The former inhabitants of the region called this place Bagual Grande, with the passing of time, the city came to be known as Bagua Grande, current capital of the Utcubamba province. It was created as a district during the Independence campaign, the 12th of February of 1821, and for a long time it remained a rural area, although it has transformed into an active trade hub since the 60’s due to migrations and its strategic location as a gateway to the rainforest areas.

The name of the city comes from Chidayep and Chiclayoc, words in mochica language which mean “green that hangs”. It was the place where the culture mochica was born in the period of 0-600 B.C. Its foundation took place in 1560, during the colonial period, as a rural house; this lasted until the republic period, when the city started to grow due to its commercial importance and privileged location. Today we can appreciate on the outskirts and museums the legacy of a large culture moche, which dominated the valley centuries before. Declared the “capital of the friendship” for its hospitality, charm and good disposition of the residents, Chiclayo is the place where every traveller who likes history, good food and beaches with a good climate can’t miss.