Before you go

Your trip to Huanchaco.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Huanchaco – La Libertad Destination Trujillo and Chan Chan about 14 km from Trujillo

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos (TRU) Huanchaco · 3 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. Trujillo’s airport is within the district of Huanchaco, just a few minutes by taxi from the beach. From downtown Trujillo, taxi or city bus takes about half an hour, passing by Chan Chan.

How many days

One day for the beach, the pier and the reed beds, with the sunset. Those who come to surf or want to use Huanchaco as a base to visit Chan Chan and Trujillo may stay three to five days.

When to go

From December to April there is more sun and warmth—the beach season. From June to October the sky is often grey, but surf waves occur year-round. The Pacific water is typically cold in all seasons.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. Huanchaco is explored on foot along the boardwalk, and taxis and city buses connect the resort with Chan Chan and downtown Trujillo.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Huanchaco

Morning
Totora reed beds of Huanchaco
Start with the reed beds to the north of the beach, where fishermen cultivate the totora used for the caballitos.
Afternoon
Beach and pier
Have ceviche by the sea and walk along the boardwalk to the wooden pier, with caballitos drying on the sand.
Late afternoon
Sunset
Stay on the pier or on the beach for the sunset, when the fishermen return from the sea.
Evening
Dinner on the boardwalk
The restaurants and bars along the boardwalk concentrate the evening activity.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What are the caballitos de totora?

Boats made of bundles of reed tied together, with a curved prow to cut the waves, where the fisherman sits or kneels. They have been used on the north coast of Peru since the Moche.

Is Huanchaco good for surfing?

Yes. The beach is recognized as a World Surfing Reserve, has waves year-round, and offers schools and board rentals.

Is the water warm?

No, the Pacific water in the region is usually cold year-round. For swimming, the best time is December to April, when there is more sun.

Can you go from Huanchaco to Chan Chan?

Yes, Chan Chan lies on the route between Huanchaco and Trujillo, a few minutes by taxi or bus.

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