My top 10 Bucket List Destinations Part 8 out of 10

Trujillo

Located on the banks of the Moche River, near the Pacific Ocean, in the Moche Valley. Trujillo was a site of the great prehistoric Moche and Chimu cultures before the Inca conquest.  Trujillo is close to two archaeologist sites  Chan Chan,  the largest adobe city in the ancient world, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986; and the temples of the Sun and Moon (the largest adobe pyramid in Peru).  In November 2010, Trujillo was the first city in Latin America and the Caribbean to be chosen by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to develop the pilot project Trujillo: Sustainable City in the platform "Emerging and Sustainable Cities of the Inter-American Development Bank”.  

Chan Chan

The city of eternal spring has blossomed in the past few years. Receiving weekly mining moguls, harvesting loads of agricultural products on its outskirts, hosting factories and shopping malls. This city has expanded into a cacophony of movement that is laid on top of what was once a tightly woven upwardly mobile community. 

The blend is concentrated between the well maintained historical center and the yuppie residential neighborhoods that sprawl out to its east and south. These neighborhoods of original ‘Trujillanos’, along with an influx of immigrants from the mountains and students from all over, has made Trujillo one of the most diverse cities for taking in the multi colored weave of Peruvian heritage.

Trujillo offers plenty to do, but I will recommend that your first stop should be Chan Chan, the oldest mud brick city in South America. The adobe walls spread over a large area.  I also suggest to hire a guide, he or she  can take you on the trek through the passageways that have been well excavated and protected to show you the symbolic designs of the Chimu civilization. 

Cazona Deza Cafe

Once your tour is finished, you are likely to be  hungry, so head back to town for lunch, where Casona Deza Café aka House of the Lions, serves a fine choice of sandwiches, salads, excellent espresso, home made desserts and organic tasty pizzas.  
The owner of the restaurant, who is always there can share more about the restoration process that he carried out on this 400 year Colonial Home. 

Huakas del Sol y La Luna 

Next stop head to the Huakas del Sol y la Luna, enormous adobe temples that loom over Trujillo.  Enormous walls of painted and carved patterns from the culture leave the impression of a more advanced imperial organization than the Chimus.

In the evening, take a stroll down Calle Pizarro, a quiet colonial street that is open only to pedestrians. Along your walk you will find Trama, a quality artisan store with some of the best souvenirs. The owner or any of his assistants can tell you the material, origin and the legend behind any piece you pick up, giving you not just a work of traditional art, but a story about Peru to bring home with you.

While continuing your stroll, you will see Chelsea, this is a gorgeous Restaurant,  with a long history in Trujillo.  The service and food are impeccable, and some nights the restaurant hosts traditional Marinera dance for patrons to enjoy. Trujillo is known for hosting the annual National Marinera Competition as the dance originated in Trujillo and has spread out through the north of Peru.

If you still have energy after such a day, not far from Chelsea is the club Million. Located at the corner of the Plaza de Armas, you can view the Plaza and Cathedral on your way there. Club Million takes advantage of its setup in a dismembered colonial house to offer a quaint VIP room, but a roaring electric dance floor. The club is currently hot with Trujillo’s university students and young professionals, so try to get there around 10:30PM, otherwise you may not be able to get in.  Doors will close as soon as they reach full capacity.  It’s obvious Trujllo has a twisted family tree of cultures that have contributed to its growth and modern personality.

 I trust that I was able to show why this city is on my Top 10 bucket list destinations.  I invite you to visit my Facebook page for additional postings

www. Facebook.com/LJRTravel.info 

Did you know? Peru’s capital Lima was once the most powerful city in South America, but fell into decline when the Spanish created a viceroyalty in Rio de la Plata.

Get your own Free Travel Portal

 (http://bit.ly/1N4CGZR). 

I am a Certified Travel Consultant who specializes in South America Travel for additional information kindly visit www.LJRTravel.info  (Mobile) 305-389-6628