15 unmissable tourist places in Chiclayo that you should know

Posted On: 27 January 2023 #TierrasVivas 1565

There is no doubt that the north of our country has much to offer tourism, that is the case of Chiclayo, a city located in the department of Lambayeque. "The city of friendship" has important museums full of history and culture, as well as impressive ruins. On the other hand, it has beautiful beaches and resorts, ideal for enjoying a good vacation and practicing adventure sports.

About Chiclayo

Chiclayo is the fourth largest city in Peru and is the capital of the North Lambayeque Province. The northern regions of Peru have been inhabited for millennia.

Chiclayo was founded in the second half of the 16th century by Spanish priests, during the colonial period in Peru, many colonial-style buildings were built in Chiclayo which show the wealth of Spanish land owners until today. Many of these buildings are located in the historic center of the city, which can be explored on foot and is an important meeting point for visitors and residents.

Chiclayo is an important economic center in the region that specializes in the cultivation of sugar cane and livestock. In recent decades, Chiclayo has been growing as a tourist destination, captivating its visitors with its rich cultural activities, places of historical interest and exciting excursions.

The climate in Chiclayo is dry and warm, with many sunny days and little rain. The dry desert heat is balanced by the surrounding hills and cool Pacific breezes. Due to this pleasant climate, Chiclayo is a popular destination throughout the year.

What unique places you can visit in Chiclayo?

Historical Center

A visit to the tourist places of Chiclayo would be incomplete without knowing its historical center. With buildings dating back to 1870, such as the Chiclayo Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, and other more modern constructions such as the Paseo de las Musas, a tour of the city of Chiclayo is necessary.

Cracked Huaca

Also known as Sipán, Huaca Rajada is an archaeological complex that dates back to the year 250. It is famous thanks to the recently discovered tomb of the Lord of Sipán, and the Huaca Rajada is an incredible example of the complex funerary system of the Moche culture and the wealth of their religious beliefs in the afterlife.

How to get to Huaca Rajada: It is located 35 km east of Chiclayo. You can take a combi at the Epsel terminal in Chiclayo to arrive in approximately 45 minutes to the land of Sipán and Huaca Rajada.

Tucume Pyramids

The Túcume Archaeological Complex, also known as the Valley of the Pyramids, is famous for being an example where three pre-Hispanic cultures converge: the Sicán, the Chimú and the Inca. It has 26 adobe pyramids, where luxurious palaces full of decorations and artifacts representing myths, rituals and gods were found.

How to get to the Pyramids of Túcume: both from Lambayeque and from Chiclayo and Ferreñafe you will find buses that will take you to what is known as the Valley of the Pyramids for a very affordable price.

Puerto Eten

For many one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Peru, Puerto Eten is one of the tourist places in Chiclayo that yes or yes you should know. Specifically, we recommend you visit Medialuna Beach (in the photo) where you can observe the Pacific Ocean on gigantic cliffs in one of the most spectacular views in all of Peru.

How to get to Puerto Eten: It is located just 25km south of the city of Chiclayo, so you can take a taxi or van from the city center and get there in approximately 25 minutes.

Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge

It is about more than 8 thousand hectares of pure nature. The Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge is home to hundreds of specimens of flora and fauna endemic to the province of Ferreñafe, including the spectacular spectacled bear. In addition, Laquipampa is home to one of the wildest species in all of Peru: the jaguarundi puma. If you want more information, we recommend you read our article Laquipampa: nature's paradise.

How to get to the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge: It is located 80 km northeast of the city of Chiclayo, so you can get to this place by public transport in about three hours.

Pomac Forest

The Pómac Forest is a Historical Sanctuary, and the formation of carob trees in this place is the densest on the planet. This natural area is very close to the Tucume Pyramids, so in addition to housing numerous species of flora and fauna, a large number of gold objects from the Mochica culture were also found.

How to get to the Pómac Forest: From Chiclayo you can take a bus or taxi that will take you to Túcume and the Pómac Forest for fairly cheap prices.

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

It is an important museum in northern Peru, located in the city of Lambayeque (10 minutes from Chiclayo), whose purpose is to show the tomb of the Lord of Sipán, an ancient Mochica ruler of the 3rd century. His discovery, made in 1987 by Peruvian archaeologists Walter Alva Alva and Luis Chero Zurita in the Huaca Rajada archaeological complex, marked an important milestone in the archeology of the American continent because he was the first ruler of ancient Peru found up to that date. The museum was inaugurated in 2002, having an architectural design inspired by the ancient truncated pyramids of the pre-Inca Mochica culture (1st to 7th century AD). It is important to note that the museum has more than two thousand gold pieces, including jewelry, ceramics and grave goods.

Santa Maria Cathedral Church

It is located in front of the main park of the city of Chiclayo, between San José and Elías Aguirre streets, at block eight. The cathedral was ordered to be built in 1869 and was finished three years after the process began. It is known that the architect in charge was Gustavo Eiffel (the same one who had the Eiffel Tower in France as his work). Its style is neoclassical and it is made up of three naves, presenting a two-part portal, with Doric columns that precede the entrance arches.

National Archaeological Museum Brüning

The Brüning National Museum is the first museum site in the Lambayeque region and one of the first efforts to show the wide cultural wealth of northern Peru. It has around 1,400 pre-Hispanic objects that are part of its permanent exhibition that show the high technology and artistic quality of ancient Peruvian cultures such as Lambayeque, Moche, Chavín, Vicús, Inca, among others. It should be noted that the most important pieces of the Brüning Museum date from 10,000 years ago.

Pimentel Beach

Pimentel is a modern resort located 12 kilometers from the city of Chiclayo, ideal for practicing water sports such as surfing, power boating and windsurfing. Despite its modernity, it still preserves colonial and republican mansions and traditions such as the caballitos de totora, the latter are rafts used on the north coast of Peru since pre-Hispanic times. Its marine tradition is reflected when the artisanal fishermen carry out their work in the totora horses. In addition, its boardwalk is one of the most beautiful in northern Peru, ideal for a walk with your partner or friends.

With almost 700 meters long, the Pimentel Pier is recognized as the longest in Peru. Its construction was carried out in 1911 to facilitate the transport and trade of various products in the area and today you can walk it in its entire length.

How to get to the Pimentel Pier: It is located approximately 11 kilometers away from the center of the city of Chiclayo, so it is very easy to get there by public transport.

Ruins of Zaña

Known as "the ghost city" it is located 46 kilometers southeast of Chiclayo. This place experienced a period of economic boom during the colony, until two decisive events occurred for its decline: the looting of the city by pirates commanded by the Englishman Edward Davis in 1686 and the overflow of the Zaña River in 1720, which devastated the main constructions of the city. At present, the remains of the churches of San Francisco, La Merced and the Convent of San Agustín remain, conserving remains of arches, temples and mansions that give a mysterious air to the route of its tourists.

Espinal Waterfall

A turquoise water spring located in the district of Oyotún, 2 hours from the city of Chiclayo. It is known for the natural spectacle it offers, since with its great waterfall it becomes the perfect setting to take incredible photographs. It is also known as the veil of the Lambayeque bride due to its resemblance to the waterfall located in Junín. Around this amazing natural landscape, you will observe large rocks and great vegetation, also if you enjoy exploring, near this lagoon you will observe diverse flora and fauna. This is the perfect place if you want to get to know Chiclayo in a different way and escape from the noise of the city. Ready to discover El Espinal Waterfall?

Spikeclaw Falls

This beautiful natural attraction is located in the town of Garraspiña, 63 kilometers or 1 hour from Chiclayo. To get to these falls you will go through amazing landscapes full of rocky paths and streams. The walk starts at La Puntilla, from where you will explore the place until you reach the first waterfall of approximately 20 meters high, and after a few more minutes, you will find the second waterfall of approximately 30 meters high, where you can also enjoy of a refreshing bath surrounded by nature. Do you like mountaineering and want to completely disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city? This tour is perfect for you.

Lost Lagoon of the Inca

Located 3 hours of walking between the Pátapo district and the Batán Grande archaeological site. This lagoon was discovered in 2003, and the reason for its name is that the section of the Inca Trail is near it, and it is said that its ancient walkers used it as a place of rest and veneration. In addition to being attractive for its crystal clear waters, it has rocks carved in the shape of a dolphin, in the shape of a chavín knife that symbolizes a form of guardian or protection towards the lagoon and, finally, a rock that has the shape of a human face whose The gaze is directed towards the lagoon, for which it is believed that it would refer to the face of the Lord of Sicán, one of the main characters of the Lambayeque culture. Are you looking for a route full of stories and a beautiful natural landscape? The lost lagoon of the Inca is ideal for you.

Jagueyes of Mayascon

Just 3 hours from the city of Chiclayo are the Mayascón jaquegues, a natural area of turquoise waters perfect for immersing yourself in its surrounded waters and completely relaxing surrounded by nature. The jagueyes are water springs located in dry riverbeds after a rainy season, a natural phenomenon that occurs on the coast when groundwater comes out and forms a spring because of the stratum rocks. Los Jaqueyes de Mayascón are water formations that include 8 turquoise wells, and also have a waterfall that forms a small waterfall. Do you enjoy long walks and want to make an unforgettable trip? We recommend this amazing natural landscape.

Best Trekking and Tours in Peru

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.