Chiclayo:
Lambayeque has witnessed the development of the most important Pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru. In the outskirts of Chiclayo, the capital of the department, there are many legacies from the Mochica, Sican and Chimu ethnic groups. From this cultural heritage are the Tombs of the Lord of Sipan, who was the most powerful governor of the Mochica kingdom.
The finding of this Lord was considered the world’s most important archeological event of the 80’s. The burial site is located in the Huaca Rajada complex (near the city of Chiclayo). It was the most important burial center of the Mochica Culture. When the Spanish settlers arrived, they founded many cities in the region that still remain.
Among them we find Lambayeque, where the Independence of Peru was declared in 1820, then Zaña, home of “witchcraft” and finally, Monsefu, the city where hats, baskets and straw ponchos are made. Chiclayo is known as the “The city of friendship” due to the kindness of its people. It is also the biggest trade center of the north for people coming from the different regions.
Another attraction of the city is the archeological complex of Tucume or the valley of the pyramids, which has the most astonishing constructions such as the Huaca Larga, the greatest adobe building in the continent. Chiclayo is a beautiful and warm place. If you decide to visit it, don’t forget to include the Bruning Museum (an interesting gold collection of Tucume and Sican) in your itinerary.
