Lambayeque is a small town 11km north of Chiclayo, and the reason to come here is its outstanding museums. Most visitors treat it as a half-day trip from Chiclayo — regular minivans make the short journey.
The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum is the star attraction, housing spectacular gold, silver, and turquoise treasures excavated from the nearby tomb of the Lord of Sipán, a Moche ruler buried around 250 AD. The collection is one of the finest pre-Columbian archaeological finds in South America. The older Brüning Museum, a short walk away, covers the full sweep of the region's pre-Columbian cultures from Chavín through Moche, Sicán, and Chimú.
The Plaza de Armas in the centre of town is worth a look for the Casa de la Logia, whose 64-metre colonial balcony is one of the longest in Peru. For those with more time, the Chotuna-Chornancap Archaeological Complex 12km northwest adds a rewarding detour tied to the founding legend of the Lambayeque civilisation.