Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CHIMBOTE BUSES
DESTINATION
COST (S)
DURATION (HR)
Caraz
25
6-7
Chiclayo
15-20
6
Huaraz
25-60
5-8
Lima
25-85
6-7
Máncora
90-120
11
Piura
50-80
8
Trujillo
8
2
Tumbes
40-120
12
Trujillo
044 / POP 291,400
Stand in the right spot and the glamorously colonial streets of old Trujillo look like
they've barely changed in hundreds of years. Well, there are more honking taxis now -
but the city still manages to put on a dashing show with its flamboyant buildings and pro-
fusion of churches. Francisco Pizarro founded Trujillo in 1534, and he thought so highly
of this patch of desert he named it after his birthplace in Spain's Estremadura. Spoiled by
the fruits of the fertile Moche Valley, Trujillo never had to worry about money - wealth
came easily. With life's essentials taken care of, thoughts turned to politics and life's
grander schemes; the city has a reputation for being a hotbed of revolt. The town was be-
sieged during the Inca rebellion of 1536 and in 1820 was the first Peruvian city to declare
independence from Spain. The tradition continued into the 20th century, as bohemians
flocked, poets put pen to paper (including Peru's best poet, César Vallejo), and rebels
raised their fists defiantly in the air. It was here that the Alianza Popular Revolution
Americana (APRA) workers' party was formed - and many of its members were later
massacred.
