Chiclayo is the city with many nicknames: it is also called Ciudad de la Amistad, heroic city or pearl of the north. With almost one million inhabitants, it is one of the largest metropolitan areas in northern Peru and even has its own airport. Some visitors even say that Chiclayo is the “best Lima”, because it is not so crowded or is so big that you have to spend all day on public transport, but encouraged and encouraged enough to do many things at night.
The heart of Chiclayo is located about 20 kilometers from the South Pacific, and there are numerous archaeological treasures in the area, including the oldest murals dating back 4000 years, which have been discovered in the two continents of America to this day.
Inhabited since the 1st century
The region around Chiclayos and the north coast of Peru has been inhabited since the first century. Members of the Mochica culture not only settled here, but also devised a sophisticated system of channels and connections to the farm. The Moche are mainly known for their unique pottery and tools and jewelry made of copper. The reason for the fall of culture is not clear to this day, but it is believed that natural disasters caused by El Niño could be the cause.
After the Mochica, the Lamayeque civilization developed, which, although it assumed many of Moche’s traditions and customs, never succeeded in building upon its successes. And they were also victims of El Niño.
Unofficially, the current Chiclayo was founded in the sixteenth century under the name of “Santa Maria de los Valles de Chiclayo”, but only 300 years later, in 1835 it was officially named a city.
In the eighties, around 35 km east of Chiclayo, a sensational discovery was made: the burial chamber of the “Señor de Sipán”. We still do not know exactly who he was (very likely a noble), but his grave clothes were adorned with gold, silver, and jewels, and the burial chamber was full of priceless treasures. He is believed to have lived over 1,600 years ago, but when and how he was killed remains a mystery to this day.
The treasures recovered from the burial chamber can now be admired at the Brüning Museum in Lambayeque, 11 km from Chiclayo.
Sipán is not the only important archaeological site in the area. Túcume, the Valley of the Pyramids, is also not far from the city and magically attracts especially amateur photographers. A total of 26 pyramids extend throughout the area and are maintained and maintained by a very active community.
Activities
In Chiclayo you can do all kinds of things:
- The Huaca Rajada Museum is a small but very interesting museum
- On the beach of Playa Pimentel you can take a nice walk and find fried fresh fish
- Visit the Plaza de Armas. For a little money, you can also book a private tour here
- Directly on the Plaza de Armas is the church “Iglesia Santa María”. It is one of the largest in northern Peru
- The “Walk of the Muses” is a park with statues of Helen and invites you to stay
- Near the Plaza de Armas is the Catholic Church “San Antonio de Padua Church”
- In the Paseo Yortuque you will get to know the Moche culture with its great statues
- Especially at night, it is worth visiting the Municipal Palace of Chiclayo when it is illuminated.
- A visit to the archaeological site Ventarrón of 4000 years old
- In Batán Grande you will discover the age of the Sicán culture
- The Artisan Market of Monsefu offers a great selection of Peruvian handicrafts
- Visit the pyramids “Piramedes de Pampagrande”
Climate and temperatures
The climate is constantly warm all year round. In the winter months, the temperature drops to an unpleasant 15 degrees in the early afternoon. Warm clothes are recommended for the nights.
Current weather
Getting there
Chiclayo is located about 780 km north of the Peruvian capital, Lima. There are daily flights to Lima (approximately 1 hour), but also to nearby Trujillo (15 minutes) and charter flights to Cajamarca.
If you want to take the bus that crosses the Panamericana to Chiclayo, the trip lasts just under 11 hours, but it is very cheap. Another advantage: not only do you see something from Peru, but you also know the people who call it your home.
The round trip price of a bus ticket starts at 75 Soles (approximately 20 euros) and can be booked here.
Chiclayo
Area: 175 km²
Height: 27 m
Inhabitants: 716732
In the last 28 years, the population of the Chiclayo metropolitan area has doubled.
Closest Airport: Aeropuerto International Cap.Fap. Jose Abelardo Quinones Gonzales
Hotels in Chiclayao
Here you can stay overnight
Chiclayo offers everything from basic hostels to luxury resorts. Comfortable and cheap accommodation is the Hotel Embajador on Calle 7 de Enero 1368. For 25 – 35, – Euro per night and person who gets W-LAN, breakfast, transfer to the airport, jacuzzi and much more.
