Chiclayo - Peru

Chiclayo is a city on the northern coastal plain in Peru. It is 95 feet above sea level. The city population is approximately 634,600 while the metropolitan area is approximately 910,255. Chiclayo was founded in 1560 as a rural Indian village by a Spanish priest. Until the 19th century, Chiclayo remained a small town in comparison to the nearby city of Lambayeque. However, the city of Chiclayo has since grown to become a major modern metropolis. It is Peru's fourth largest city.


Since the city is located in a productive valley, there is strong agriculture, such as rice production, sugar cane and cotton. Until Peru's economic decline, the port of Pimentel served as Chiclayo's main export line; sugar refined in Pomalca passed through Chiclayo by train and was exported to various desinations along the Pacific Rim. However, with the socialization of agriculture, and subsequent demise of the Peruvian economy, Chiclayo ceased to export by sea.

Economic prosperity did not leave, however. With the construction of the Panamerican Highway, the city became a center for commerce, due to the fact that it has easy access to mountain passes that allow access to the jungle, as well as being close to the sugar cooperatives.

Chiclayo is well known for its archaeological sites, such as Tucume, Batan Grande and Huaca Rajada. In 1987, in Huaca Rajada (more often referred to as Sipan), a Moche mausoleum was found. The most significant discovery was the tomb of the El Señor de Sipan, who archaeologists have concluded was a royal ruler from over 1600 years ago. His clothes were adorned with jewels, gold, and silver, these artifacts can be seen in the Tumba Real, in Lambayeque. The amount of treasure found in the tomb rivals that found in the tomb of King Tut, as noted by the National Geographic Magazine, in their feature article. Chiclayo is also recognized as for its natural medicine, and for having some of the best cuisine in Peru, especially Ceviche. Monsefu is a nearby town that provides Chiclayo with most of the artisian artifacts and fireworks that are for sale in the "Mercado Modelo". (This term translates to "Model Market." Many large towns have a "Modelo," as a result of Peru's bout with socialism)

It is served by the CAP. FAP. Jose A. Quiñones Gonzales International Airport.


Chiclayo Pictures