Chiclayo, where in 1987 the gold relic-laden Sipan tomb was unearthed, constituting one of the most important archaeological finds of the last half century and where ongoing excavations reap magnificent new discoveries every year. Compare The 2 Best Chiclayo Tours in 2026!
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Founded in 1560 as a rural Indian village by Spanish priests, Chiclayo has grown into Peru’s fourth largest city.
Chiclayo is known as La Ciudad de Amistad (The City of Friendship), but it could easily claim the title of South America’s Archaeological Capital.
Located along the Pacific coast in a fertile agricultural valley, it is the gateway to a treasure trove of nearby archaeological sites, such as Batan Grande, Tucume and Huaca Rajada (more often referred to as Sipan).
Beyond its historical allure, Chiclayo offers a unique blend of traditional markets, picturesque fishing villages, and mouthwatering local cuisine.
No visit to Chiclayo is complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine. The city’s Modelo Market, located just a five-minute walk from the central park, is a bustling hub of culinary delights. This expansive market sprawls across several city blocks, offering a wide array of fresh produce, meat, and fish. As you meander through its vibrant aisles, you’ll also discover small booths selling clothes and everyday household items.
For those seeking a unique experience, the mercado de brujos (witch doctors’ market) within Modelo Market is a must-visit. Here, you’ll find an intriguing assortment of herbs, teas, potions, and animal parts. Snake skins, amulets, and even hallucinogenic cacti are also readily available. Engage with the enthusiastic salespeople, who will passionately describe the various uses and benefits of their products.
Join us as we embark on a journey through Chiclayo’s rich cultural heritage and discover the hidden treasures this city has to offer.
Opportunities for archeology tours abound, as important discoveries are made beneath the sun-baked desert landscape seemingly every year, if not every few months.
The Cathedral of Chiclayo, a Neoclassical gem, is located in the main square, Plaza de Armas. This impressive building is the site of veneration for two beautiful wood-carved statues: Cristo Pobre (Christ, the Poor) and Our Lady of Peace. The cathedral’s architecture and serene ambiance offer a profound glimpse into the city’s colonial heritage.
The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum is a world-class facility that houses a collection of gold, silver, and copper artifacts unearthed from the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. Highlights include ceremonial scepters, medallions, a solid gold circular ingot, and intricate jewelry. This museum provides an extraordinary insight into the wealth and artistry of the ancient Moche civilization.
The Brüning National Archaeological Museum showcases a comprehensive overview of the pre-Hispanic cultures of northern Peru. Established through the research of Heinrich Brüning, the museum exhibits ceramic pieces, textiles, stone and wood works, and artifacts that narrate the rich history of the region. The relics are from the Moche, Labayeque / Sicán and Chimu cultures. The Brüning’s Gold Room houses one of the finest collections of relics in the Americas.
Huaca Rajada–Sipán sits beside the modern village of Sipán, near the former Pomalca plantation. In 1987 archaeologists uncovered the untouched tomb of the Lord of Sipán, a high-ranking Moche ruler buried around 290 C.E. with his entourage. He wore gilded ceremonial armor, a feathered headdress, and a golden face plate associated with Ai Apaec, the supreme Moche deity—an extraordinary find often compared to Tutankhamun.
About a 30-minute drive from Chiclayo, the route passes sugarcane fields and the village of Pomalca to a modest research facility and site museum. An earthen path leads to the burial mounds where the main tomb was excavated. Huaca Rajada has yielded several tombs, and excavations continue.
Most of the treasures from Sipán are displayed at the Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán in nearby Lambayeque. Opened in 2002 and inspired by Moche pyramid design, this acclaimed museum ranks among Peru’s finest.
A few blocks away is the older, but also excellent Museo Brüning, inaugurated in 1924. It exhibits some Moche ceramics but also showcases exceptional ceramics, textiles and golden artifacts from several other ancient cultures, including the Chavin, Chimu, Vicús and Inca. Also showcased are relics created by the people of Sicán (C.E. 750-1375), excavated from the nearby archaeological sites Batán Grande and Túcume.
The Túcume Pyramids, also known as the Valley of the Pyramids, consist of 26 adobe pyramids spread across the area. Founded in 700 A.D. by Calac, a descendant of Naymlap, the mythical god who founded the Lambayeque Kingdom, Túcume is an archaeological treasure trove that provides insight into the construction techniques and ceremonial practices of ancient
Located in Ferreñafe, the Sicán National Museum displays artifacts and replicas from the Sicán (House of the Moon) culture, uncovered at the Batán Grande archaeological complex. The museum features tombs and mummies of important pre-Hispanic figures, highlighting the region’s significant archaeological heritage.
The Chaparri Community Ecological Reserve is Peru’s first private conservation area, dedicated to preserving the dry forests and their abundant biodiversity. Home to species such as spectacled bears, deer, llamas, and ocelots, this reserve offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Peru’s rich natural heritage.
The Pómac Forest Historical Sanctuary is a dry forest that shelters carob trees, diverse bird species, and archaeological remains from the Sicán culture. This sanctuary is also the habitat of the once-thought extinct white-winged guan, reintroduced into this environment, showcasing the region’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Pimentel Beach, a popular coastal resort, is renowned for its warm sands, stunning sunsets, and excellent surfing conditions. The fishermen of Pimentel continue the ancient tradition of fishing from caballitos de totora, reed boats that have been used for thousands of years. The beach also features fine restaurants and quality hostels, making it a perfect destination for family fun and relaxation.
If have had your fill of archeology, you can take a tour of Chiclayo’s beach circuit for their surf, ceviche and incredible sunsets. Start with Pimental, a fishing port and seaside resort popular with surfers for its great waves, and with photographers for its iconic century-old creaky pier. A few miles south is the traditional fishing village of Santa Rosa, notable for colorful wooden fishing boats, artisanal fishermen who tend to huge, long nets and paddle out to sea aboard hand-made caballitos de totora — traditional reed watercraft used in Peru for the past 3,000 years.
Returning to Chiclayo, head to Mercado Modelo for an authentically mesmerizing market experience — particularly at the southwest corner, where dozens of stands specialize in medicinal herbs and remedies, as well as enchanted amulets and hallucinogenic cacti for the bustling local Brujo (witch doctor) clientèle.
You are going to eat really well! The traditional gastronomy of Chiclayo and Lambayeque is mind-blowingly delicious and varied. The world class cuisine highlights Spanish, Afroperuvian, Andean and Amazon jungle influences.
Just a few miles south of Chiclayo lies the picturesque fishing village of Santa Rosa. This traditional village exudes a quaint charm, with its colorful wooden boats dotting the shoreline. Savor the catch of the day at one of the village’s simple yet delicious seafood restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the renowned ceviche, made with the freshest seafood, or indulge in the local specialty, tortillas de raya (stingray omelets).
To complete your excursion, make a stop at Monsefú, a nearby crafts village known for its exquisite straw hats, baskets, and fans. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, admiring the craftsmanship of the local artisans. While you’re there, treat yourself to a taste of chicha, a traditional corn drink that is a favorite among locals.
Celebrated from August 31st to September 23rd, with the central day on September 14th, this festival in Monsefú showcases traditional knitting, straw weaving, and embroidery. The event includes competitions in floral arrangements, dance, and music, reflecting the town’s rich artisanal heritage.
On August 5th, thousands of pilgrims embark on a journey from Motupe to the top of Chalpón Hill, where a cross resides inside a cave. This largest religious festival in Lambayeque includes masses, processions, cockfights, horse races, circuses, and band performances.
On June 22nd, the town of Eten commemorates the appearance of the Baby Jesus during the Corpus Christi celebration in 1649. This event transformed Eten into the third Eucharistic city in the world, after Jerusalem and Padua. Festivities include exhibitions of local products and handicrafts.
This eight-day celebration, starting on April 25th, features processions of the sacred image, nightly fireworks displays, and a lively craft fair. The festival also includes a gastronomic fair, showcasing the region’s culinary traditions.
Lambayeque is highlighted by its beautiful colonial mansions and churches with interesting architecture. It is home to two important museums: the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum and the Brüning National Archaeological Museum, both offering invaluable insights into the region’s rich history.
Once considered the most opulent city during colonial times until it was sacked by pirates in 1686, Saña, also known as the “ghost town,” offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past through tales from current inhabitants.
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