Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [282]
Café Bar Museo (29-7200; cnr Junín & Independencia; mains S10-21; 7:30am-midnight) This locals’ favorite shouldn’t be a secret. The tall, wood-paneled walls covered in artsy posters and classic marble-top bar feels like a cross between an English pub and a Left Bank cafe. A big drinks and dessert menu make this a great place to sit with friends and share something sweet.
Restaurant Romano (25-2251; Pizarro 747; mains S10-25; 7am-midnight) This place has been around since 1951, so you know these guys have been doing something right. Whipping up a decent espresso, as well as breakfast, snacks and meals all day, the Romano is one of the most popular eateries in town. Expect meaty and meatless sandwiches, desserts and a mainly Peruvian menu.
Restaurant Demarco (23-4251; Pizarro 725; mains S10-25; 7:30am-11pm) Although this small bistro specializes in Italian food and crispy crust pizzas – if you read Italian, so much the better for deciphering the extensive menu – they have mouth-watering chupe de camarones, a seafood stew of jumbo shrimp simmering in a buttery broth with hints of garlic, cumin and oregano. The desserts are excellent, from classic tiramisu to mile-high tres leches (a spongy cake made with evaporated milk).
El Mochica (29-3441; Bolívar 462; mains S10-28; noon-10pm) Industrially hygienic and scattered with bits of art to take the edge off, this place has a variety of midpriced steaks and seafood, as well as cheaper local dishes. There’s a snug salón de té (tea room) next door.
El Valentino (24-6643, 29-5339; Orbegoso 224; mains S15-30; 5pm-1am) This popular place is currently the best Italian restaurant in town. Pasta and meat dishes are on the menu.
El Uruguayo (28-3369; América Sur 2219; meals S15-30; 6:30pm-1am) Vegetarians might want to make a wide berth around this place. Located a S3 taxi ride south of town, little El Uruguayo serves up delicious barbecued meat to a nightly crowd of salivating in-the-know patrons. A massive sizzling plate of mixed meats (Argentinean steak, chicken, chorizo, beef heart, plus a few surprises), salad and fries – enough for two to three people – will set you back S30. Dig in.
Supermercado Merpisa (Pizarro 700; 9:15am-1:15pm & 4:30-9pm) is good for self-catering.
Drinking & Entertainment
Trujillo’s local newspaper La Industria is the best source for information about local entertainment, cultural exhibitions and other events.
Mecano Bar (20-1652; www.mecanobarperu.com; Gamarra 574; admission S20; 9pm-late) This is the current top spot to see and be seen in Trujillo. Sway your hips to salsa, reggae and techno alongside a mix of well-to-do Peruvians and expats. It’s very busy on weekends.
Restaurante Turístico Canana (23-2503, 23 1482; San Martín 791; admission S10; 5pm-late) Although this place is open every night and serves good Peruvian coastal food (mains S15 to S35), late Thursday to Saturday is the time to go. Local musicians and dancers perform, starting at around 11pm, and the audience joins in.
Tributo Bar (29-4546; cnr Pizarro & Almagro; 9pm-late) This pleasant bar on the corner of the plaza is great for a quiet tipple and a chat with your friends. It attracts a younger, livelier crowd on weekends, when there is live music.
Getting There & Away
AIR
The airport (code TRU; 46-4013) is 10km northwest of town. There’s a departure tax of S11.
LAN (80-11-1234; Almagro 490) has three daily flights leaving Lima for Trujillo – at 7am, 3pm and 8:35pm – and returning from Trujillo to Lima– at 6:45am, 6:45pm, and 10:15pm.
BUS
Buses often leave Trujillo full, so booking a little earlier is advised. Several companies that go to southern destinations have terminals on the Panamericana Sur, the southern extension of Moche, and Ejercito; check where your bus actually leaves from when buying a ticket.
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