Chiclayo is the capital of Lambayeque and it is full of tourist attractions. It has good hotels, squares, churches and museums that hold valuable remains of the Mochica and Chimú cultures.

Lambayeque Basic Facts
Area or Surface: 14,231 km².

Main Resources: rice, sugar cane and fruit trees.

Population: 992,000 inhabitants. The capital is Chiclayo and has 239,887 inhabitants.

Number of Provinces and Districts: 3 provinces and 33 districts.

Date of Department Foundation: December 1, 1874

Typical Foods: arroz con pato, espesado, chirimpico, humitas, seco de cabrito a la chiclayana.

Fauna: pava aliblanca.

Flora: carob tree forests.

Weather: The average temperature is 22° C (72° F). The rainy season is from February to April.

History
In the Lambayeque zone, important pre-Columbian cultures were established, such as the Mochica and Chimú. These cultures are famous for their artistic works of gold and silversmithing. Important archaeological remains have been discovered here. This area was ruled by the Mochica, then the Empire of the Great Chimú. Years later, the Inca's Pachacútec, Túpac Yupanqui and Huayna Cápac conquered the Empire of the Great Chimú.

The first Spanish forces that came to Lambayeque were those of Francisco Pizarro, as they were on their way to Cajamarca to conquer the Incan Empire. Once the fighting was over, Pizarro left many soldiers in the Lambayeque area. This city of Zaña was founded in 1563. In 1720, the Zaña River flooded the town, completely destroying it. Its inhabitants moved to Lambayeque, which then became the capital of the province.

During the war for independence, Lambayeque was one of the main strongholds against Spanish domination. It collaborated with the liberating army of San Martín. During the Republican period Lambayeque stopped being part of Trujillo and became a province. During the war with Chile, people joined forces to face the enemy. Invaders twice occupied Chiclayo.

Currently, Lambayeque is the country's number one rice producer. Sugar cane production, fishing and commercial development are also large revenue generators for this department.

Tourism
Chiclayo is the capital of Lambayeque and it is full of tourist attractions. It has good hotels, squares, churches and museums. The Brunning museum holds valuable remains of the Mochica and Chimú cultures. Among these remains is the recent discovery of , the Señor de Sipán tomb. Another archaeological wonders in Lambayeque is the Apurlec. The remains of this great city cover almost 30 km and can be found between the towns of Motupe and Jayanca.

The beaches of Santa Rosa, Eten and Pimentel are also good places where the tourist can relax.