Every year the ruins of the La Libertad department are admired by thousands of visitors. Trujillo's beautiful Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, Seminary, House of Culture and the theaters are symbols of the Spanish culture.

Trujillo Basic Facts
Area or Surface: 24,795 km².

Main Resources: It is the first sugar cane producer and the second in rice production in Peru.

Population: 1,333,000 inhabitants. The capital is Trujillo and has 247,028 inhabitants.

Number of Provinces and Districts: 12 provinces and 80 districts.

Date of Department Foundation: February 12th, 1821.

Typical Foods: causa en lapa, cecina.

Fauna: wild ducks, coastal birds and fishes.

Flora: Medicinal herbs such as matico, limoncillo, salvia, and eucalyptus are grown here.

Weather: The average temperature is 18° C (64° F). The rainy season is from June to August.

History
In ancient times (10,000 B.C.) the valleys of Trujillo and its surroundings were popular for hunting and harpooning fish. The farmers and seafood gatherers in this area learned to build temples and irrigation systems, such as the one at Alto Salaverry.

The Cupisnique culture represents the time of greatest development for Trujillo. During this period, the people of this area made beautiful ceramics, which can be seen in the Huaca de los Reyes and Valle de Moche temples. After the Cupisnique culture, the Moche culture became prominent. Examples of this culture can be found in the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de La Luna. The Moche culture encountered problems following the Wari conquest and after the 11th century a new culture called the Chimú came into play.

Their impressive capital was called "Chan Chan". Considered as the largest clay city in America before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Chimú Kingdom, became a great empire dominating the land from Tumbes to Supe. It was the largest empire on the coast before the Inca domination. The Inca Pachacútec and his son Túpac Yupanqui invaded the kingdom. The Chimús surrendered, but the invaders who became their allies respected them. The Chimús were skilled goldsmiths and they influenced the art of the Incas. The Inca domination only lasted 100 years, after which the Spaniards conquered them.

Diego de Almagro founded the department capital of Trujillo in 1534. It is located close to the Pre-Columbian city of Chan-Chan. During the Colonial period it became a resting place for nobility and hacienda owners. During the War of Independence, Trujillo took the site of the patriots. In 1820, when the news of the landing of San Martín spread, it proclaimed independence.

During the war with Chile, the last battle took place at Huamachuco. In 1932, under the Presidency of General Luis Sánchez Cerro, a revolutionary uprise took place conducted by civilians from the haciendas and the valleys surrounding Trujillo.

Currently La Libertad is one of the most developed departments in the northern part of the country.

Tourism
Every year the ruins of the La Libertad department are admired by thousands of visitors. Trujillo's beautiful Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, Seminary, House of Culture and the theaters are symbols of the Spanish culture. The archaeological and colonial ruins include: Chan-Chan, the Huacas del Sol and La Luna, the Huaca del Dragón, Pacatnamú, Marcahuamachuco and Wiracochapampa.

The capital is Trujillo and serves as an economical and cultural center. Tourists can visit the city sites, as well as its beaches. In September, Trujillo becomes the "World Capital of Spring". The most general expression of northern people is "The Marinera", a typical dance. In Trujillo, the most important competitions of that dance are performed.

Only 12 km from Huamachuco is the the Sausacocha lagoon, which is another tourist attraction.