Things to Do in Chiclayo
Top 7 Things to Do in Chiclayo/Lambayeque
The northern city of Chiclayo was founded by the Spanish in 1720 as a passing and resting village for merchants, who hiked a wide route between Zaña and Lambayeque. The name of this city comes from “Chiclayep” or “Chiclayop”, which in the Mochica language means “green that hangs”; and this is the name by which it is known, a kind of gourd, that grew abundantly, when they created the city. In this blog article, we present you 5 incredible things to do in the department of Lambayeque/Chiclayo.
How to get to Chiclayo/Lambayeque?
There are two ways to get to the capital of friendship:
- By plane, from Lima the trip lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- By land, from Lima the trip lasts approximately 14 hours.
- In a car, from Quito the trip takes about 14 hours.
- In a car, from Guayaquil the trip lasts around 11.5 hours.
Where to sleep in Chiclayo/Lambayeque?
In Chiclayo/Lambayeque you will find from really cheap hostels to much more comfortable hotels from 1 to 5 star. Most of the accommodations are located around or close its main square.
One of the most important things, if not the most important of the trips, is the lodging. Normally this represents 50% or more of your expense and can make your stay unforgettable, in a good or bad way.
To book a hotel always keep the following in mind:
- Location.
- Access to public transport.
- Cleaning.
- Breakfast.
- Free WIFI.
- Room size.
- Treatment of staff.
- Quality of service.
- Read reviews from other travelers.
Things to do in Chiclayo/Lambayeque?
You can go to the city of Chiclayo / Lambayeque any month of the year; However, the best time to travel to this city is from December to April, where you have a hot weather and moderate rainfall.
If you would like to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu; click on the following link: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by train.
Visit historical monuments
Chiclayo has innumerable archaeological monuments from colonial and viceroy times; Among them are: Santa Maria Cathedral, Chiclayo Municipal Palace, Veronica Chapel, Elías Aguirre Square, the House of the Masonic Lodge or Montjoy House and the Brüning Museum among the highlights.
Archaeological Complex of Túcume
It was built around 700 AD. Tucume or the Valley of the Pyramids, is made up of 26 pyramids, among which the following stand out: the Huaca del Pueblo, La Raya hill and Huaca Las Balsas. Excursion are offered that include, in addition to archaeological wealth, gastronomic tastings, shamanic experiences, traditional medicine and cultural exchange.
Site Museum Huaca Rajada and tombs of the lord of Sipan
One of the most powerful men of ancient Peru rests in this museum, accompanied by impressive objects of gold, precious stones and ceramics.
In 1987, the archaeologist Walter Alva discovered the tomb of one of the most powerful men in ancient Peru: the Lord of Sipán; who was one of the most important rulers of the Mochica civilization.
The Lord of Sipán was covered with impressive ornaments of gold, silver, turquoise and sea shell. In the tomb were found bones of women, children, warriors and animals, that were sacrificed and buried next to the great lord.
Pomac Forest Historical Sanctuary
It preserves the densest population of carob trees on the planet and is home to a great diversity of species. It has a dry, warm and sunny climate almost all year round. The Sanctuary was created to preserve the cultural landscape unit, that makes up the Pomac forest and the Sicán Archaeological Complex.
Pimentel beach
Pimentel, is one of the most beautiful beaches found in northern Peru. This spa is located in the Pimentel district, just 20 minutes from Chiclayo.
Visit the Afro-Peruvian town of Zaña
Cradle of Afro-Peruvian dances, it rescues and spreads the history and legends of the heritage of Afro-descendants.
Currently, in Zaña you can visit the Afro-Peruvian Museum and the San Agustín, San Francisco convents and the portico of La Merced Church. This town has also been the cradle of Afro-Peruvian dances such as the tondero, celebration and the erotic Golpe de tierra.
The Afro-Peruvian museum addresses the presence of African men; which were transferred to America and the Caribbean during the slavery regime.
What are the top attractions to visit in Chiclayo/Lambayeque?
- Site Museum Huaca Rajada and tombs of the lord of Sipan.
- Archaeological Complex of Túcume.
- Pimentel beach.
What are the most popular things to do in Chiclayo/Lambayeque with kids?
- Pomac Forest Historical Sanctuary.
- Visit the Afro-Peruvian town of Zaña.
- Pimentel beach.
If you would like to get to Machu Picchu hiking; click on the following link: Machu Picchu Treks.
5 typical and exotic dishes from Chiclayo/Lambayeque
