CULTURE
The first evidence of settlements in the region date from 11.000 BC. The Mochica and Chimú culture populated Pacasmayo area, leaving a big legacy behind, like some unique pyramids in the Jequetepeque Valley that you can visit, the textile and ceramic traditions and their knowledge for developing towns, like Pakatnamú. There is also a big connection with the ocean. In some beaches you can find and even try the ancient “Caballitos de Totora”. They are reed watercraft used by fishermen in Peru for the past 3000 years, archaeologically evidenced from pottery shards. Close to Pacasmayo, in the port town of Huanchaco, fishermen still use these vessels riding the waves back to shore, suggesting some of the first forms of wave riding. The Peruvian cuisine is considered the most varied cuisine in the world. The Peruvian gastronomy reflects the miscegenation that has shaped Peruvian culture over the centuries. There are pre-Columbian cultures added to the Spanish cuisine, the culinary customs of African culture, influenced by Amazonian, Creole, Andean, French, Cantonese, Japanese and Italian gastronomy. In Pacasmayo there are a lot of little restaurants with a big choice of delicious meals for a very good price. Just be careful with the water/salads and eggs. A must try is Ceviche and Pisco Sour (It has raw egg, but you can ask to get it without).
PACASMAYO
Arriving in Pacasmayo, the first thing I did was check the wave of course! It was way longer than I had imagined and with lines stretched all the way to the horizon. The beach was long with sandy cliffs like a desert and there was a long pier in the middle of the bay filled with fishing boats. The air was kind of foggy and the scenery was picturesque. The streets were busy and colourful, it looked messy but nice. Friendly faces, and pimped out moto-taxis were moving all around.The promenade (“Malecón”) along the beach was pleasant with nice cafes and little shops. Some of the streets are so interesting! There are fruit markets, big supermarkets, pharmacy, restaurants and shops. You can find everything in the village. Before I arrived, I was told that the village was far from the resort or the place where you launch to windsurf. But it’s just a 10 minute walk or 2 minutes by moto taxi! So don’t think that you will be isolated. Everything you need is right there.
