Chiclayo

Chiclayo is a city on the northern coastal plain in Peru. It is 95 feet above sea level. The city population is approximately 634,600 while the metropolitan area is approximately 910,255. Chiclayo was founded in 1560 as a rural Indian village by a Spanish priest. Until the 19th century, Chiclayo remained a small town in comparison to the nearby city of Lambayeque. However, the city of Chiclayo has since grown to become a major modern metropolis. It is Peru's fourth largest city.

Since the city is located in a productive valley, there is strong agriculture, such as rice production, sugar cane and cotton. Until Peru's economic decline, the port of Pimentel served as Chiclayo's main export line; sugar refined in Pomalca passed through Chiclayo by train and was exported to various desinations along the Pacific Rim. However, with the socialization of agriculture, and subsequent demise of the Peruvian economy, Chiclayo ceased to export by sea.

Economic prosperity did not leave, however. With the construction of the Panamerican Highway, the city became a center for commerce, due to the fact that it has easy access to mountain passes that allow access to the jungle, as well as being close to the sugar cooperatives.

Chiclayo is well known for its archaeological sites, such as Tucume, Batan Grande and Huaca Rajada. In 1987, in Huaca Rajada (more often referred to as Sipan), a Moche mausoleum was found. The most significant discovery was the tomb of the El Señor de Sipan, who archaeologists have concluded was a royal ruler from over 1600 years ago. His clothes were adorned with jewels, gold, and silver, these artifacts can be seen in the Tumba Real, in Lambayeque. The amount of treasure found in the tomb rivals that found in the tomb of King Tut, as noted by the National Geographic Magazine, in their feature article. Chiclayo is also recognized as for its natural medicine, and for having some of the best cuisine in Peru, especially Ceviche. Monsefu is a nearby town that provides Chiclayo with most of the artisian artifacts and fireworks that are for sale in the "Mercado Modelo". (This term translates to "Model Market." Many large towns have a "Modelo," as a result of Peru's bout with socialism)

Visiting Chiclayo

Archaeological Sites:

There are hundreds of archaeological centers located in the valleys of Zaña, Lambayeque, La Leche and Motupe, where the pre-Inca cultures, Lambayeque, Sicán, Mochica and Chimú, developed until the arrival of the Incas. In these valleys jewels of gold had been found and extracted, forming the fabulous collection appreciated in local museums. Outstanding the recent discoveries of "Señor de Sipán" (Lord of Sipan) in Huaca Rajada, "Señor de Sicán" in Batangrande and the pyramids of  Túcume.

The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum:

The Royal Tombs of Sipán exhibits the most important archaeological remains of the Mochica Culture, in an exceptional exhibition that combines maximum scientific accuracy, security and enjoyment to show the jewels, emblems and ornaments found in 1987 in the tomb of a Mochica government leader called the Lord of Sipán.

Sicán National Museum:

This unique museum is the result of over two decades of scientific investigation by the Sicán Archaeological Project. The museum is singular in a number of respects: It is dedicated to scientific research of the Sicán culture and dissemination of its results, as well as protection and storage of the material remains of this culture. This exhibit focuses on all aspects of the Sicán people and their culture.

Brüning Museum:

Museum and investigation center, located in Lambayeque 17 km. (10.5 miles) north of Chiclayo. Has a great collection of ceramic and metallic pieces, fabrics and jewels, of the pre-Incas regional cultures.

Surrounding areas from the city: Picturesque rural towns with a great ancestral history, the Bosque de Pómac Historical Sanctuary, and beautiful marine landscapes in their coastal fisheries and resorts invite you to travel in time and see the evolution of the Mochicans. You can visit tows as Lambayeque, Monsefú, Eten, Zaña, Ferreñafe, Santa Rosa and Pimentel, or Salas the town of wizards and sorcerers.