Wotae: 18.09.2016
Thanks to the great tip from the two Austrian girls, we headed to Huanchacco after our hikes in Huaraz with the plan to relax by the sea for 3 days. After an amazing 8-hour bus ride through the Andes and along the Pan-American Highway by the Pacific Ocean, we reached Trujillo, the second largest city in Peru, from where we continued to Huanchacco (about a 20-minute drive). There, we were welcomed by Juan, Tato, and Gaffi the dog at Tato's House. The two guys run the beautiful hostel, which is located just a minute from the beach. There is a courtyard to relax, two kitchens, and a rooftop terrace. On the first evening, we decided that we wouldn't just stay for three days. We had the hostel to ourselves for the first five days, relaxing on the beach, indulging in seafood, amazing burgers, Lomo Saltado, and delicious cakes and cookies from the bakeries. We had beers and met many cool people. The place invites you to relax and have a chat, but a bit of culture is also a must. We went to Chan Chan and Huaca de la Sol y la Luna (you can find the detailed report about it further down in the blog). On the fifth day, we gathered our courage and went surfing. Max, the natural talent, was already riding almost every wave in his first surfing class. Marius also did a great job. All in all, it was a really fun and exciting experience and we will definitely do it again on our further travels. During our last four days in Huanchacco, the hostel filled up and Cedrick, May, and Kelsy joined us, with whom we did a lot in the last four days (drinking beer, playing cards, and most importantly, eating a lot). Nathalie from Germany also joined us, who is a teacher and was also a trainee teacher at our high school (the world is so small!). After 11 relaxing days, we leave Huanchacco with mixed feelings, as we head towards the jungle with a stopover in Chachapoyas, which is only an 18-hour bus ride away. But before departure, we go to Fresh from the Scratch, a restaurant run by a man named Alex, who is half Chilean and half Italian and has lived and cooked all over the world. We ate there for the last four days. He makes everything himself, from the dough to the sauces and dips. As a result, his burritos, quesadillas, and pizzas taste amazing. (Damn, we already miss the good and cheap food in Huanchacco)
It was an amazing (and affordable) time in Huanchacco and when we return to Peru, we will definitely visit again. It was awesome!
Regards, Marius and Max