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Chiclayo is a part of Peru where the tropical sun, desert oases and
the fresh sea breeze come together. Legend has it that the
god Naylamp sailed here together with a vast retinue thousands
of years ago to found his empire. In fact, many ancient
civilizations saw the strategic advantage of controlling
this region, which today is a major business hub in northern
Peru, where routes come together from the coast, highlands
and jungle. Chiclayo is the capital of the department of
Lambayeque, which gave rise to the Mochica culture from
0-600 AD.
Near the town of Sipán, 35 km from Chiclayo, lies
Huaca Rajada, a complex where archaeologists discovered
the tomb of the Lord of Sipán, a high-ranking leader
whose body was accompanied by gold relics and jewelry. The
treasure trove is on exhibition at the Brüning National
Archaeological Museum, where the Gold Room houses one of
the finest collections of gold relics in the Americas.
Another major complex is that of Túcume, also known
as the Valley of the Pyramids, as there are 26 of them.
Visitors can take in archaeological sites and the natural
landscape, as well as experiencing folk healing and a culture
interchange in general, thanks to the active participation
of the community in the preservation of their natural and
cultural heritage.
Chiclayo also boasts some of the finest cooking to be had
in northern Peru, serving up dishes such as arroz con pato
(duck served with rice) and the local variation of cebiche
(raw fish marinated in lemon juice). The city celebrates
the festival of Santísima Cruz de Chalpón
in February, which falls in summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
This is a good time to visit nearby Pimentel, a modern beach
resort which provides opportunities for water sports such
as surfing. One can also watch how the local fishermen still
breast the waves with the caballitos de totora, the reed
rafts that have been used along the north coast for thousands
of years. |
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