A city of many names

Chiclayo, the capital of the Lambayeque region in northern Peru, goes by several nicknames. Some call it “the pearl of the north,” others “the heroic city” in recognition of its role in the struggle for independence, and others still “the city of friendship.” Whatever you call it, it's still one of the places worth visiting on a trip to Peru.

The Lord of Sipán, the “Tutankhamun of the Americas”

Known for its archaeological finds from the Moche civilization, the tomb of the Lord of Sipán (also called the “King Tutankhamun of the Americas”) is one of the most important discoveries in Peruvian history. The value of the treasure buried with the Lord of Sipán rivals that found in the tomb of the young Egyptian pharaoh, and it's this that gave Chiclayo its fame. Once there, you can visit the Huaca Rajada archaeological complex and admire its treasures, housed in the Hans Heinrich Bruning Museum and the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. The Moche civilization flourished between the 1st and 7th centuries AD, spreading across many of northern Peru's coastal regions: their knowledge of hydraulic engineering was highly advanced, with canal networks built to support agriculture, and they produced some of the finest ceramic artifacts, with elaborate designs depicting people, animals and religious and ceremonial themes.

Túcume and the Valley of the Pyramids

Chiclayo is located near Túcume and the Valley of the Pyramids, where 26 pyramids of various sizes rise up. From the top of the hill overlooking Túcume, you can take in the full extent of the archaeological complex. The standout is the central Huaca Larga pyramid, 700 meters long and one of the largest adobe structures in the world: beneath it, in the burial chambers, 119 sacrificed bodies were found. Huaca Las Balsas, meanwhile, is a partially excavated pyramid known for its mural paintings depicting the ocean with waves, creatures and seabirds.

Beaches, forests and markets

For those looking for something different, the nearby town of Pimentel offers a relaxed setting: in summer, tourists and locals alike enjoy the sun and the waves in the company of pelicans, while from the shore you can watch the “caballitos de totora,” the traditional reed boats.

Nature lovers will enjoy the tranquility of the protected Pómac Forest, with its dense stands of carob trees: the reserve was created to protect more than 36 pre-Inca pyramids built by the Sicán, along with the surrounding natural habitat, home to 70 bird species, seven mammal species and nine reptile species.

The Mercado Modelo is well worth a visit: it covers a large area and sells everything from food and drink to a wide range of herbs, lotions and medicinal infusions favored by local shamans.

History, curiosities, walks and surf – Chiclayo offers all this and more: if you have time to step off the traditional trail, you'll understand why no trip to Peru is complete without visiting this pearl.