2 hours
9 am
Martes a DomingoIn 1997 archaeologist Walter Alva discovered the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, an ancient ruler of the Moche Culture (3rd Century B.C.) This discovery was a landmark in American archaeology as it was the first time a royal burial from a civilisation that pre-dated the Incas had been found complete and undisturbed.
Located in the village of Sipan, Chiclayo, everything found in the tomb is now in the Royal Tombs Museum. And here’s the good part: Walter Alva himself takes private visitors round the museum’s displays. The museum was built in the Province of Lambayeque and opened in 2002. It was inspired by the ancient truncated pyramids of the Moche civilisation and holds more than two thousand gold artefacts.
In centre place is the Lord of Sipan with his warrior’s clothing, the burial chamber with its eight accompanying skeletons and around thirty human sculptures representing the sovereign’s political retinue. It is a faithful reconstruction of the royal court of a Moche warrior king and his entourage. The discoverer, Walter Alva, will answer any questions you may have during the visit.
LimaTours was a sponsor in Walter Alva’s excavation project that led to the discovery of the Lords of Sipan treasure, featured in a special National Geographic Magazine issue and beautifully showcased in a state-of-the-art museum in Lambayeque, in Peru’s northern coast, as part of what is now known as the “Moche Route”.
Transportation, guide and entrance tickets.
