Peru: Trujillo

Trujillo is Peru’s third-largest city with the population around 900,000), located in the La Libertad region about 560 km (348 miles) north-northwest of Lima, right on the Pacific coast in a desert valley. Founded in 1534 by Spanish conquistador Diego de Almagro , it’s Peru’s second-oldest colonial city. The historic center boasts Plaza de Armas with ornate churches like the Cathedral of Trujillo built in 1648 and colorful mansions. Not far is the Casa de la Emancipación – the house where Trujillo declared independence from Spain in 1820—the first city in Peru to do so. Also on the main square is Municipalidad de Trujillo aka City Hall, a historic pink mansion. Finally not to be missed is the Palacio Arzobispal aka Archbishop’s Palace and several really beautiful mentions – turquoise Casa Calonge, baroque-facade Casa Ganoza Chopite, and Casa Bracamonte. And of course the Freedom Monument in the square’s center.