Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Atahualpa 150; mains S20-25; 10am-5pm)
This is a local favorite for the reasonably
priced seafood and
comida criolla
(local cuisine). Ceviche here is half the price of the ex-
pensive options and double the price of the cheapies, but do you really want to eat raw
fish for under S10?
Jungle Bar Bily
(Larco 420; cocktails S12-18; closed Mon; )
Travelers gravitate to this quasi-
Polynesian-themed bar due to location (across from the pier), good music (U2, R.E.M.)
and a popular S15 ceviche, among other good-value seafood. Happy hour (6pm to 10pm)
nets a 50% discount on selected cocktails.
BAR, SEAFOOD
OTUZCO: PERU'S FAITH CAPITAL
The small provincial mountain town of Otuzco is only two hours away from Trujillo, making it the only place in
Peru where you can go coast-to-Andean peaks in such a short amount of time. The cobblestone streets, cool weather
and relaxed pace of life make this a great day trip or stopover on the mountain route to Cajamarca. The modern
church here dramatically houses the Virgen de la Puerta (Virgin of the Door) outside its walls on the 2nd floor bal-
cony of the town cathedral. This patron saint is the impetus behind the popular Peruvian pilgrimage on December
15 (one of South America's most important), when pilgrims of all ages leg it the 73km from Trujillo as a test to their
faith. What? Not impressed? Let's not forget Trujillo is at sea level and Otuzco sits at a cool 2641m. The town's
conviction has earned it the title of Peru's Capital de la Fe (Capital of Faith).
The trip itself is worthwhile (we mean the drive, of course), as you'll be greeted by excellent mountain scenery
through coastal subtropical crops and into the highland agricultural regions.
There are some modest places to stay, the best being the cheap
Hostal Los Portales
(hotellosportales-
deotuzco@hotmail.com; Santa Rosa 680; s with/without bathroom S30/15, d with/without bathroom S45/30, tr with/
without bathroom S60/30)
. A few inexpensive restaurants serve Peruvian food -
Restaurante Otuzco
(Tacna 451;
menús S4-5)
has a good reputation with locals.
Tours Pacifico
( 43-6138; Progreso 301)
heads to Trujillo (S6 to S8, 1½ hours) six times daily. You can pick
up a
colectivo
to Huamachuco (S10, 3½ hours) at the crossroads 3.5km south of town. They pass at 10am, 2:30pm
and 8pm. A taxi to the crossroads is S1.
