Day 1 : Arrival in Chiclayo
Upon arrival in Chiclayo a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and help you in registering. Start your morning with a visit to the archaeological complex of "The Lord of Sipan" located in the site called Huaca Rajada. The importance of this archaeological discovery was compared to the discoveries of the tomb of Tutankhamen and Machu Picchu. There are two huge adobe mud pyramids in front of which there is a platform, dating back a thousand years before the Incas. Recently two of the most famous pre-Columbian tombs were found here undisturbed: the tombs of the Lord of Sipan and his ancestor, the Old Lord. The significance of these tombs is highlighted by the fact that the Lord of Sipan was buried in a wooden coffin with bronze clasps. Skeletons of those sacrificed during the funeral rites were found outside the sarcophagus; two young women at the head and feet of the lord, two men at either side of the body, and the skeleton of a dog. Continue your exploration to the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum which was inspired by the Mochica pyramids. This new museum was inaugurated in November 2002 and is rated one of the most outstanding archaeological museums in South America. Here you can find a reconstruction of the tomb of Sipan, dubbed the "Tutankhamen of the Americas" because of the golden splendor of his tomb.
Then take off with an afternoon excursion to Batan Grande, famous for the discovery of a large golden "tumi", or sacrificial knife, belonging to the Sican culture. Continue to the new Sican Museum which opened on November 2001. This museum exhibits the treasure of pure gold artifacts discovered in the tombs. These pieces reveal their culture's surprising command of metallurgy and its exquisite artistry in gold and silver, in addition to its known excellence in ceramics. Enjoy your stay overnight in Chiclayo.
