Chiclayo

A lively commercial center, Chiclayo is prosperous and easygoing. Although it doesn't have much colonial architecture or special outward beauty, it's surrounded by numerous pre-Columbian sites. The Moche and Chimú people had major cities in the area, as did the Lambayeque, who flourished here from about 700 to 1370. Archaeology buffs flocked to the area after the 1987 discovery nearby of the unlooted Tomb of the Lord of Sipán. Chiclayo is a comfortable base from which to visit that tomb, as well as other archaeological sites.