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Natural area · Chiclayo, Lambayeque
Santuario Histórico Bosque de Pómac
A protected area of dry algarrobo woodland, with over 5,800 hectares, that preserves the adobe pyramids of Batán Grande, the center of the Sicán culture, northern coastal bird species and an algarrobo known as the millenary tree.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Santuario Histórico Bosque de Pómac
The Santuario Histórico Bosque de Pómac is in the district of Pítipo, in the province of Ferreñafe, about 35 km north of Chiclayo. It was created in 2001, with 5,887 hectares, to protect both an equatorial dry forest and the Batán Grande archaeological complex. It is one of the few areas in Peru classified as a historical sanctuary.
The forest is formed mainly by algarrobo and zapote trees, adapted to the dry climate of the northern coast. About 95 bird species live there, including region-specific species such as the cortarrama-peruana. Among the trees, an algarrobo with a twisted trunk and broad crown is known as the millenary tree.
Inside the forest are the adobe pyramids of Batán Grande, the center of the Sicán culture between the 9th and 11th centuries. In Huaca Loro the tomb of the Lord of Sicán was found, whose pieces are in the Museo Nacional Sicán, in Ferreñafe. A viewpoint allows you to see the pyramids rising above the forest.
Visits are usually made by car along internal trails, with stops at the interpretation center, the viewpoint and the millenary tree.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours.
Best time
Early in the morning, when the birds are more active and the heat is lower. Check opening hours and entry rules before you go.
How to get there
It's about 35 km north of Chiclayo, passing through Ferreñafe and Pítipo, about a 1-hour drive. Agency tours usually combine Pómac with Túcume and Museo Sicán.
Tip
Bring binoculars for the birds of the dry forest and pair the visit with the Museo Nacional Sicán, where the pieces from the Batán Grande tombs are housed.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Santuario Histórico Bosque de Pómac
What is the Bosque de Pómac?
A protected area of dry forest of algarrobo trees that preserves the pyramids of Batán Grande, the center of the Sicán culture.
What is the millenary tree?
An algarrobo with a twisted trunk and broad crown, one of the stops on the bosque visit.
What animals live in the bosque?
About 95 bird species have been recorded, including species native to Peru's northern coast. Seeing the birds depends on the day and the time.
Can you see the pyramids of Batán Grande?
Yes, they stand out from the bosque as seen from the viewpoint, and at stops along the trails.