Huanchaco is a beach about 10km NW of Trujillo in the department of Libertad, easily accessible by public transport.
Huanchaco is notable for its surf breaks, its caballitos de totora and its ceviche. Huanchaco is near the ruin of Chan Chan a extraordinary adobe city (mud-brick) 14th Century. Huanchaco was approved as a World Surfing Reserve by the organization Save The Waves Coalition in 2012. This historic town is part of the tourist circuit called the “Moche Route” or “Ruta Moche”. Today it is still a beautiful beach that, despite its modernity, still retains its old charm.
Festivals
- Carnival of Huanchaco, this carnival has been held since the beginning of the 20th century. Originally villagers performed a carnival emulating the famous Venetian Carnival of the time. Later it became organized by the Club Huanchaco, and now consists of several activities including the crowning of the queen, surf contest, luau party, creativity in the sand, championships of Caballito de totora, and the carnival parade among. In 2012 the carnival parade was held on 25 February.
- San Pedro, the patron saint of fishermen at sea, is also called “San Pedrito”; in Huanchaco it is made a traditional “Patacho” which is a giantreed horse. It is celebrated in the month of June.
