Weekend in Chiclayo

Sprawling market with separate sections for fruit, herbs, and witchcraft supplies. Fresh juice stalls cost 2-3 soles per glass. Good place to buy cheap souvenirs.

Tip: Watch your pockets—crowds are tight. Head to the back for the curandero (healer) stalls where you'll see llama foetuses and dried frogs used in rituals.

Small linear park with bronze statues of musicians, fountains, and a children's play area. Local families gather on weekends. Free to enter.

Tip: Best in the early evening when the fountains are lit. Nearby street vendors sell picarones (sweet potato doughnuts) for 2 soles.

Main square with a twin-towered neoclassical cathedral. Free to walk around; cathedral entry requires modest dress. Good people-watching spot with benches and trees.

Tip: Go at sunset when the cathedral lights up. Avoid the benches near the curry vendors—they attract pigeons.

Three-floor museum holding the intact tomb of the Lord of Sipán, with gold, silver, and ceramic artefacts. Entrance costs about 8 soles (around £1.60).

Tip: Go early—before 10am—to dodge bus tour crowds. The exhibition is one-way, so take your time on each floor.

The original excavation site of the Lord of Sipán tombs, about 40 minutes from town. Bus from Chiclayo costs 3-4 soles. Site entry 5 soles.

Tip: Hire a local guide at the entrance—they charge around 10-15 soles and explain the mud-brick pyramids in detail. Combine with the museum for context.