Discover Beautiful Chiclayo in Lambeyeque, Peru

The Lambayeque capitol city of Chiclayo is nestled between the Zana and Lambayeque valleys, two fertile areas known for their cotton, sugar cane and rice plantations. While not actually on the beach, Chiclayo is, at its heart, a coastal town. Like much of the northern coast, it has a warm and sunny climate year round. The winter months (December through March) are considered the rainy season, with very light rain that can be heavier during El Nino years. Chiclayo is a meeting point for the towns of the northern coast, mountain and jungle regions and as such is the largest commercial area north of Lima. It's a festive town where the motto is "Work can wait, but not a party!" With nearby beaches, friendly people and interesting attractions, Chiclayo is becoming a favorite destination for tourists.

The beach resort and port of Pimentel is considered to be the fashionable beach for Chiclayanos to visit in the summer. About 20 minutes west of Chiclayo, the former small fishing port now features a pleasant beach resort. You'll find a pleasant mixture of traditional and modern worlds as you watch surfers compete for waves with reed fishing boats. The beach features a number of hostels and restaurants.

About 40 minutes southeast of Chiclayo, you'll find the famous archeological site of Sipan, where the Peruvian archeologist Walter Alva discovered one of the richest pre-Hispanic burial sites of the Americas, El Senor de Sipan (The Lord of Sipan). The original find was that of a young dignitary of the Moche people. Later, two more tombs were discovered, that of an older dignitary and of a priest. The entire find is considered very important, because the tombs were intact and had been untouched by thieves - a serious problem at many archeological areas in the country. Tours of the site can be arranged by several agencies in Chiclayo.

Like many cities in Peru, Chiclayo has a distinctive local cuisine that absolutely must be sampled. Chifles con cecina are a favorite entrée, made of fried plantain chips and bacon. Another plantain dish is mala rabia, a puree that's flavored with cheese and Peruvian aji pepper. Some favorite main dishes are arroz con pato, or rice with duck, done in the Chiclayano style with beer, hierbabuena and lots of cilantro. Cabrito a la chiclayana is a stew made from young goat that has marinated in chicha (a fermented corn brew) for a unique flavor. These dishes and many more can be enjoyed at huariques, restaurants that specialize in local dishes. You can find many of them on the avenues La Union, Grau and Bolognesi. Ask a local to recommend their favorite!

Chiclayo has several festivals worth noting, with the year's highlight being in September with the procession of the Nuestro Senor Cautivo de Monsefu (Our Captive Lord of Monsefu). According to legend, this effigy of Christ was found washed up on the beach nearby. It is said that the effigy will escape to perform miracles in other towns if not kept bound in chains!

If you're staying in Chiclayo, you'll find that hotel rates and restaurant prices are very reasonable. The Gran Hotel Chiclayo is recommended, with a double room costing about $100 per night and junior suites available for $112. For the more budget minded, try the Hotel Aristi, where a double room runs about $30.