CHICLAYO.

com
Tourism, Travel, & Information Guide to the
City of Chiclayo, Peru and Surrounding Region.
Introduction to Chiclayo:
Peru's fourth largest city, Chiclayo is the capital of the Lambayeque region located on the northern
coastal plain of Peru. It is 95 feet above sea level. As of 2005, the city population was approximately
546,054 inhabitants, with the surrounding metropolitan area being 910,255 persons.
A sunny and warm climate with fresh ocean breezes embraces a geography including impressive
mountains and expansive beautiful beaches with spectacular waves, (quite popular with surfers).
It is a land of legendary ancient civilizations and a wealthy colonial society reflected in its majestic and
traditional constructions...
The city of Chiclayo is well known for its beautiful colonial architecture, delicious seafood specialties, and
natural medicines, although it is the surrounding area's impressive archeological sites and ruins which
undoubtedly brings the most tourism interest.

Trivia & Quick Points:

Chiclayo and surrounding region are probably most well known for their archaeological sites and
treasures, such as Sipan, Tcume, Batn Grande and Huaca Rajada.
The most significant of these archeological discoveries is the tomb of the Seor de Sipnin which the amount of treasure found there rivals that found in the tomb of King Tut.
The surrounding Lambayeque region of northern Peru includes expansive beaches with excellent
waves and has become quite a popular (yet relatively unexploited) surfing destination.
The thriving marketplace commonly known as the Mercado Modelo features all kinds of shoppingfrom appliances and clothing to an impressive array of fascinating natural medicines and herbal
remedies concocted from the area's many local shamans and healers.
Facts & Information:
History
Chiclayo was founded in 1560 as a rural Indian village by a Spanish priest. Until the 19th century,
Chiclayo remained a small town in comparison to the nearby city of Lambayeque. Since then, however,
the city of Chiclayo has grown into a major modern metropolis.
The Lambayeque region of Peru, in which Chiclayo lies on the coast, gave rise to the great Mochica
culture from 0-600 AD. Legend has it that the god Naylamp sailed here together with a vast retinue
thousands of years ago to found his empire.
In fact, many ancient civilizations saw the strategic advantage of controlling this region, which today is a
major business hub in northern Peru, where trading routes come together from the coast, highlands and
jungle.
Archeology
Chiclayo and other towns in northern Peru are centres of witchcraft and well known for their
archaeological sites, such as Tcume, Batn Grande and Huaca Rajada. In 1987, in Huaca Rajada (more
often referred to as Sipn), an exceptional Moche mausoleum was found.
In fact, a total of four tombs have been found in Sipan's Huaca Rajada. The huaca is a mausoleum built
by the Moche culture that ruled the northern coast of Peru from the time of Christ to 700 AD, centuries
prior to the Incas.
The Lord of Sipan
The most significant archeological discovery in the region was the tomb of the Seor de Sipn,
discovered close to the coast, in the middle of Lambayeque Valley, just 35 kms. east of Chiclayo. The
Seor de Sipn, or "Lord of Sipan" wore funeral clothes adorned with gold, silver and jewels.
Dubbed The Golden Wonder by Times magazine, National Geographic published an article named
Discovering the Richest Tomb in the New World in its 1988 edition. The amount of treasure found in the
tomb rivals that found in the tomb of King Tut.
Still shrouded in mystery, archaeologists have ascertained that the Lord of Sipan was a royal ruler 1600
years ago and that he was about 30 to 40 years old when he died, however, his precise identity and
cause of death remain unknown.
For those interested, the priceless funeral artifacts unearthed from the tomb can be viewed at the
Brning Museum in Lambayeque,11km (87 miles) north of Chiclayo, whose Gold Room houses one of the

finest collections of gold relics in the Americas.

In summary, these discoveries at Sipan represent, without a doubt, one of the most important
archaeological findings of recent times, and the collection has traveled throughout the world in a series
of impressive expos in Europe, the USA and Japan.
Other Archeological sites
While Sipan is indeed impressive, there are other archeological attractions in the area as well...
One major complex worth exploring is that of Tcume, also known as the Valley of the Pyramids, as there
are 26 of them. There, visitors can take in remarkable archaeological sites and the natural landscape, as
well as experiencing folk healing and other aspects of the fascinating culture and history that permeates
the area. The preservation of the area's natural and cultural heritage can be directly attributed to the
active participation of the community.
Agriculture/ Economy
The main agricultural products of the area are rice, sugar cane and cotton, which are grown in the many
fertile valleys that surround the urban areas. Until Peru's economic decline in 1976, the port of Pimentel
served as Chiclayo's main export line; sugar refined in Pomalca passed through Chiclayo by train and was
exported to various destinations along the Pacific Rim. With the socialization of agriculture and
subsequent demise of the Peruvian economy, however, Chiclayo ceased to export by sea- due in part to
the shutting down of the regions only two railroads in 1975 because of their inability to compete with
transport using paved roads.
Although the economy suffered for a while in the late 70's, all economic prosperity was not lost to the
region... As fate (and technology) would have it, the same road that took away the railroad (and export)
business, the Panamerican Highway constructed in the 1920s, began to play a new key role in filling the
export gap of the region due to its easy access and connections between the mountain passes that allow
access to the jungle and the sugar cooperatives of the valleys.
Travel & Tourism:
Chiclayo Peru is one of northern Peru's more interesting cities, and its close proximity to other
interesting northern coastal cities as well as its plethora of intriguing ruins, scenic countryside, and
vibrant culture makes traveling in the area a rich and exciting experience. Undoubtedly, it is the
archeological ruins in the area that draw the most tourism interest.
Highlights & Features of the City
Downtown Chiclayo...
features a thriving marketplace commonly known as the Mercado Modelo. Here, shoppers can purchase
appliances and clothing as well as many natural medicines and herbal remedies, such as the famous ua
de gato (Cat's Claw) in its raw fibrous bark form (suitable for brewing as a tea), and a myriad of other
interesting products from the area's local shamans and healers.
The Mercado is located just 5 blocks from the Parque Principal (Plaza de Armas), and is open daily from
sun-up to sun-down.
What to Do & See
In addition to its archeological wonders and shopping opportunities, the city of Chiclayo boasts some of
the finest cooking to be had in northern Peru! (some local specialties include arroz con pato (duck served
with rice) and the local variation of ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon juice).
Other Chiclayo social scenes include partying at the local private casino club and relaxing (music, poetry,
etc.) in the impressive Paseo de la Musas, which features elegant statues of traditional Greek Muses in a
grassy park-like setting.

(According to the Project Director Metropolitan "Chiclayo 2020", there are many future plans to expand
and integrate the central nucleus of the city with its surrounding districts.)
Celebrations/ Events
Celebrations are popular in Peru and the city and region of Chiclayo are no exception... Some good ones
to attend are:
The festival of Santsima Cruz de Chalpn in February: (considered summer in the Southern
Hemisphere), celebrated in the city of Chiclayo, is always a crowd pleaser.
The Holy Cross of Motupe Pilgrimage: Annually celebrated in early August in the nearby towns of
Chalpn and Motupe. The event features an emotive pilgrimage (Santisima Cruz de Motupe) in honour of
the local patron saint, and has since become the most important religious celebration in the Lambayeque
region.
The celebration takes place over a period of days... On August 2nd, the parish priest and a group of
faithful followers begin the pilgrimage to the hill of Chalpn, 10km away. The following day the pilgrims
climb the hill to the cave that houses the holy cross and celebrate with a mass, before carrying the cross
down the hill and slowly returning to the church in Motupe, arriving on 4 August via the small hamlets of
El Salitral, El Zapote y Guayaquil.
The main day of the festival is August 5th, where 'castles' of fireworks go off in the main square and

bands play music till the wee hours. The pilgrimage offers a great opportunity to witness the mix of
Indian and Christian customs incorporated into local religious ceremonies.
Surrounding Area
Monsef is a nearby town that provides Chiclayo with most of the handcrafts artifacts and fireworks that
are for sale in the "Mercado Modelo". (This term translates to "Model Market." Many large towns have a
"Modelo," because it was meant to be used as a modern model market inspired in european central
markets).
Another interesting place to visit is the nearby town of Pimentel, a modern beach resort which provides
good opportunities for water sports such as surfing. There, one can also watch how the local fishermen
still manage the waves with the caballitos de totora, the reed rafts that have been used along the north
coast for thousands of years.
Surfing the Northern Coast
According to the adventure travel company Destination 360:"Surfing in Peru is on the rise in terms of
popularity, but its roots start with the countrys first civilizations. As coastal Peruvian empires rose along
the shore, they surely depended on the sea for food. Reed boat fisherman would return to land by riding
the waves in ceremonial fashion.
Times certainly have changed, and now Peru surfing, which can be enjoyed year round, is enjoyed on
modern boards instead of small reed boats.
If you are an experienced surfer, you will undoubtedly enjoy the world-class Peru surfing found on its
northern coast, and beginners can find lessons and surf tours that will have them up and riding in no
time."
Where to Stay
Because Chiclayo is one of Peru's larger cities, there are a good number of different hotels to choose
from in the city and surrounding area. Prices are quite affordable, as with most places in Peru, and range
in quality from high end luxury to backpacker's hostels.
Most Chiclayo accomodations offer their clients an interesting "Peruvian ambiance", unique to
themselves, along with friendly and professional service. (Most Peruvians are quite proud of their
region's traditional hospitality.)
In general, all the "modern amenities" of life are standard (or at least offered as options) in most of
Chiclayo's hotels (TV, Wifi access, safety deposit boxes, hair dryers, luggage storage, taxi service,
telephones, hot water, fresh linens, etc.), with some also offering quality dining or restaurants on
premises.

Getting There & Away

By Plane:
Chiclayo Peru is served by the CAP. FAP. Jose A. Quiones Gonzales International Airport. There are daily
flights from Lima (1 hour), Trujillo (15 min), and Piura, as well as regular charter flights from nearby
Cajamarca. Chiclayo is approximately 480 miles north of Lima, and while there are some very affordable
bus rates for trips between the two cities, it is wise to look into flights from Lima if you wish to maximize
your time. Rates for flights within Peru tend to be relatively low, meaning air travel is a good way to go.
Chiclayo.com recommends comparing various airlines and ticketing agents with our Travel partner
Booking Wiz. (see the widget on top right of page and try it!)
By Bus (Road):
Chiclayo is road accessable via the North Panamerican Highway. It is 780 km from Peru's capital city
Lima.There are regularly scheduled buses leaving to and from Trujillo, Cajamarca, and Piura. Always
cheap but not always a pleasure, taking the bus to get around Peru is a great way to go... because... you
get to see the country and meet the regular folks who call it their home.