Whether you’re a surfer looking to catch some waves, interested in ancient civilizations, or just someone seeking a laid-back atmosphere, Huanchaco, Peru, has something for everyone.
Are you planning your trip to Huanchaco?
Check out the best accommodation in town:
Best Hotels in Huanchaco:
1. Hotel Huankarute (Mid-range, in front of the sea)
2. Hotel Caballito de Totora (Mid-range, also in front of the sea)
3. Surf Hostel My Friends (Budget. Dorms and private rooms)
4. Apartment Acogedor (Mid-range. A whole apartment.)
Huanchaco is a charming little beach town located in the north of Peru. While some visitors opt for day trips from Trujillo, I recommend taking the time to fully immerse yourself in the laid-back charm that Huanchaco has to offer by staying a few nights.
It’s not just a great place to relax in your trip around Peru, but it’s also a great base to explore the area around Trujillo. Let’s talk a look at the best things to do in Huanchaco, Peru in this travel guide.
1. See the Caballitos de Totora and go for a ride on one!
Huanchaco is very famous for their traditional reed boats known as “caballitos de totora.” These small boats have been used by fishermen in the area for centuries and offer a unique way to experience the ocean.
As you stroll along the beach in Huanchaco, you’ll notice the iconic caballitos de totora lined up along the shore. Watch as local fishermen expertly navigate these traditional reed boats in the waves.
Pro tip: For an authentic experience, ride a caballito de Totora yourself, which is one of the best things to do in Huanchaco! Ask one of the fishermen to take you for a ride with him for just 10 soles (around USD $3). It’s an incredible opportunity to learn more about the culture and history of the area, while enjoying a peaceful ride on the waves.
Or if you are into surfing, rent one from a fisherman and try surfing on the caballito! Just be sure to negotiate the price beforehand.
These boats are made entirely of reeds. Actually, caballito de totora translates as little reed horse. You will see that the caballitos are surprisingly sturdy, capable of holding up to two people at a time. The technique is the same that the Uros use to build their floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca, so you can imagine how sturdy they can be!
2. Surf in Huanchaco or nearby Chicama (the longest waves in the world)
If you’re a surfing enthusiast and don’t want to miss the opportunity to surf in Peru, the Huanchaco is the place to be.
Surfing is one of the best things to do in Huanchaco. This beach town is one of the most famous spots among the surfing community, with competitions being held here year-round.
The beach is famous for its long, peeling waves, making it a perfect spot for longboarding. In fact, the Longboard World Championships are held in Huanchaco every January.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a pro surfer to enjoy the waves here. Huanchaco boasts many surf schools along the main street, Riviera. Just take a stroll along the coast through town, and you’ll come across many schools offering lessons for beginners and advanced surfers alike.
If you’re up for a little adventure, you can take a day trip to Chicama with a fellow surfer. This small coastal town is known for having the longest waves in the world. That’s right; you read correctly – the longest waves in the world! How cool is that?
3. Huaca Cao Viejo (my favorite huaca)
Huaca Cao Viejo is an often-overlooked hidden gem that’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in ancient history. It’s my personal favorite among all the huacas (archaeological sites/temples) in the area.
The site features a well-preserved pyramid, but what makes it particularly fascinating is the discovery of a mummy buried with elaborate jewelry and clothing. This mummy is called the Lady of Cao, a powerful female leader. She is the only one of its kind discovered in Peru so far.
Additionally, there’s a small but impressive museum at the site that provides more information about the pyramid.
Interestingly, the huaca is located in an area known as El Brujo, meaning “the Witch”. The northern coast of Peru is famous for its curanderos, or shamans, who perform both good and evil works. Many curanderos live in the El Brujo area and are known to perform rituals around the huacas, due to their special energy.
How to ge to Huaca Cao Viejo from Huanchaco:
To reach Huaca Cao Viejo, you can take a guided tour from Trujillo or hire a taxi from Huanchaco. If you prefer to take public transportation, you’ll need to change buses along the way, but it’s easy to ask around for directions. First you have to take a bus to Chocope and from there take a bus to Magdalena de Cao. From Magdalena de Cao, catch a mototaxi to the huaca.
4. Huaca del Sol y de la Luna: Explore Sacred Temples
Have you heard of Huaca del Sol y de la Luna? It’s an amazing archaeological site located just a short drive from Huanchaco, and one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru as a whole.
The site was built by the Moche culture around 1500 years ago, and it’s home to some incredible pyramids and other structures. You can explore the ruins and learn about the fascinating history of the Moche people, including their rituals and beliefs.
The temples were built using adobe bricks and decorated with intricate murals and carvings depicting different gods and goddesses, including their greatest god: Ai Apaec.
This supreme being had feline features -with impressive fangs- and bore the nickname of the slaughtering God. This is because the Moches made human sacrifices in his name to guarantee the prosperity of the crops. You will see him all around the temple!
How to get to Huaca del Sol y de la Luna from Huanchaco
To get from Huanchaco to Huaca del Sol y de la Luna, you can catch a collectivo to Trujillo from the main road along the beach.
Once in Trujillo, get off at the main square (Plaza de Armas). From there, you can walk down Huayna Cuapac street until you reach Avenida Los Incas. Ask which colectivo (van) will take you to the huacas. It’s just a 20-minute drive from there.
5. Take a look at the big erotic sculptures in Moche
So, going back to the Moche civilization that once thrived near Huanchaco. They were known for their intricate pottery work, including these fascinating little pieces called “erotic huacos.”
These tiny figurines depict all sorts of explicit scenes, from couples engaged in various sexual acts to even more, ahem, creative scenarios. Some of them are pretty graphic, so they might not be for everyone, but they definitely offer a unique glimpse into Moche culture.
The municipality of Moche has erected large erotic sculptures to showcase their culture and attract tourists. While there have been some critics, the sculptures continue to stand as a symbol of the region’s unique heritage. One of the sculptures was unfortunately (intentionally) burned in 2022, but it has since been reinstalled.
Oh, and if you want to see more of these fascinating erotic huacos, you should definitely check out the Museo Larco, my favorite museum in Lima. They have an amazing collection of Moche ceramics, including some of the most intricate and explicit examples of erotic pottery in the world.
How to get to erotic sculptures from Huanchaco
To get to the erotic sculptures, you need to follow the same route to get to Huaca del Sol y de la Luna. After about 20 minutes in the micro, a bit before reaching the huacas, you will see this sculptures from the highway and get down there.
6. Visit the ancient city of Chan Chan
A short distance from Huanchaco lies the breathtaking ruins of Chan Chan, nestled along the shores of the ocean.
This archaeological marvel is the largest adobe city in the world, built by the Chimu culture between 900 and 1470 AD, before the Incas conquered them.
In its heyday, thousands of people lived within the walls of Chan Chan. Rulers were buried with groups of young women who were sacrificed to accompany them to the underworld.
As you explore the intricate adobe structures, you can appreciate carvings of fish, waves, and pelicans, which are all integral parts of the Chimu culture.
How to get to Chan Chan from Huanchaco
You can easily reach the site by taking a micro (van) that goes to Trujillo. You will be at Chan Chan within 8 minutes, which lies along the way between Trujillo and Huanchaco.
Where to stay in Huanchaco, Peru
If you’re planning a trip to Huanchaco, you’ll want to find a good place to stay. Here are some of the best hotels in the area:
Hotel Huankarute
Located just in front of the beach, Hotel Huankarute is a great option for those who want to be close to the action but still have a peaceful retreat. The hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms, a beautiful outdoor pool, and a restaurant that serves delicious traditional Peruvian dishes.
Hotel Caballito de Totora
Hotel Caballito de Totora is a good option for those looking for a comfortable stay in front of the sea, with some rooms offering a great sea view and AC. There’s also a swimming pool.
Surf Hostel My Friends
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Surf Hostel My Friends is a popular choice among backpackers and surfers. The hostel has a fun and laid-back atmosphere, with dormitory and private rooms available. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and restaurant, as well as the hostel’s proximity to the beach.
Apartment Acogedor
For those who prefer the comfort and privacy of an apartment, Apartment Acogedor is a great option. With two bedrooms and all the necessary amenities, the apartment is perfect for families or groups of friends. Although it’s not as close to the beach as some other options, it offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains.Regenerate response
How to get to Huanchaco, Peru
By Bus
If you’re on a budget, taking a bus to Huanchaco is your best option. Long-distance buses run from almost anywhere in Central or Northern Peru and go to Trujillo, from where you can easily get to Huanchaco.
However, keep in mind that these are usually overnight trips. For example, from Lima the journey takes 9 hours, from Piura it takes 7 hours and from Mancora 9 hours. The bus fare ranges from $7 to $27 depending on the distance.
From Trujillo, you can take a local bus or a taxi to get to Huanchaco, which is just 20 minutes away.
You can book your bus to here.
By Flight
If you prefer a quicker and more comfortable way to get to Huanchaco, you can take a domestic flight to the Trujillo airport. Daily flights are available to and from Lima. You can find tickets from around USD $50 one-way. The flight time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Once you arrive at the airport, you have two options to get to Huanchaco.
From Trujillo Airport to Huanchaco
The airport is located between Trujillo and Huanchaco. To get to Huanchaco, you can either take a taxi, which should cost around S./20 (~$6,). Otherwise, walk out onto the road and catch a micro (van) going to Huanchaco, which costs just S/.1.
