Huacho is a coastal city located north of Lima, in the Huaura province. Situated in an area once occupied by the Chancay culture. During the colonial era Huacho became a fishing outlet and a port that gained importance as the years passed by, also playing a vital role during the Independence Campaign as a supply point for the rebel navy. Viceroy Pezuela, in response, sent a detachment of troops that destroyed buildings in the city and tortured locals for information. However, José de San Martín arrived in Huacho with his army on november 10th 1820, and after a brief engagement succeeded in routing the loyalists. Oral tradition states that, as a symbol of gratitude to the people of Huacho, that San Martín declared the Independence of Peru in the Huaura Balcony on November 27th of that same year. Huacho is part of the “Norte Chico”, which comprisses the closest cities north of Lima, and is renowned for the salchicha huachana, a sausage with a special color and flavour due to the use of achiote. There are important touristic attractions nearby, such as the National Reserve of Lachay and the Bandurria Archeological Site.