimum is $2 USD.

Pachacamac - This complex of extensive pyramids and and temples dates back to the time before the Incas, when the Wari culture overthrew the area they added their own touches to it. Later the Incans reclaimed this complex as part of their empire. Many of the different cultures additions are still visible and is one of the more diverse sites around Lima. Be prepared for a ride when venturing to this complex as it lies about 22 miles from the center of the city. Admission: Adult $1.40 USD, Student $.60 USD, Child $.30 USD. Telephone: 01-430-0168.

Plaza de Acho - This stadium is known for its bullfighting champions. The best known are Peruvian Rafael Castaneta and Spanish female matador Cristina Sanchez. She was the first female bullfighter to fight in Lima. Bullfighting is huge in Lima and most of the local news media give schedules on arena events. Bullfightings festival is in November and not many people go to Plaza de Acho. Every year some organizations (which protect animals) do some demonstrations against the festival. This custom was brought from Spain in the colonial times. Tickets are sold through Farmacia Deza and should be procured early. Average prices for one event can range from $20 USD to as high as $100 USD. You can find the bullring at 332 Hualgayoc in the Rimac district of Lima. Telephone: 481-1467.

Casa de Ricardo Palma - This was the last home of Ricardo Palma, a famous Peruvian author. He settled in the home in 1913 only to depart this world six years later. The author wrote many literary works that gained him international fame and interest. His house is located at 189 Gral Suarez in the Miraflores district. Viewing of the house is open from 9:15am until 12:45pm and reopens at 2:30pm until 5pm Tuesday through Sunday. Admission: Adult $1 USD, Students $.50 USD. Telephone: 445-5836.

La Catedral - The final resting place of Francisco Pizarro, this church has been rebuilt almost two centuries after an earthquake (1746) destroyed much of it. The rebuilding was in the same fashion and to the same specifications as the earlier church. There was some dispute over the remains of Pizarro and later the true body of Pizarro was found and taken to the church to replace the church official that had been resting in his place. The church is open 9am until 4:30pm weekdays and 10am until 4:30pm on Saturday. Admission: Adult $1.40 USD, Children $1 USD. Telephone: 427-9647.

San Francisco - The only church to withstand earlier earthquakes that seem to have plagued Lima, this church is also home to the famed catacombs that draw visitors from all over. It's reported that tens of thousands of burials have taken place here. If you wish to see one of the oldest churches in Lima, this would be the one to visit. There are even writings that date back to the Spanish Conquers. The price of admission also entitles the patrons to around 45 minutes with a knowledgeable tour guide. This church is located at the corner of Lampa and Ancash and is open from 9:30am until 5:30pm daily. Admission: Adult $1.40 USD, Student $.75 USD.

China Town - This is one of the biggest in South America and has some good Chinese restaurants. Chinese people went to Peru in the early 1900's to work as farmers in the cotton fields in the coast. Then they started little restaurants, but they found some peruvians ingredients and they created a new ones. They call their restaurants "Chifas" and are very popular. Location: Capon St- Lima Downtown (be careful with the neighborhood, it's not very safe)

Santo Domingo - History has its place in the heart of this church. The land for the church was granted to Friar Vicente Valverde, which is the same friar who helped Pizarro defeat the ransomed Atahualpa, for the inevitable fall of the Inca Empire. There are many saints buried here and one of the most famous was the first black saint. Many intriguing works give the church additional spice from the past even after its renovation in the 1800's. You can find this church at the corner of Camana and Superunda and is open 9am until 12:30pm and reopens at 3pm until 6pm Monday through Saturday. Sunday it opens at 9am and closes at 1pm. Admission: All visitors $1 USD. Telephone: 427-6793.

El Olivar - This big park is famous in Lima beacuse of the centenaries olive trees which still are green. This a nice place to take a rest without the sound of Lima. Many birds and some fountains give this park an extra attraction. It's located behind the San Isidro City Hall and the library of this district. (San Isidro is a quite a luxuries district with many 5-star hotels and famous restaurants.)

Puente de los Suspiros - It's located in Barranco district near the Main Square. This is an old district which was inhabited with aristocratic people in the early 1900's. Tourists can visit this bridge (made of wood) and also walk around the cliff to see the beautiful sunset.

San Pedro Church - This church is the most beautiful in Downtown Lima and it was built in the 18th century. Tourists can see the beautiful columns and the paintings. The ceiling has many paintings from some Peruvian painters and Spanish .This Church is requested most weekends for marriage ceremonies because it's beautiful and that is the reason it is one of the most expensive in Lima. Visits: Monday to Sunday 9.30A.M.-12P.M. and 5-7 P.M. You will find this church at: Ucayali St. 451 - Downtown Lima

Beaches of Lima

La Herradura - This beach is located in Chorrillos and is the considered the "North Shore" of Lima. Swell heights have been known to surpass 25 feet but require some work to get to them. Dangerous currents could be a problem.

Santa Maria - This is a really nice beach with clear sand and quite waves. Lot of luxuries condos and houses around this beach. (2 hours from Lima by car).

Puerto Viejo - This beach is popular among people who like to camping. The only problem is small waves but they are very strong. Swimmers have to be very careful. (3 hours from Lima)

Leon Dormido - The name of this beach is because there's a big stone in the entrance of this beach with a sleeping lion statue waiting to greet visitors. the water is as dangerous as Puerto Viejo (3 hours from Lima)

Asia - This is the most luxury beach in Lima with lots of biggest houses on the beaches, many shopping centers, cinemas, banks and all to give people a rewarding stay.

Playa Costa Verde - This beach is known to have good tubes of decent size for all surfers to enjoy. The locals usually hit the beaches from January to March but be careful to keep close eyes on your personal belongings as thieves roam the beach in search of easy gains. This beach is centrally located next to the Miraflores district. Dangerous currents could be a problem.

Punta Hermosa - Is another big wave beach and is not for the inexperienced surfer. As always visitors should watch their belongings. Dangerous currents could be a problem.

San Bartolo - This beach is great for beginner surfers as the swells average around 3 to 5 feet. You will still need to watch your belongings as your still near Metro Lima. Dangerous currents could be a problem.

Punta Rocas - This beach hosts many international surfing competitions and competitors could even be some of your local favorites. Swell heights range from 4 to around 10 feet. Dangerous currents could be a problem.

Taxi Services of Lima

Moli Taxi - 479-0030. You will need to negotiate prices before accepting the ride.

Taxi Seguro - 241-9292. You will need to negotiate prices before accepting the ride.

Taxi Movil - 422-6890. You will need to negotiate prices before accepting the ride.

Taxi Real - 470-6263. You will need to negotiate prices before accepting the ride.

Taxi Miraflores - 446-3953. You will need to negotiate prices before accepting the ride.

Taxi Lima - 271-1763. You will need to negotiate prices before accepting the ride.

Taxi Fono - 226-0866. You will need to negotiate prices before accepting the ride.

Lima travel tips:

People who were born in Lima are called “Limenos” (guys) or “Limenas” (girls)
Don’t walk around downtown Lima after 7pm.
Be careful of pickpockets on crowded streets and side walks.
Ask for an authorized taxi service, DO NOT get into any taxi you see on a corner waiting.
Don’t bring all your money, leave what you do not need locked in a safe in the hotel.
Bring a photo copy of your passport; again leave your original in the safe.
Change your money in authorized stores, do not exchange with street changers.
Be careful when you get money from ATM’s, you never know who is watching your withdrawal or pin number.
Do not walk alone if you can buddy with someone you know.
Be careful with strangers who talk to you, they might not be as nice as they seem.

Festivities in Lima:

January 18th - Foundation of Lima. Many festivals and parades in Downtown Lima.

July 28th and 29th - Anniversary of Peru. Festival, civil and military parades. Peruvian food festivals and parties all over the country.

October 18th, 19th and 28th - Lord of Miracles around Downtown Lima congragate thousands of people.

October 31th - Day of Criollo music - This kind of music is a combination of the spanish vals and the afroamerican music is very popular in the coast of Peru.

Other useful information

ALERTA MIRAFLORES - 313-3773 (this is a kind of police station but belongs to the Miraflores City Hall)

COMISARIA PNP DE MIRAFLORES - 445-6583 (MIraflores Police Station)