Exploring Peru's Northern Loop: Chiclayo and Trujillo

 

Chan Chan archeological site

With all of Peru's best-known travel destinations concentrated in the south (think Machu Picchu, Cusco, Arequipa and Lake Titicaca), the country's northern regions barely get a look in.

This can actually be a blessing in disguise for travelers who have exhausted the popular hotspots further south, and are now seeking out Peru's more authentic side.

The northern circuit is an exploration into Peru's many faces and includes forays into each of the country's main cultural and environmental zones, the coast, mountains and rainforest.

 The circuit begins with the coastal cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo. Both are known for their various pre-Inca ruins, while Trujillo is also a well preserved colonial town and Chiclayo the hectic self-proclaimed capital of Peru's famous coastal cuisine.

The journey here from Lima can be made on a short but overpriced flight or by bus. Oltursa run an extremely comfortable overnight service which includes fully reclining seats, a simple meal and on-board wi-fi for around S./80.

Travelers with time to spare could easily fill three or four days exploring these cities although the major attraction is for history lovers and archeology buffs, for the region is literally peppered with ancient ruins and the remains of the once mighty civilizations, the Chavín, Moche, Sicán and Chimu.

One of the most important and best preserved sites in the region is Chan Chan, just outside of Trujillo. Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu and is believed to be the biggest indigenous city in the Western Hemisphere, home to over 60,000 people and a testament to the degree of advanced urban civilization in the pre-Colombian Americas.

Getting to the site, which also has a fascinating museum, takes a short taxi ride from central Trujillo or a bus journey on any microleaving from the corner of Ejercito and Espana.

Meanwhile, Chiclayo has its own fair share of impressive archeological sites including the pyramidal structures at Sipán, a colossal burial site believed to have been constructed by the Moche that has been largely well-preserved and restored. Although there is an on-site museum, most of the actual artifacts recovered from the site are on display in the Museo Tumbas Reales de  Sipán, in the nearby town of Lambayeque.

 Those less interested in delving into the history of these coastal civilizations could reduce their stay in the region to a single day in Chiclayo while they wait for their evening bus into the mountains.

Trujillo's Main Square. Photo Jorge Gobbi.

In that case, consider catching a microto the beach town of Pimentel, just twenty minutes from Chiclayo. Drab during the winter but bright, hot and bustling during the summer months (late December to March), this town is a fine place for an afternoon of surfing and feasting on the region's famous fish and seafood. A string of good restaurants line the sea front just south of the pier.

Chiclayo is the region's transport hub and buses further north towards the border with Ecuador and east into the mountains either depart from Avenida Bolognesi or Ortiz. A recommended transport company for journeys east is Transportes Chiclayo.

 This introduction to Chiclayo and Trujillo is part of a four-part series on Peru's Northern Loop. For further details on this region of Peru, contact Aracari, customized Peru travel experts and a leading Peru luxury travel agent.