With three days you can see both the best of the city and also get some great time relaxing on the beach. I recommend staying in Huanchaco and visiting Trujillo. I stayed at Hotel Bracamonte and highly recommend it.

I recommend doing archeological sites in the morning when you’re likely to get a marine layer of clouds to protect you from the harsh sun, and then spend the afternoons at the beach.

Day 1: Huanchaco

Go to the beach early to see the fishermen coming back with the catch of the day. They all use Caballito de Totora and it’s a sight to see them surfing back to the beach. Check out the surf schools and either set up a lesson to learn how to surf or rent a board if you’re already a surfer.

Day 2: Huaca de la Luna

Go to Huaca de la Luna in the morning, which is on the far side of Trujillo from Huanchaco. It’s easier to take a taxi than the bus. Visit both the archeological site and museum, then have lunch in Trujillo. Walk from the Plaza Mayor along Jirón Francisco Pizarro to the old city gate and then visit the archeological museum. Go back to Huanchaco for sunset at the beach and dinner.

Day 3: Chan Chan