Chiclayo, Commercial city in Lambayeque region, Peru
Chiclayo is a commercial city in the Lambayeque region of northern Peru, located roughly 764 kilometers northwest of Lima. The city spreads across flat coastal land with wide streets, low buildings, and a central plaza surrounded by trees and colonial-era houses.
Spanish settlers founded the settlement in the 16th century under the name Santa María de los Valles de Chiclayo, which later became a trading hub for surrounding estates. The settlement received official city status in 1835 and grew into a center for agriculture and commerce during the 19th century.
Local markets sell healing herbs and traditional foods, while shamans practice ancient healing rituals that visitors can still witness today. In surrounding villages, artisans craft ceramics and textiles using methods passed down through generations and visible in small workshops.
The main airport sits roughly 2 kilometers southeast of the city center and offers connections to several Peruvian cities and some international destinations. Most attractions and museums can be reached by taxi or minibuses that run regularly through the main streets.
A nearby village produces Palo Santo, a fragrant wood that locals use for incense and cleansing rituals. The surrounding area holds dozens of smaller archaeological sites that visitors can often explore independently, without relying on organized groups.
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