In northwestern Peru lies the beautiful city of Trujillo, the second oldest Spanish city in that country. Despite a devastating earthquake in 1612, an investment in the city's sugarcane plantations helped Trujillo become one of Peru's most important cities.
If you are thinking of vacationing in this remarkable and historical destination, make your home base the Libertador Trujillo Hotel, a magnificent property in the city.
There is so much to see and do here, so we thought we'd offer up a few suggestions.
Temples: There are several Peruvian temples to visit, including the Temples of Moche, also known as the combination of the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. Here you learn all about the Moche people, the civilization that inhabited northern Peru from the 1st to the 8th centuries. They are responsible for building these two incredible temples out of adobe brick. Another temple, Huaca el Dragon, is also known as the Temple of the Dragon and Temple of the Rainbow. It was built by the Chimú, the civilization that came after the Moche died out.
Casa de Urguiaga: This striking blue and white colonial mansion dates back to 1604, but the original was destroyed in the earthquake. After it was rebuilt, it became a centerpiece of some of Peru's history and includes the desk once used by Simón Bolívar, who liberated Peru from the Spanish empire. Today it is a working bank but is free to tour.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Inside the Libertador Lima[/READMORE]
Museo de Arqueologia: If you are a history buff, definitely check out this museum, known as The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru (MNAAHP). It includes Peruvian history from 12,000 BC to the present day. It is also the first museum of Peru; the oldest, largest and representative of Peru and houses about 300,000 pieces.
Tunnel of Wishes: Make a wish as you are going through these multicolored jets of water that are being crisscrossed over your head. Hopefully, you will be wishing for more time to spend in Trujillo. The Tunnel of Wishes is part of Paseo de Aguas. Get your camera out because it is a beautiful site to be part of.
Casa Ganoza Chopitea: Speaking of beautiful, the ornate work of this building, especially in the front gateway, is a site to be seen. It was built in approximately 1735 and is considered to be the best-preserved mansion of the colonial period in Trujillo. Get close up to the entrance and make sure you see the Oregon pine pillars, rustic ceilings and other exquisite details.
Museo Cassinelli: This museum can be found underneath a gas station -- yes, underneath an old, unused gas station -- and includes 2,000 unique ceramic pieces on display that came from an immigrant's collection.
Palacio Iturregui: Trujillo is definitely a city filled with beautifully colored buildings and this bright yellow 19th-century neoclassical mansion literally can't be missed. Although visits are restricted to specific times, seeing the building just from the outside is worth the trip. Its gold moldings and details on the exterior are also camera worthy.
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