The fourth largest city of Peru is one that lies in the northern Lambayeque region of the country, and while it may not be on the tourist trail for most people, there are plenty of things to do in and around the city.The people of Chiclayo are famous in Peru for the role that they played in the fight for independence from colonial rule, and it was dubbed 'The Heroic City' by the first president of Peru.


 

With a population of just under three quarters of a million people, the city is cosmopolitan and interesting without being so large that visitors spend all their time on public transport, meaning that this is a great place to explore.

See the Valley of the Pyramids

Also referred to locally as Tucume, this open valley is home to around 26 historic pyramids that are believed to be up to 1,200 years old, and were once a part of the dominant culture in the region before the arrival of the Incas.

The land here is arid and dry, which has helped to prevent rainfall becoming an issue, but because the sun bakes the bricks of the pyramids, they can be quite fragile and easy to damage. The best place from which to view the pyramids is from a nearby hill, with the panoramic views over the complex offering a real idea about just how big a regional center this area would have been at its peak.

Explore The Tomb Of Lord Sipan

Often compared to the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in terms of its historic importance and context, the excavations at the tomb of Lord Sipan revealed an amazing array of burial gifts, along with an entourage who were buried with this local leader.

The tomb itself is a short distance outside the city, and the amazing regalia of the regional leader is on display in a nearby museum.

Buried with a headdress, armor and a range of jewelery, the Lord of Sipan was clearly influential, and was buried with three women believed to have been his concubines, along with several guards and his dog.

Hit the Beach at Pimentel

This is where the population of Chiclayo goes to relax, and just a short drive from the city center, this attractive coastal town that is best known for great seafood and some wonderful surfing conditions too.

Watching the fishermen at work is a sight to behold, as they go out on to the Pacific on reed rafts which they use while they are catching the fish, before returning to shore with their catch later in the day. This is a beautiful rustic part of the city to visit, and is a great way to get away from the bustling city center.

Browse the Witches' Market

The Witches' Market in Chiclayo is one of the largest such markets in Peru, and is a fascinating place to visit simply for the diverse, and often strange range of products that are on offer at the stalls here.

The markets are a place where the shamans and the healers of the local community purchase the goods for their rituals, and there are also usually a range of potions that are said to have healing properties for sale. The quirky chains of beads can make for nice keepsakes, but some of the stranger items such as deer legs and shark jaws are unnerving, with many other unusual items on offer too.

Become Spooked at the Deserted City of Zana

As the seventeenth century drew to a close, Zana was once the largest and most important city on the northern coast of South America, with great wealth and beautiful colonial architecture. However, after being sacked by pirates, today there is only a small village of a few people remaining, and a huge number of ruins from this once great city.

A short distance from Chiclayo, it is a fascinating place to explore, and with no people living in the city it is an eerie place to visit too.

Check out this 2 week itinerary for Northern Peru