The 'Golden Brunette of Peru' said it well: "Long live the department of Lambayeque, with its capital Chiclayo, Monsefú and Reque." Afro-Peruvian waltz singer, Lucha Reyes, was born in Lima. However, every time she sang that endearing song, she did it with the pure feeling of feeling part of this northern region. Because it is like that: whoever visits Lambayeque, is never the same again. Because of the warmth of its people, because of its millenary history or because of its outstanding gastronomy valued by everyone who tries it, you will want this region to adopt you as one more son or daughter of its enormous and noble people.
Located on the north coast of Peru, Lambayeque is one of the regions with the highest tourist growth in the country. The ease of reaching this area (1 hour and 15 minutes by air -from Lima-) makes it a place besieged by tourists, both Peruvians and foreigners. Its sunny climate is one of the delicacies of the region, which is why all beach lovers point to Lambayeque to spend their vacations.
And it is not for less: they have unique and beautiful beaches, which have nothing to envy to the best coasts on the planet. The best known and most outstanding are the Pimentel beach, where you can see caballitos de totoras, these rafts that the Lambayecan ancestors used to fish; and the Santa Rosa cove, distinguished by its enormous and colorful dry dock, full of multicolored boats. Even very close to these beaches is the only ostrich farm in northern Peru.
Lover of ancient history? Don't worry, in Lambayeque there is enough material to quench that thirst for knowledge: one of the main examples is the Huaca Rajada Archaeological Complex, where in 1987 the tomb of the Lord of Sipán, once ruler of the Mochica culture, was discovered. considered one of the most important men of ancient Peru.
The area where this monumental discovery was found, which paralyzed the entire world because his tomb was intact, has its site museum, where some other pieces found around it are exhibited, such as utensils, offerings and ceramics, among others. However, the belongings of the Lord of Sipán are exhibited in the Royal Tombs of Sipán National Museum, which was inaugurated in 2002. Here, lie the grave goods of the Lord of Sipán, in addition to his most intimate possessions found by Peruvian archaeologists Walter Alva and Luis Chero Zurita. The Bruning Museum, where gold, silver and bronze pieces from over 4,000 years old are exhibited, is also a good option for an educational walk.
After this cultural visit, it is time to pamper your stomach and palate. And in Lambayeque, that is very simple: its gastronomy is acclaimed by everyone who tries it, since they keep ancient secrets that give their dishes a different flavor. Do not say goodbye to this land without trying a delicious Rice with duck, a Seco de kid, a Thickened Lambayecano or a Chinguirito, which flirts with delicious seafood.
Lambayeque has enormous tourist potential both for its architectural beauty and for having been the site of great pre-Inca cultures that have bequeathed remains of the past, which can be seen in the same centers where these cultures developed or in existing museums.
Among the main tourist attractions of the department stand out:
Archaeological complex of the Mochica culture dating from approximately 200 years AD. It was discovered in 1987, finding a wooden sarcophagus containing the remains of a dignitary of the Mochica hierarchy who has been called "El
Lord of Sipan. It is located only 35 km from the city of Chiclayo.
Located in the heart of the province of Lambayeque, occupying an area of seven hectares. It has the shape of a truncated pyramid 14 meters high.
You can appreciate the knowledge and art of the Mochica culture, in the fields of agriculture, technology, goldsmithing and housing. The reconstruction of the royal tomb and its ornaments can also be seen.
Modern building in which the imposing figure of the god Naylamp stands out, founder of the Lambayecan dynasty of kings. It houses a valuable collection of more than 11 thousand archaeological pieces in gold and silver, ceramics and fabrics from the Chavín, Vicús, Huari, Mochica and Chimú cultures. The most relevant pieces are 10,000 years old. It is located in the city of Lambayeque, 11.4 km from Chiclayo.
Sanctuary located in Ferreñafe, 18 kilometers from the city of Chiclayo. The enclosure displays 1,500 pieces of gold and 200 pieces of gold, the product of 22 years of research led by Dr. Isumi Shimada, director of the Sicán archaeological project. It has 10 exhibition halls in which various aspects of the Lambayeque culture are shown.
Archaeological complex made up of 26 pyramids distributed over 200 hectares, which is why it is known as the Valley of the Pyramids. This culture dates back to approximately 700 AD. and is 35 km from the city of Chiclayo.
Built with traditional architectural patterns, it presents a didactic explanation of the history linked to the god Naylamp and his descendants. The mural art embodied in extraordinary relief samples that represent birds and human bodies of strange shapes stands out. The temple of the sacred stone and its findings meant an important contribution to understand the religion of the time. Themes from Tucumán traditions are exhibited, which aim to show cultural continuity since pre-Hispanic times.
Among the major tourist attractions in the region are the beaches, mainly those located in the circuit formed by San José (famous for the legend of Naylamp), Pimentel and Santa Rosa; where you can enjoy exquisite marine stews, highlighting its famous cebiches.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
