About Chiclayo, Peru
Chiclayo is a city in the northwest area of Peru, located 214 kilometers (133 mi) from the city of Piura and 13 kilometers (8 mi) from the Pacific coast. This locality is considered the gateway to the world of the Lambayeque or Sican culture, an ethnic group developed between the 8th and 14th centuries, subsequent to the Mochica culture. It is currently known as the Capital of Friendship due to the hospitality of its people. The destination features historical buildings, restaurants serving typical gastronomy, and hotels for all tastes and budgets that offer travelers an unforgettable stay.
The city has many attractions in the downtown area, that include the main park and its fountain with the flag of Peru formed by three water jets, and the Neo-Classical Chiclayo Cathedral from 1869, designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel with sculptures and stained-glass windows. The City Hall is north of the main square, and is a restored building dating back to the year 1919 which nowadays serves as a museum.
In Chiclayo, you will also find other ancient buildings such as the Chapel of The Verónica, which was finished at the end of the 19th century and declared a National Historical Monument in 1987. The Basilica of San Antonio is another architectural work that travelers can visit. Its modern and simple style safeguards an altar with a wooden sculpture of a crucified Christ. To complete the visit to the city of Chiclayo, Elías Aguirre Square is a must, built in 1924 in honor of a local hero by the Peruvian sculptor David Lozano.
People coming to this Peruvian city should visit Paseo de las Musas, an outdoor space with squares adorned with Roman-style columns featuring the nine muses of the Greek mythology, and a portal with the motto of the city.
Chiclayo is a city with great mysticism from its pre-Hispanic roots, and travelers can wander through Modelo Market, a place selling herbs, remedies, and medicinal preparations used by shamans, where visitors can take a session at the healing tables. Soccer fans can visit Elías Aguirre Stadium, home to the professional Juan Aurich soccer team from the Peru First Division. You only have to check the calendar to attend a match.
The surroundings of the city offer archaeological sites where you can learn more about regional history, such as the Tomb of the Lord of Sipán in Huaca Rajada, 31 kilometers (19.3 mi) away, or pyramids of Túcume, 36 kilometers (22.4 mi) from the city. History lovers should not miss the museums. Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum in Lambayeque is 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) away; the National Museum of Sicán in Ferreñafe is 22 kilometers (13.7 mi) from the city; and the Brüning Archaeological Museum is 17 kilometers (10.6 mi) north of Chiclayo.
***The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).
