Chiclayo Travelers Recommend

The city of Chiclayo in northern Peru is the jumping-off point for trips to some of the greatest pre-Inca sites in the country. From treasure-filled tombs and vast ancient cities to huge adobe pyramids, here are just a few of the archaeological highlights of the region.

Huaca Rajada

The Huaca Rajada site only came to public attention in 1987 when archaeologist Walter Alva became aware of rumors of local thieves looting precious objects from the area. Excavations of the pyramids, which until then had been obscured by earthen mounds, led to the discovery of the tomb of the Lord of Sipán, a Moche leader found buried with a hoard of treasure. This discovery propelled the site to international fame. Many of the tombs have now been restored with replicas of the objects found there to show how they would have appeared before being sealed up by the Moche people some 1,500 years ago. 

Túcume

Situated about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Chiclayo, this vast archaeological site is peppered with the ruins of more than 20 sand-carved pyramids, most of which were built by the Sicán people, who succeeded the Moche culture. One of the best views of the expansive site is from the Purgatory Hill (Cerro Purgatorio) lookout. 

Batán Grande

Set northeast of Chiclayo, the pre-Inca temples of Batán Grande stand amid the National Sanctuary of the Pomac Forest (Santuario Histórico Bosque de Pómac), one of the largest dry tropical forests in the world. The site was originally inhabited by the Sicán people but was abandoned in the 12th century in favor of Túcume. 

There’s no way around it—Chiclayo is a whirlwind. With so much history and so many ancient sites, this modern city by the Valley of Pyramids is anything but short on adventure. If you only have a few days in Chiclayo to pack in all of the sites, grouping the attractions by geographic location will you help you squeeze it all in.

Day 1: Lambayeque Valley

Even the shortest visit to Chiclayo should begin with the most famous sites. This area is known for its archaeological wealth (both literally as well figuratively), and many of the region’s most fascinating sites lie north in the Lambayeque Valley. Before the desert sun gets too hot, spend the morning touring the pyramids at the sprawling ruins of Túcume. These 540 acres are home to 26 different pyramids, one of which—Huaca Larga—is believed to be largest pyramid built anywhere on Earth. Once sufficiently humbled by the size of Túcume, head over to the town of Lambayeque to tour the Royal Tombs Museum of Sipan. This is where you’ll find the enormous treasure buried with the Lord of Sipan before heading across town to the Brüning National Archaeological Museum to photograph rooms filled with gold and jewelry of ancient kings.

Day 2: Markets and Forests

Start the day off at Mercado Modelo in the city center of Chiclayo, making time for the Witch’s Market and its mysterious shamans and healers. Then head north again to Batán Grande and the dryland Pomac Forest to walk beneath the shade of carob trees between the remains of eroded pyramids. Linger for a while in the green of the forest. Before making your way back to Chiclayo, stop at the Sicán National Museum for a final dose of treasure.

Day 3: Ancient Remains

For as organized and clean as museums can be for showcasing historical finds, nothing beats walking the grounds where the treasure was originally pulled from the ground. At Huaca Rajada, to the south of the city, visit the site where the Lord of Sipan was famously excavated and discovered. The ground at this site is pockmarked with holes from grave diggers, historians and scientists, and visitors can see a replica of how the ancient king was found buried in his infamous tomb. On the way back to town, pick up some authentic crafts or souvenirs at the Mercado Artesenal, and spend the evening strolling the city beneath the lights of the illuminated cathedral.

As the capital of the historic Lambayeque region, Chiclayo is the gateway to some of the most remarkable archaeological sites and museums in Northern Peru. Here are few you won’t want to miss. 

Royal Tombs Museum of Sipan

Just north of Chiclayo, the Royal Tombs of Sipan (Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán) house Peru’s most important collection of Mochica cultural artifacts. Highlights include the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, ancient jewelry and personal items, and an artisan’s village. Day tours from Chiclayo often combine a visit to the Sipan Royal Tombs with the Huaca Rajada and Túcume archaeological sites.  

Brüning National Archaeological Museum

Situated close to the Royal Tombs Museum, the Brüning National Archaeological Museum (Museo Regional Arqueológico Enrique Bruning de Lambayeque) chronicles the history of the region’s pre-Inca people. Treasures from the Chimú, Chavín, Vicús, and Moche cultures are all on display. The star attraction is the dazzling Gold Room.

Sicán National Museum

The Sicán National Museum, located in Ferreñafe, about 40 minutes by car from Chiclayo, is another top day trip. Devoted to ancient Sican culture, the museum showcases Sicán tombs, religious art, ceramics, and copper items.  

Between visits to the archaeological sites surrounding Chiclayo, one of the best ways to experience the Peruvian city’s culture, heritage, and day-to-day life is to wander its local markets. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, fruits and vegetables, or a local snack, here are a few of Chiclayo’s best markets.

Mercado Modelo

Head to Mercado Modelo, Chiclayo’s central market, in the morning, and you’ll see crowds of locals stocking up on the day’s necessities. The covered market spans several city blocks, with a concentration of food vendors packed into the center.

Witch Market (Mercado de Brujos)

The Witch Market is actually part of the Mercado Modelo, situated at its southwestern corner. A wonderfully unusual market, it is packed with herbalist shops, medicine men, and apothecaries selling everything from charms and amulets to hallucinogenic herbs and unidentifiable tonics. It’s a must-see, even if you’re not planning to buy.

Mercado Mochoqueque

Located on the eastern edge of Chiclayo, Mochoqueque is the town’s major wholesale market. It’s at its busiest on Tuesday and Friday mornings, when city shop owners come to take advantage of cheap prices.