Best of Chiclayo

Once the home of Pre-Inca sovereigns who ruled the north, Chiclayo is the gateway to fabulous archaeological sites, including recently discovered places that have yet to be explored. Chiclayo isn’t well-known outside of Peru, which is surprising given its historical importance. It’s also a commercial hub in the north with vineyards, orchards, rice fields and sugar cane plantations beyond the city center. This strikingly varied landscape sets the stage for some rewarding exploring in this picturesque corner of Peru. 

The Moche, Sícan and the Chimú all left their mark on the region, and it’s hard not to feel the power of the past when visiting Chiclayo’s stellar attractions. Not to be missed is the archaeological site of Lord Sipán’s tomb, a 1987 find that’s often compared to the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s crypt in Egypt. There are also plenty of ways to immerse yourself in nature. Previous kimkim travelers have enjoyed wildlife watching in the stunning Chaparri Reserve, home to the rare spectacled bear as well as over 200 bird species. The Bosque Seco de Pomac is another area of immense biodiversity, with numerous endemic bird and mammal species. The reserve also protects several impressive pre-Colombian pyramids.