A visit to the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipan

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Located in the south of Lambayeque (a 14 hours journey from Lima), Chiclayo is one of northern Peru’s more interesting cities; its plethora of intriguing ruins, scenic countryside, and vibrant culture makes traveling in the area a rich and exciting experience. Undoubtedly, it is the archeological ruins in the area that draw the most tourism interest.

Chiclayo is known as the city of friendship for its open and friendly people. The pre-Inca Mochica culture (between the I and VII centuries A.D.) and the Lambayeque culture (between the VII and X centuries A.D.) developed here.

The 1600-year-old tomb of the Lord of Sipan is considered to be the most important archaeological remains of the Mochica Culture.

Walter Alva and Luis Chero, the archeologists credited with the Sipan find, inaugurated in 2002 the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipan.

Inside the Museum

Located about 10 minutes north of the city of Chiclayo (Av. Juan Pablo Vizcardo y Guzman s/n), the Museum resembles a truncated pyramid, inspired by the Mochica sanctuaries. The visitors climb an exterior stairway, enter the three-floor building at the top and begin to descend through the galleries; exhibits include a collection of more than 2000 pieces of gold.

Visitors enter through the 3rd floor. The 3rd and 1st floors exhibit collections of gold and copper jewelry, textiles, pottery and ceramics. Descending into the 2nd floor, visitors see how the archaeologists worked at excavating, preserving and restoring the royal finds. Objects include three pairs of turquoise and gold ear ornaments showing ducks, deer and the Lord of Sipan himself together with eight servants that were buried with him. The ground floor features exact reproductions of how the tombs were found. Finally, the tour ends with a representation of an ancient Mochica religious ceremony that gives the Museum a magical atmosphere.

A guided visit to the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum takes about two hours. Attention: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM. to 5:30 PM.

A comprehensive tour

If you want to know more about the pre-Inca cultures in Chiclayo and Sipan, you can take a comprehensive tour using the services of a tour operator agency. These agencies offer tourist services that include transfers from airport to your selected hotel, breakfasts and guided tours to visit the main tourist places like the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, the archaeological site called “Huaca Rajada” near the village of Sipán, and the beautiful beaches of Eten and Pimentel.

The Gran Hotel Chiclayo (4 Star Hotel) is a highly recommended hotel in Chiclayo. This hotel is strategically located in the heart of the City of Friendship, only 10 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes to the town center. The Gran Hotel Chiclayo has a gourmet restaurant famous for dishes like arroz con pato (Rice with duck), seco de cabrito (goat stew), espesado (ground corn and beef or fish stock), parihuela (sea food soup) and King Kong (traditional pastry composed of shortbread layered with Manjar Blanco).

Las Musas Hotel y Casino is another hotel offering an exceptional gastronomic service in its renowned “El Mirador de las Musas” restaurant. An exclusive environment with the best view of the Paseo de las Musas and of the city give this restaurant a very special character ( Los Faiques 101 Piso 6, Urbanización Santa Victoria).

The Hotel Costa del Sol, one of the best hotels in Chiclayo, is located very close to the Plaza de Armas (the main square). Hotel services include bar, restaurant, private parking, room service, business center, gym, swimming pool, air conditioning and conference facilities.

If you want to try something different and escape routine, the Barreto Restaurant & Karaoke (Avenida Balta 1320) is your place, there you can sample a delicious lunch of typical dishes and practice your singing skills.

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