The area was inhabited long before the arrival of the Spaniards, and was an important base for the Moche people. There is a legend that says that in the bay of San José, just north of Chiclayo, Naymlap, a chieftain of a foreign tribe, arrived on a fleet of rafts, founding the Chimú culture. This flourished around the same time as the Inca Empire, and was renown for its wonderful works in gold. In the mid 15th century, the Inca Pachacuteq conquered the Chimú people, along with all coastal civilisations in Peru.
Chiclayo itself is a rather uninteresting city, and the only part of the city worth visiting is the Mercado Modelo (**), which has a wonderful naturalist section. Here, many incredible items can be found, such as baby caimans, toucan heads and beaks, snake and jaguar skins and giant angelote fish eggs. These are generally used to concoct potions to cure many ailments. The San Pedro cactus is also on sale here, which has hallucinogenic effects. Wandering round the market is an incredible experience.
Tourist Ticket
As in Cusco, there is a general tourist ticket allowing entrance to a number of different attractions for one price. The ticket costs $4 and is valid for the Iglesia San Pedro, Zaña, Túcume, Sicán, Museo Brüning, Pimentel, Casa Montjoy, Bosque Pomac, Santa Lucía and Sipán. If going to three or more attractions it is worth buying the ticket.
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