Chiclayo Guide

About Chiclayo

Chiclayo is the fourth largest city in Peru and is the capital of the Northern Province Lambayeque. The Northern regions of Peru have been inhabited for millennia. Chiclayo was founded in the second half of the 16thcentury by Spanish priests.

During the colonial period in Peru, many interesting buildings were built in Chiclayo that feature the Spanish style, and exhibit the wealth of the Spanish landowners until today. Many of these buildings are located in the historic city centre, which can be explored on foot. The city centre is an important meeting place for both visitors and residents.

Chiclayo is a major economic centre of the region that specializes in sugarcane cultivation and cattle breeding. In recent decades, Chiclayo has been growing as a tourist destination, captivating its visitors with its rich cultural activities, historical attractions and exciting tours.

The climate in Chiclayo is dry and warm, with many sunny days and little rainfall. The dry desert heat is balanced out by the surrounding hills and fresh breezes from the Pacific. Due to this pleasant climate Chiclayo is a popular destination year-round.

Attractions in Chiclayo

Chiclayo was once the centre of the Moche civilization. The pyramids and temples remaining from this era can be visited in different archaeological parks such as the Tucume, the Necropolis of Huaca Rajada, or Batan Grande. These sites attract tourists from all over the world. Among the special attractions is the tomb of the "Lord of Sipan". Consisting of several rooms, this is one of the most beautiful tombs on the continent and impresses with its golden walls and rich decorations.

The northern coast of Peru also features miles of sandy beaches, which attract surfers and ocean -lovers. Only a few minutes by car from Chiclayo, the coastal region offers perfect conditions for fishing, sailing, sunbathing and other activities related to the sea. In recent years, the coast has also become a popular surfing spot, which offers ideal conditions year-round.

Shopping and Restaurants in Chiclayo

Particularly interesting is the Mercado Modolo, a weekly market, where a variety of herbs and health-promoting essences are sold by the "vendedoras". Other markets offer traditional crafts, colourful fabrics, fruits and vegetables.

Chiclayo provides food lovers with a wide range of restaurants that are located in various spots around the city. In the historic city centre, visitors will find traditional restaurants that serve regional specialties – ceviche (fresh raw fish marinated in lemon) and duck with rice (arroz con pato) - or seafood in any possible variation. Right next door you will find many small bars or clubs with live music.

Travel Information for Chiclayo

Chiclayo is easily accessible via the Pan-American Highway along the coast. A bus trip from Lima takes roughly 13 hours. The city also features an international airport. Travelers will find many accommodation options in all price ranges. In addition to hotel rooms with international standards, more affordable accommodation in so-called "backpackers hostels" is also available.