Trujillo Landmarks and Monuments

(Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru)

The plethora of landmarks within Trujillo offer a taste of the city's long and interesting history, such as the Iglesia de la Merced church, and a number of educational institutions, including the National University (Universidad Nacional de Trujillo) and the North Private University (Universidad Privada del Norte).

The Moche Pyramids and surrounding burial tombs are nothing short of spectacular and these awesome landmarks reside within the desert area. Known as the Valle de Moche, the Moche Pyramids are just 8 km / 5 miles to the south of Trujillo and connected by 'colectivo' taxis from the Avenida Los Incas.


Anyone holidaying even remotely close to the Trujillo area simply must make the effort to properly explore the incredible ancient attractions at the nearby archaeological landmark of the Chan Chan World Heritage Site. Worth noting, Chan Chan also goes by the names of the City of the Moon (Ciudad de la Luna) and the City of the Long Walls (Ciudad de las Largas Murallas).

Chan Chan World Heritage Site

Address: La Libertad, Peru, PE
The biggest Pre-Columbian city in the whole of South America, the mud city of Chan Chan site encompasses around 20 square kilometres / 8 square miles and dates back to the 9th century, with much of its structure remaining in exceptional condition, considering its age. Highlights include walled citadels, temples, private houses, reservoirs and endless carvings. Now a World Heritage Site, the ruins are unusual in that they are extremely close to the Pacific coastline. It is thought that in its heyday, more than 30,000 people called Chan Chan their home.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Cathedral (Catedral)

Address: Plaza de Armas, Trujillo, Peru, PE
The city's cathedral is a truly unique Peruvian landmark and features an extremely distinctive yellow facade, constrasting greatly with the surrounding buildings and adjacent blue-washed architecture. Located on the northerly side of the Plaza de Armas and alongside the Orbegoso Street, the cathedral features twin bell towers and is especially impressive at night-time, when it is illuminated to dramatic effect.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Universidad Nacional de Trujillo (National Trujillo University)

Address: Avenida Juan Pablo II, Trujillo, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 044 205 448
The Universidad Nacional de Trujillo is an important public university and remains amongst the largest within Peru's La Libertad Region. Home to a student base of almost 20,000 and a total of 12 academic faculties, the Universidad Nacional is especially historic and almost 200 years old, being founded in 1824 by none other than Simon Bolivar, the president of Peru at that time.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Universidad Privada del Norte (North Private University)

Address: Avenida Del Ejército 920, Trujillo, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 044 220 062
One of the city's further educational landmarks, the North Private University is known locally as the Universidad Privada del Norte and was established as recently as 1993. The university actually comprises two individual campuses, with one being located here in the city, and a further campus at Cajamarca.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Huaca del Sol / Huaca de la Luna (Moche Pyramids)

Address: Valle de Moche, Trujillo, Peru, PE
Tel: +051 044 291 894
These two ancient pyramids stand at the base of the Cerro Blanco and are known to date back around 1,500 years. Although a little weathered and eroded by time, the Moche Pyramids remain a very important landmark to the Moche culture, and are around seven centuries older than the archaeological ruins of Chan Chan. The first pyramid is named the Temple of the Sun (Huaca del Sol) and stands at around 20 metres / 65 feet, although it is estimated that its original height was more like 60 metres / 197 feet. Close by is the slightly smaller Temple of the Moon (Huaca de la Luna), which is in better condition and has been completely excavated in recent years.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, includes English-speaking guide

Iglesia de la Merced

Address: Jiron Gamarra, Trujillo, Peru, PE
The Iglesia de la Merced dates back to the 17th century and stands along the Jiron Gamarra, being situated between the Plaza de Armas and the Mercado Central. There are many impressive features both inside and out at the Iglesia de la Merced, including a huge pipe organ, a rather eye-catching cupola, and an unusual altar, which is actually painted on the wall, due to lack of funds at the time.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free