The proximity of some ruins invites the visitor to marvel at the development of the pre-Inca cultures that occupied the region. These ruins have provided us with most of the famous ceramics with face motives of the Mochica civilization and part of the Chimu jewellery collections.

Trujillo is also the capital of the traditional dances called 'Marinera', 'Tondero' and the 'Resbalosa'. These dances of very precise rhythms are the result of the direct cultural influence derived from Africa, which arrived to Peru through the African slaves and the influence of Spanish dances.

Founded before Lima (1534), the name of Trujillo was given by the conquistador Diego de Almagro in homage to Pizarro, who was born in Trujillo, Spain.

Seven kilometres from the city is the ancestral labyrinthine city of Chan Chan, capital of the Chimus, with the particularity of being the largest city in the world constructed in clay.

Trujillo possesses different Casonas Coloniais (colonial mansions) with their beautiful balconies and courtyards.

Other ruins of interest include the Huaca (templo) Esmeralda and the Huacas del Sol y Luna.