Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Huanchaco
044 / POP 41,900
This once-tranquil fishing hamlet, 12km outside Trujillo, woke up one morning to find it-
self a brightly highlighted paragraph on Peru's Gringo Trail. Though you can almost pic-
ture Huanchaco on postcards of days gone by, the beach is distinctly average . Neverthe-
less, the slow pace of life attracts a certain type of beach bum and the town has managed
to retain much of its villagey appeal. Today, Huanchaco is happy to dish up a long menu
of accommodations and dining options to tourists and great waves for budding surfers.
Come summertime, legions of local and foreign tourists descend on its lapping shores, and
this fast-growing resort town makes a great alternative base for exploring the ruins sur-
rounding Trujillo.
Huanchaco's defining characteristic is that local fishermen are still using the very same
narrow reed boats depicted on 2000-year-old Moche pottery. The fishermen paddle and
surf these neatly crafted boats like seafaring cowboys, with their legs dangling on either
side - which explains the nickname given to these elegantly curving steeds,
caballitos de
tortora
(little horses). The inhabitants of Huanchaco are among the few remaining people
on the coast who remember how to construct and use the boats, each one only lasting a
few months before becoming waterlogged. You'll see rows of these iconic craft extending
their long fingers to the sun as they dry along the beach - the postcard view of Huanchaco
today.
Sights
The curving, gray-sand beach here is fine for swimming during the December to April
summer, but expect serious teeth chatter during the rest of the year. The good surf here,
perfect for beginners, draws its fair share of followers and you'll see armies of bleached-
blond surfer types ambling the streets with boards in hand.
There is a S0.50 charge between 10:30am and 6:30pm to enter the town pier.
Santuario de la Virgen del Socorro
( 9am-12:30pm & 4-7pm)
This church above town is worth a visit. Built
between 1535 and 1540, it is said to be the second-oldest church in Peru. There are
sweeping views from the restored belfry.
CHURCH
