Chiclayo Cathedral (Iglesia Santa Maria)
Reflecting the city’s modernity, the Gustave Eiffel-designed Chiclayo Cathedral was not constructed until 1869, and despite its relative youth, the neoclassical cathedral with its twin bell towers and white cupolas exudes a sense of grandeur and stands as one of the most striking buildings in Chiclayo.
The Basics
Also known as Catedrál Santa Maria, the Chiclayo Cathedral is a hub of activity in the city. The highlight behind its pretty white and pale yellow façade is a carved wooden image of Christ called Christ of Poverty (Cristo Pobre). Travelers may experience Chiclayo Cathedral as part of a half-day, full-day, private or group tour that includes the town’s most fascinating sites like the Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal de Chiclayo), the pedestrian zone Paseo de las Musas, and the Witch Market where a treasure-trove of traditional herbs and healing remedies are for sale.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and especially history buffs.
- Tours may include round trip hotel transfers. Check specific tours for details.
- Tours may include admission to various sites.
- Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection.
- Admission is free.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
Chiclayo is the capital of the Lambayeque Department and a three-hour express bus ride north from Trujillo. Chiclayo Cathedral is located in the center of Chiclayo overlooking the Plaza des Armas, an easy walk from the city’s top attractions and hotels. Local taxis are also plentiful.
When to Get There
Chiclayo Cathedral is open daily, 6:30am to 1pm and 3pm - 6pm. For the best photos, visit at night when the facade is illuminated. Plaza des Armas is popular throughout the day and night. Come in June for a festival honoring San Pedro and San Pablo, the patron saints of fishermen and farmers; and in August when locals hike to Motupe, a highland village just outside Chicalyo, to mark Cruz de Chalpon with dancing, fireworks and music.
Municipal Palace
Walk a couple blocks to the fantastically ornate Municipal Palace, a Republican-style administrative building with a festive four-story clock tower and soaring parallel arches gracing the center of town. Proof of its elaborate lavishness, it cost 30,000 pounds of gold to build in 1919. As a focal point of the city, people gather in front of the Municipal Palace throughout the day, with families camping out on park benches enjoying ice-cream cones.
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- Batán Grande (Sicán Archaeological Complex)
- Municipal Palace
- Parque Principal (Plaza de Armas)
- Witch's Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
- Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary
- Paseo de las Musas
- Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum
- Brüning National Archaeological Museum
- Sicán National Museum
- Túcume (Valley of the Pyramids)
- Huaca Rajada (Sipán)