Trujillo's Plaza de Armas is ringed by some of the finest colonial mansions in Peru — ocher, ochre-pink, and cobalt-blue facades hiding baroque altarpieces and Moorish-lace balconies. Add a private demonstration of the marinera norteña — Peru's most elegant national dance — and the city comes completely alive.
What to expect
The drive from Salaverry takes 30 minutes, depositing you at the edge of Trujillo's perfectly preserved colonial grid. Your guide leads you through the Plaza de Armas, where the cathedral's ivory baroque towers frame a central garden of sculpted topiary. You step inside the Palacio Iturregui — one of South America's finest neoclassical interiors — then walk the covered arcades to the Casa de la Emancipación where Peru's northern independence was declared. The session closes with a private marinera demonstration by a local dance couple: the women's swirling white skirts and the men's hat-and-handkerchief courtship ritual are as visually dazzling as any Andean spectacle.
Good to know
Trujillo centre is ~30 min from Salaverry port. The walking tour covers ~2 km of flat colonial streets — comfortable shoes suffice. The Marinera National Festival occurs every January; if your cruise calls then, book months ahead. Confirm church opening hours — the Cathedral closes midday.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Salaverry (Trujillo) — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Salaverry (Trujillo)
- Chan Chan: Private Guided Tour of the World's Largest Adobe City
- Huacas del Sol y de la Luna: Private Expert Tour of the Moche Pyramids
- El Brujo & Lady of Cao: Private Archaeology Tour of Peru's Female Ruler
- Huanchaco: Reed Totora Boat Experience & Ceviche Lunch by the Sea
- Sandboarding the Coastal Dunes: Adrenaline at the Desert's Edge