Trujillo, Peru

Trujillo is a city of northwestern Peru; it is the capital of the La Libertad Region.

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History

Trujillo was founded in 1534 by Diego de Almagro under the name of "Villa Trujillo" in honour of Francisco Pizarro's birthplace, Trujillo in Extremadura, Spain.

Climate

This city has a dry climate with an average temperature of 18 degrees Celsius and in the summer temperatures reach 28 °C. Between June and August the surrounding landscape is refreshed by light rain, and for that reason Trujillo is known as the "City of Eternal Spring". The International Spring Festival in early October brings visitors to the city from all over Peru.

Population

The population is estimated at 652,000 (2004), placing it as the third largest city in Peru behind Lima and Arequipa.

Economy

Trujillo is an inland commercial and transportation center for the surrounding farming areas. In 1800, extensive irrigated agriculture caused Trujillo to greatly expand, especially fueled by the sugarcane industry. Today asparagus, rice and shoes are its main products. Among the internationally known products of Trujillo nowadays, one finds asparagus which are exported to neighbouring countries, Europe and the United States. The areas around Trujillo may be the largest exporters of white asparagus in the world. In the ambit of asparagus exports, due mainly to nearby production, Peru occupies the second place in terms of production quantity, being responsible for 14% of world production, China being first. Peru has maintained quality standards for longer though. Shoe production is another major industry in the city.

Tourism

Tourism has gained ground in Trujillo due to its closeness to important sites where Moche and Chimu civilizations evolved. Trujillo aspires to be considered a World Heritage site, because of the proximity of both those cultures and its historical colonial city centre whose 'Casas Antiguas' attract many visitors. Nearby ruins include the Chimu mud city of Chan Chan, the Moche ruins of Huaca del Sol, Huaca de la Luna, and El Brujo. The world famous beach Huanchaco is located just north of Trujillo. In addition, the revolutionary leader Simon Bolivar lived in a house on the Plaza de Armas.

Miscellaneous

Trujillo is home to the University of Trujillo (UNT), founded in 1824. The University has an excellent archaeological museum. The city is also host to a large English school called El Cultural, which highlights the understanding of American culture.

External links

Categories: Cities in Peru