Huanchaco is the beach town that Trujillo doesn't quite have itself — a low-key resort village about 12 kilometres northwest of the city centre, popular with Trujillanos on weekends and with surfers who come for the consistent left-hand reef break. The beach is long and grey-sand, backed by a colonial church on a hill above the malecon.
The main draw, beyond the beach, is the caballitos de totora — ancient reed fishing boats that have been in use here for over 3,000 years. Fishermen still build and ride them in the traditional way; you can watch them early in the morning. Several operators along the beach offer surfing lessons, and the town has a relaxed strip of cevicherías and seafood restaurants along the waterfront.
From Trujillo, take a combi or taxi northwest along the coast road; it's a 20-minute drive.