Most foreign tourists that visit Peru are likely unfamiliar with Chiclayo, a city on Peru’s North Coast. Chiclayo is often overlooked for more popular destinations in Northern Peru such as Trujillo and Piura. This vibrant city should be a destination for travelers that enjoy getting off the beaten path and exploring an urban area unlike any other. The city, along with the Lambayeque region that it is part of, is rich in flavor, warmth, and history. If you are in Peru for an extended period of time, spending at least one night in Chiclayo should be on your itinerary.
What to do?
Chiclayo was the very first city that I visited in Peru. When I first landed, I was surprised at how small the airport was and I was greeted by the pleasant scent of burning wood that seemed to penetrate the air of the city. I immediately hopped in a cab and headed towards a beach town on the outskirts of Chiclayo called Pimentel. Once there, I found a hotel and headed straight to the ‘playa’ to stroll along a short street filled with restaurants and bars. This is where I had my first encounter, which would later lead to an obsession, with Peruvian ceviche. The ceviche in the Chiclayo area was worth the trip alone. A ‘cevicheria’ can be found on nearly every street in Chiclayo and each local has their own favorite spot and style. I was encouraged by my waiter to eat ceviche alongside a beer mixed with either Coca-Cola or Inca Kola. I was shocked at how flavorful Peruvian ceviche was despite the simple ingredients and cooking process. Chefs in Chiclayo have mastered the art of ceviche preparation and tasting their fare is an experience that all tourists visiting Peru should experience.
I quickly learned that the best thing to do in Chiclayo is explore. I cannot provide an objective opinion on how safe the city is or the safest neighborhoods, nor can I give advice to tourists in Peru who speak zero Spanish. However, when roaming the streets of Chiclayo, you will become immersed in local culture and develop a better understanding of day-to-day life in this corner of Peru. You will meet friendly locals, encounter markets and plazas, and engage in Peruvian culture in a way that you might not be able to do on a tour bus in Miraflores. It is important to note that Chiclayo is a fairly walkable city, but you should constantly look out for broken sidewalk and open utility holes.
There is also an abundance of archeological sites and museums in the area surrounding Chiclayo. Lambayeque has played a central role in Peruvian history and Chiclayanos are very proud of this. On the streets of Chiclayo, you will be greeted with schools and shops that pay homage to “El Señor de Sipán,” a pre-Colombian mummy that was found in a tomb in Lambayeque. I would recommend visiting the museums devoted to El Señor de Sipán and archeological findings from a German researcher named Hans Brüning while in Chiclayo. Additionally, the archeological sites near Chiclayo are incredibly accessible and usually crowd-free. Visiting the Tucume pyramids was an unforgettable experience due to the nature surrounding the complex, a museum that provided context for the site, and a lack of crowds which allowed for a more intimate interaction with Peruvian history.
Getting Around
Perhaps the most challenging part of visiting Chiclayo is getting around. There are not a lot of tour companies like you would find in other Peruvian cities such as Cajamarca. The three primary modes of transportation within Chiclayo are taxis, white vans called combis, and mototaxis. The best way to figure out getting around Chiclayo is by asking a local. They will understand the intricate routes and transportation networks much better than Google Maps or Waze.
Luckily, getting in and out of Chiclayo is fairly easy. There are busses to Chiclayo from all corners of Peru. You can also fly to Chiclayo from both Lima and Panama City, Panama. Chiclayo’s airport is close to the center of the city and it does not take long to get through check-in and security to get to your gate.
Final Thoughts
Chiclayo should be on your radar if you are spending more than two weeks in Peru or if you are travelling between Trujillo or Piura. Chiclayo might not seem like it has enough things to do that warrant it to be a travel ‘destination,’ but it remains my favorite hidden gem in the region.