The Beautiful Beaches of Lambayeque

While the Peruvian region of Lambayeque may have a fairly short coastline, it's definitely not short on charm. The region is sprinkled with the remnants of ancient pueblos and archeological sites. While the coastal area is mostly flat, there are a few hills to add interest. The beaches are beautiful and feature year round warmth and sun. Even the rainy season during the months of December through March rarely has more than a light shower. While the beaches here aren't as well known as some others on the northern coast, there are still some that feature beach resort areas with enough action to provide a good time for all.

The ancient port city of Pimentel is the most popular beach area on the coast of Lambayeque. In the summer months it is the favorite hotspot of folks from the capitol city of Chiclayo looking for a fun day in the sun. Restaurants, night clubs, hotels and hostels all compete for space along the ocean front. The restaurants are specialists in seafood and fish based dishes. The great iron pier (currently being refurbished) sticks out a full football field's length over the sea, and separates the beach into two distinct sections. La Antigua, to the south side, is where you'll find fisherman still going out looking for the day's catch on their caballitos de totora - boats made of totora reed. Meanwhile on the north side of the pier, you'll find a more modern and residencial side of Pimentel, with beach houses and condominiums aplenty. Pimentel is easy to reach from Chiclayo, about 20 minutes east on a paved road. Looking for a place to stay? Try the Puerto del Sol, where double rooms are available from $67 a night.

Looking for a quieter beach? Look no further than Santa Rosa, which is without a doubt one of the most photogenic places in Peru - and that is saying quite a bit. This land has been home to fishermen for thousands of years and time is measured by the tides. It's a place where no one hurries and no one wears a watch. Santa Rosa isn't your conventional beach; while the sea is more tranquil and warmer than many of the surrounding areas, the true beauty of this beach town is in the view. Santa Rosa is a fishing town, but for all the boats, there is no pier. Large wooden boats called chalanas instead are beached on the sandy shore each evening, waiting to head out to sea again in the morning. The view of these grand boats making their way back out to sea in the early dawn light is a beautiful sight to behold. In earlier times, the work was done with donkeys pulling the boats over pole rollers; nowadays, the work is done with the help of a tractor. Later, head to lunch at the Brisa del Mar, where you can enjoy a cold beer and delicious seafood of all varieties.