HUANCHACO
CITY
Huanchaco is a picturesque and historic seaside resort located approximately 12 km northwest of Trujillo, the capital of the La Libertad Department in northern Peru. It is situated within the Moche Valley, an area rich in archaeological remains from the pre-Columbian Moche and Chimú civilizations.
Ancient Heritage : The city is world-famous for being one of the ancestral cradles of wave-riding . Its cultural identity is inseparable from the "caballito de totora," a reed boat used by fishermen for over 3,500 years. These traditional rafts, still in use today, symbolize the community's deep and uninterrupted connection with the ocean, being a living testament to the oldest way of gliding on the waves.
Coastal Geography: Huanchaco 's coastline is dominated by a long jetty and a rocky point (La Punta), which creates the famous left-hand wave (point break). The city benefits from a climate that allows surfing year-round.
Cultural and Religious Attractions : Beyond its coastal heritage, Huanchaco is home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Candelaria del Socorro, built on a Chimú huaca in 1540. This is considered the first Marian sanctuary in South America and is a point of great religious and historical significance, having been honored by figures such as Simón Bolívar and San Martín. This unique combination of history, faith, and the tradition of wave-riding defines the essence of the city.
