CHICLAYO

Chiclayo is a city on the northern coastal plain in Peru. It is 95 feet (29 meters) above sea level. The population is approximately 634,600. It is the capital of the Lambayeque region. 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.

Chiclayo is well known for its archaeological sites, such as Tucume, Batán 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 Lord of 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 at the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, in Lambayeque. The amount of treasure found in the tomb rivals with the one found in the tomb of King Tutankamon, as noted by the National Geographic Magazine in their featured article. Chiclayo is also recognized as for its natural medicine, and for having some of the best cuisine in Peru, especially Ceviche.

The main attractions are The Cathedral, Basilica of San Antonio, Modelo Market (also called Witch's Market), Lambayeque, Zaña, Bruning Archaeological Museum, Monsefu, Pimentel, Eten, Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, Sican, Sipan and Tucume.

The average temperature is 62ºF through 82ºF.

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