Peru’s northern coast is home to some of the country’s greatest archaeological treasures, which were built by the many highly skilled pre-Inca cultures that once thrived in the region. The elegant city of Trujillo is the main centre and this retains many old churches and graceful colonial homes built during the reign of the viceroys. The city was founded in 1534 by Diego de Almagro and was named after Pizarro’s native town in Spain. Besides the cathedral, Trujillo still has ten colonial churches as well as convents and monasteries.
Close by, discover Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the Americas; the splendid Sun and Moon pyramids; and the colourful murals of the El Brujo complex.