Huanchaco is a laid-back beach town on Peru’s northern coast and the best spot to kick back on your South American backpacking adventure. Famous for its reliable surf and traditional caballitos de totora boats, this destination blends beach life with cultural experiences.
When I first arrived in Huanchaco, I was just looking for some chill beach time and maybe a surf lesson or two. What I found was a coastal town packed with way more to do than I expected. From riding the waves and sampling the freshest ceviche to exploring ancient ruins like Chan Chan and watching fiery sunsets, has something for everyone.
Here’s my travel guide to the best things to do in Huanchaco highlighting how to get there, where to stay and the best time to visit.
Huanchaco Beach
Best Things To Do in Huanchaco
Surf the Waves
Huanchaco has steady waves that work for all skill levels and is one of the top things to do in Huanchaco. The beach break has easy-going waves for beginners and tougher ones for more experienced surfers all hitting the waves together.
As a surfing newbie, I needed a good surf school to get started with a relaxed vibe. Huanchaco has plenty of options, with lessons for everyone from beginners to pros, and both private and group sessions. I went with Muchik Surfing School, and their beginner-friendly instruction really helped me get going. Just be ready to put in some effort and embrace the falls—there’ll be quite a few!
Ride the Traditional Reed boats
Caballitos de totora are traditional reed boats used by fishermen in Huanchaco for over 3,000 years. They’re named after their horse-like shape and are a huge part of local culture. You can see them lined up on the beach and even take tours to learn about their history, and maybe try riding one and fishing!
Fisherman and his Caballitos de totora
Eat like a local in Huanchaco
Huanchaco is famous for ceviche, Peru’s national dish. The ceviche here is simply awesome, with fresh fish marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, coriander, and chilli peppers. There’s also ceviche de conchas negras, which features black clams with a distinctive flavour. If you’re up for a mix, ceviche mixto combines fish, shrimp, and calamari.
For street food, you can munch on anticuchos, which are skewers of marinated beef heart seared over the grill, a dish that dates back to the pre-Columbian era. Causa rellena is another must-try—mashed yellow potatoes seasoned with lime and chilli, layered with fillings like tuna or chicken.
Don’t miss out on tasty picarones, sweet potato fritters that are so delicious they’ll leave you full but still craving more. And if you’re looking for something refreshing, chicha morada, a Peruvian drink made from purple corn and spices, is a great choice.
Watch the sunsets
Watching the sunset in Huanchaco is a mesmerising experience. As the sun sinks below the horizon, it casts a golden glow over the beach, shimmering across the ocean. The silhouettes of surfers catching the final waves enhance the tranquil ambience.
Some suggest watching the sunset by the pier in Huanchaco, but honestly, you can enjoy it from anywhere along the promenade, whether sitting on the wall or settling in at Instabar—though the music there was anything but relaxed!
Sunset on Huanchaco Beach
Take a photo by the Huanchaco sign
I thought I had taken a photo by the Huanchaco sign, but looking back, I realised I snapped this after an overnight bus ride while waiting for my hostel bed to be ready. I wasn’t feeling my best, so I didn’t think I should be in the photo. Hope you do a better job when you visit Huanchaco!
Huanchaco Sign
Visit the Chan Chan ruins
The Chan Chan archaeological site, located between Huanchaco and Trujillo, is the largest adobe city in the world and a remarkable remnant of the Chimú civilisation. Dating back to around 850 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage site covers approximately 20 square kilometres. The city was the capital of the Chimú Empire and is known for its intricate adobe architecture, including a large ceremonial plaza, storerooms, and temples adorned with detailed carvings and friezes depicting marine life and geometric patterns.
Hiring a guide at Chan Chan is well worth the investment, as they provide valuable insights into the pre-Columbian history and highlight the advanced urban planning and artistry of the Chimú people.
How to get to Chan Chan from Huanchaco
- Take any bus from Huanchaco for 2.50 soles per person. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Chan Chan sign, and best to sit at the front in case it slips his mind. Walk approximately 500 metres to reach the entrance.
- For the museum walk back to the main road and walk about 500m towards Trujillo.
- To visit Huaca Esmeralda and Huaca Arco Iris, ask how to get the bus or take taxis if you want to go there.
The entrance fee for Chan Chan is 10 soles, and the guides will be waiting at the entrance for an extra fee (40-60 soles per group) so it’s best to go with others to share the cost. The ticket includes Huaca Esmeralda and Huaca Arco Iris which are small sites in Trujillo. Alternatively, book a group tour to visit Chan Chan, some will include other sites in the itinerary.
Explore Las Huacas del Sol y de la Luna
Las Huacas del Sol y de la Luna, located south of Trujillo, are two significant pyramids that face each other and were built by the Moche civilisation between 100 and 800 AD. Also known as the Huacas del Moche, this excursion is one of the best things to do in Huanchaco!
The Huaca del Sol (Temple of the Sun), the larger of the two, served as a political and administrative centre, while the Huaca de la Luna Temple of the Moon) was a religious and ceremonial site. The latter is especially famous for its well-preserved, vibrant murals depicting Moche deities and rituals. Excavations have revealed intricate artwork, pottery, and evidence of human sacrifices depicting the religious and social practices of the Moche.
How to get to Huacas del Sol y de la Luna from Huanchaco
- Take bus H (without the heart symbol) for 2.50 soles per person. Ask the driver to drop you at the Ovalo Grau roundabout (“para ir a las huacas de Moche”) and try to sit at the front so they don’t forget you.
- Get off at Ovalo Grau and wait for a white combi (van) that says ‘Huacas de Moche’ for 2.50 soles. This will take you to the site.
- On the way back, the combi van can drop you close to the centre of Trujillo, where you can switch to a van back to Huanchaco. Or you can walk through the centre first.
The cost to enter Huacas del Sol y de la Luna is 10 soles. However, to make life simple you may wish to explore the guided tours of Huacas del Moche. Most of them go from Trujillo, but there are some budget tours and full-day tours that include Chan Chan.
Try Sandboarding near Trujillo
If surfing the waves feels a bit too intense, you might want to try sandboarding near Trujillo instead. Unfortunately, I only discovered this after I left so I thought I’d give you the heads up. Luckily, I got to experience sandboarding in Huacachina.
Sandboarding is a 2.5-hour excursion that offers an exhilarating adventure on the golden dunes above the town of Conache. Just a short drive from Trujillo, these expansive dunes provide the perfect setting for both beginners and thrill-seekers to carve down the slopes while soaking in astonishing lagoon views.
|| Book your Conache sandboarding experience
How To Reach Huanchaco
Most travellers heading to Huanchaco will first take a bus to Trujillo. From there, you can catch a local bus or taxi to Huanchaco. Here are some handy tips to help you plan your journey to Huanchaco.
How to get from Lima to Trujillo
- Bus Companies: Cruz del Sur, Soyuz, and Oltursa offer comfortable services to Trujillo from Lima.
- Duration: The journey takes around 8-10 hours.
- Booking: Due to the size of Lima, it’s best to book your ticket online with redBus Peru, or through the bus company’s website.
How to get from Mancora to Trujillo
- Bus Companies: Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, ITTSA Bus, EPPO and Soyuz operate long-distance buses between Mancora and Trujillo.
- Duration: The journey takes around 10-12 hours.
- Booking: Purchase tickets at the bus terminal in Mancora on the main street or online with redBus Peru, or through the bus company’s website.
How to get from Trujillo to Huanchaco
- Take a taxi: This is the easy option and takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Take a bus: There are many bus stations in Trujillo so the options are different for each. However, buses run from 5 am to 9 pm so best to have this in mind when planning your travel.
- For Terrapuerto / Terminal Terrestre, the nearest bus (2km away) passes the roundabout Grau (Ovalo Grau) which will involve getting a taxi there.
- For individual bus terminals for Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, CIVA, Emtrafesa, ITTSA, Línea and TRC Express a public bus to Huanchaco will pass by at less than a block away.
My journey from Mancora to Huanchaco
- Bus with EPPO from Mancora to Los Organos – Cost 3 Soles – It was a basic bus, but the journey was only 30 minutes. Tuk-tuk to accommodation on the outskirts of town for 6 Soles.
- Bus with ITTSA Bus from Los Organos to Trujillo – Cost 110 Soles – A top-quality overnight bus with very comfortable seats, with a 9-hour journey time. The ticket was booked on the redbus website.
- Trujillo to Huanchaco – After dealing with a snoring man on the overnight bus, I didn’t have the energy to figure out the bus routes, so I took a taxi for 20 soles instead.
Where To Stay In Huanchaco and Trujillo
Should I stay Huanchaco or Trujillo?
Choosing between staying in Huanchaco or Trujillo depends on what you’re looking for. If you prefer a laid-back beach vibe with easy access to surfing, fresh seafood, and a relaxed atmosphere, Huanchaco is ideal. It’s perfect for those who want to unwind by the ocean and enjoy a slower pace.
On the other hand, Trujillo offers a more urban experience with colonial architecture, museums, and local culture. Staying in Trujillo is convenient if you plan to explore historical sites like Chan Chan or Las Huacas del Sol y de la Luna, and it offers more dining and shopping options.
I decided to stay in Huanchaco after chatting with several backpackers in the hostels of Riobamba and Cuenca who were travelling in the opposite direction. Once I arrived, I knew I’d made the right choice. I was craving some beachy vibes before heading back into the mountains, and Huanchaco delivered exactly what I needed.
Where To Stay In Huanchaco
In Huanchaco, you’ll find a variety of places to stay, from budget-friendly hostels popular with surfers and backpackers to mid-range hotels and guesthouses with ocean views.
ATMA Hostel & Yoga was one of my favourite hostels on my travels. It has a cute courtyard with hammocks, chillout areas, a well-equipped kitchen, and the yoga classes are amazing! | Compare Prices on Booking.com and HostelWorld
Punta Huanchaco Hostel offers adults-only accommodation with a shared lounge, a terrace and water sports facilities | Compare Prices on Booking.com and HostelWorld
Where To Stay In Trujillo
Trujillo offers a range of accommodations, from budget hostels in the lively city centre to mid-range and boutique hotels near colonial landmarks. There are also modern hotels close to shopping areas and the bus terminal for added convenience.
Yacta Hostel is close to the main square in Trujillo offering dorms and rooms. It has a rooftop terrace with a bar and lounge areas as well as a fully equipped kitchen | Compare Prices on Booking.com and HostelWorld
Tierra Viva Trujillo is a top-rated 4-star hotel if you decide to stay in Trujillo. With air-conditioned rooms and a private bathroom, the accommodation has a bar and breakfast included. | Check Prices on Booking.com
FAQs For Visiting Huanchaco
Is Huanchaco worth a visit?
Totally! Huanchaco is worth a visit for sure. It’s got awesome beaches, great surf spots, tasty seafood, and a chill vibe. Plus, the sunsets are amazing and there’s cool local culture to soak up. Perfect for a laid-back break on your South American adventure.
What is the best time to visit Huanchaco?
The best time to visit Huanchaco is from December to March. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beach days and surfing. If you prefer a quieter time, visit in the shoulder seasons around April or November.
Huanchaco is a popular getaway for locals from Trujillo seeking a beach escape. It tends to be quieter during the week, while weekends and public holidays can get quite busy.
How much time should you spend in Huanchaco?
Spending around 3 to 4 days in Huanchaco is ideal. You’ll have enough time to chill on the beach, try some surf lessons, enjoy fresh seafood, and explore the ruins. If you’re really into surfing or just want some extra downtime, staying longer is a great option too. I met some people at my hostel who had been there for 6 months—they really got hooked on the beach life!
Where to go after Huanchaco?
If you are heading north of Huanchaco, you may wish to spend time in Organos or Mancora before heading to Cuenca to explore the wonderful country of Ecuador including Riobamba to hike Chimborazo, Baños for outdoor adventures, the captial of Quito and the Galapagos!
If you working your way down Peru, there are so many exciting options on the backpackers trail. Consider Huaraz, Lima and Huacachina.
Handy Links for Huanchaco
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