The Beach Town of Huanchaco, Peru, Huanchaco, Peru

When I hear the name “Peru”, I don’t normally think about beaches. Like most people, I think mountains and the Inca Trail. But when you remember that Peru is on the edge of South America and therefore has a long coast line, you realize that of course there are beaches!

Northern Peru has a number of “beach towns” from which to choose. As my sister and I were coming from Chiclayo and were heading towards Lima, it made the most sense to check out Huanchaco, rather than heading further north towards the more popular Mancora.

Huanchaco is popular in its own right, famous for being the probable birthplace of surfing. It lies near the city of Trujillo, making it a perfect tranquil base for exploring the region. The beach here is not the prettiest but it is pleasant enough by which to pass the time when not sightseeing. The pace of life here is slow, especially if you visit during the shoulder or off season like we did. If you ever wanted to get a feel for the “beach bum” lifestyle, this is a place in which to do so! ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).