Safari to Chiclayo

impressive ruins and spectacled bears

Set just back from the coast, around 200km north of Trujillo and 400 km from Lima, Chiclayo is the fourth largest city in Peru, well-known for its collection of impressive colonial architecture.

The area is historically the centre of the pre-Inca Chimu and Mochica civilisations and there are some moderately impressive historic sites, including the (much eroded) adobe pyramids of Túcume and the royal tombs of Sipan.

To be honest, the ruins around here do not have the obvious appeal of those in the Trujillo area and tend to be visited more by people who are really into the details of ancient Peruvian history.

The Chaparri Reserve to the east is probably the best place in Peru to spot spectacled bears, there is a small rescue centre there.

The Chiclayo area is most commonly visited by road from Trujillo, sometimes as a day trip, but usually for longer, as part of a much more extensive overland exploration of the north of the country.

Chiclayo is generally considered to be a year round destination.

The city experiences two distinct seasons …

The period of Dec-Apr is the warmest time of year, with peak daytime temperatures typically reaching around 26C/79F and nighttime temperatures remaining relatively high at around 19C/66F. Sunshine levels are high and there is virtually no rainfall.

The converse May-Nov season is cooler, with peak daytime temperatures typically reaching around 22C/71F and nighttime temperatures remaining relatively high at around 16C/61F. Sunshine levels remain high, in great contrast to Lima and more southerly coastal areas, which suffer from heavy coastal fogs at this time. There is also virtually no rainfall.

Where to stay

If you are more focused on exploring the town of Chiclayo itself and the outlying archaeological sites, then your best bet may be one of the more central hotels, although they are rather bland.

We tend to more often recommend Chaparri Ecolodge, which is much less convenient for those attractions, but does provide more of a wilderness experience.

an optional stop in northern Peru