Weekend in Trujillo

A restored colonial mansion on the Plaza de Armas that now houses the Banco de la República's cultural centre. It has a small permanent exhibit on Trujillo's role in Peru's indepen

Tip: Check their social media or ask the guard about temporary exhibitions — they often host free photography shows or workshops on traditional crafts. It's also a quiet place to sit in the courtyard with free wifi, so useful for a mid-tour break.

The colonial-era main square, ringed by the Cathedral, the Municipal Palace, and colourful republican buildings. It's the city's social heart: people-watching, pigeons, and the occ

Tip: Visit on Sunday morning when the square becomes a pedestrian zone with crafts stalls and free dance performances from local folklore groups. The cathedral is worth a quick look inside around 10am before mass starts.

A compact university museum with an excellent collection of pre-Columbian artefacts from the Moche, Chimú, and Virú cultures. Highlights include fine pottery, metalwork, and a small display of textile

Tip: The museum is small so you can cover it in 45 minutes. Check if there's a temporary exhibition on the ground floor — they often have contemporary Andean art which most tourists miss. No English labels but the staff can give a quick verbal summary if it's quiet.

The largest adobe city in pre-Columbian America, built by the Chimú civilization. The entry covers the Tschudi Complex with its well-preserved reliefs and ceremonial plazas. Entrance is cheap (approxi

Tip: Visit early morning to avoid the coastal sun and dust. Bring a hat and water. The site covers a huge area; focus on the main complex rather than walking all outer walls.

A Moche ceremonial complex with the Huaca de la Luna open to visitors. The polychrome murals in red, cream, and black are vividly preserved — depictions of human sacrifices and the Moche deity Ai Apae

Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; you'll climb steep ramps. The tour is mandatory and lasts about 90 minutes — worth it because guides explain the iconography and stories behind each mural. Book a morning slot for less heat and smaller groups.