Gastronomy & Vibrant Culture

Chiclayo is one of Peru’s gastronomic hotspots and the perfect place to sample northern Peru cuisine. Be sure to try tasty regional specialties, like ceviche, a cured fish dish believed to have originated with this region’s indigenous Moche people; arroz con pato (stewed duck with rice); and cabrito a la norteña (a moreish goat stew). Foodies planning luxury tours to Peru shouldn’t miss out on this prime dining territory.

For seafood-lovers, it’s worth getting up at an ungodly hour to check out the fresh-from-the-ocean offerings of the Mercado Modelo, Chiclayo’s central market. In addition to all kinds of just-caught fish, shellfish and octopuses, you can also buy ready-to-eat treats like soup with fresh crab, shrimp or fish. After slurping the warming soup, stop by the Witches’ Market, where you’ll find medicinal plants, remedies and strange potions sold by local curanderos (shamans).

Culture-wise, there is no better time to visit Chiclayo than during the festival of Santísima Cruz de Chalpón in February or the Holy Cross of Motupe Pilgrimage in August. The 6.2-mile pilgrimage route leads up to the hill of Chalpón, where a sacred cross is sheltered inside a cave. If it’s a fiesta you’re after, make sure you stick around for the festival’s cumulative day on August 5, when fireworks light up the skies and the music and celebrations continue until the wee hours.

Whether you want family tours of Peru’s “Pearl of the North” or a food-oriented luxury itinerary, Kuoda will spare no effort in arranging the perfect, personalized experience for you.  Contact us today and get your free Peru trip quote.  At Kuoda Travel, all trips are custom and personally designed for you by one of our professional travel experts.