Overview
Trujillo is Peru's third city and the cultural capital of the north coast, prized by travellers for its adobe pyramids, colonial mansions and the laid-back surf village of Huanchaco next door. There are no nonstop flights to Trujillo from the UK, so every UK itinerary routes through Lima before a short domestic hop north. It's a rewarding add-on to any Peru trip, or a destination in its own right for anyone drawn to pre-Inca history and desert-coast scenery.
Best time to fly to Trujillo
Trujillo sits on Peru's arid northern coast, so it stays largely dry and mild all year, unlike the Andes or the Amazon. December to April brings the warmest, sunniest days and is the most popular window for beach time in Huanchaco. May to November is cooler with more cloud cover, similar to (though milder than) Lima's winter greyness, but archaeological sites are just as enjoyable and flights can be better value. Whatever the month, check the When to book chart above for how fares are trending before you commit to dates.
Airlines and routes to Trujillo
No airline currently flies direct from the UK to Lima, so travellers connect via a European or North American hub. Iberia (via Madrid), KLM (via Amsterdam) and Air France (via Paris) all offer one-stop routings to Lima, while American, United and Delta run connections via US gateways such as Miami, Houston or Atlanta. From Lima, LATAM Perú and the low-cost carrier Sky Airline operate the short domestic sector to Trujillo, taking around 1 hour 15 minutes. All told, expect a journey time of roughly 18-22 hours from the UK depending on your connection and layover.
Things to do in Trujillo
Trujillo rewards a few days' exploring, blending Moche and Chimú history with easy coastal charm. Highlights include:
- Chan Chan: the vast adobe capital of the Chimú empire and the largest earthen city in the Americas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside town.
- Huacas del Sol y de la Luna: Moche-era pyramids with vividly preserved polychrome friezes, among Peru's most important archaeological sites.
- Huanchaco: a relaxed fishing and surf village famous for its centuries-old caballitos de totora reed boats and lively beachfront at sunset.
- Trujillo's historic centre: a colourful colonial Plaza de Armas ringed by pastel-hued mansions and a striking cathedral.
- El Brujo archaeological complex: home to the Lady of Cao mummy and further Moche murals, a worthwhile half-day trip from the city.
At Trujillo Airport (TRU)
Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport lies around 13km from Trujillo's city centre, roughly a 15-20 minute drive. Official airport taxis and registered remise cars operate from a counter just outside arrivals, and many hotels can arrange a pre-booked transfer. Ride-hailing apps also work in Trujillo, though it's worth agreeing a fare with airport taxis before setting off, as is standard practice locally.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Trujillo
- Book your Lima-Trujillo domestic leg and long-haul flight together where possible, and aim to secure tickets a couple of months ahead for the best combined fares.
- Flying midweek, rather than Friday to Sunday, often trims the cost of both the international and domestic sectors.
- Stay flexible on your connecting hub - Madrid, Amsterdam, Paris and US gateways can vary noticeably in price depending on the week.
- Compare LATAM and Sky Airline for the Lima-Trujillo hop, and use the price charts on this page to spot genuine dips rather than guessing.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits to Peru; an entry stamp is issued on arrival, though it's worth checking current entry rules before you travel as permitted stay lengths can change. The currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN); cards are widely accepted in central Trujillo and hotels, but it's useful to carry some cash for markets, taxis and smaller cafes. No vaccinations are mandatory for the coastal region, though hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended alongside routine jabs - yellow fever is only relevant if you're continuing on into the Amazon. As with most of coastal Peru, stick to bottled or purified water.