Can you imagine being able to see the tomb of one of the most powerful men in ancient Peru? The intact remains of the Lord of Sipán were found in Huaca Rajada, in Lambayeque, in the largest archaeological find in Peruvian history.
Impressive gold, silver and turquoise ornaments, pectorals and earflaps; The most beautiful ceramics and several finely crafted objects were just the prelude to the greatest discovery: an entire real life ready to be enjoyed in the afterlife.
This historical treasure, and much more, is preserved at the Royal Tombs Museum, a world-class museum.
The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum is located in the city of Lambayeque, in the department of the same name. It is one of the most interesting and popular museums in Peru, in addition to being a cultural icon due to the relics it possesses. The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum has more than 2,000 pieces (including jewelry, funerary trousseau and ceramics, etc.), thus being one of the first in Peruvian history to portray the majesty of an ancient ruler of the country.
A lot can be said about the architecture of the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, especially that it has a lot of influence from the Moche culture. The project was carried out thanks to the donation of Celso Prado Pastor. The pyramidal shape of the museum is inspired by the Mochica culture, since many similar figures were found in the standards discovered in Sipán. The establishment has 3 floors and a ramp at the entrance that is more than 70 meters long, just as they were built in the Mochica culture.
The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum is divided into 3 sectors, which are very well differentiated since they also function as floors. The tomb of the Lord of Sipán is on the first floor, which can be seen only from a distance. You can also see the ruler's companions in his tomb (including animals). On the second level there is a reproduction of the excavation and discovery of the Lord of Sipán. And, on the third level, there is all the information regarding the Mochica culture. Not only its organization, both political and economic, but also important historical events.
The latest surprise at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum is a representation of the house of the Lord of Sipán. Called Casa Real, here is an environment that contains around 35 mannequins that have movement and are accompanied by lights and music from the context. It is a super didactic staging that teaches very well the life in the Mochica culture of this important figure.
The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum has different treasures that were found in the tomb of the majestic ruler. Here are some valuable pieces that you will find on your next visit.
The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum has a collection of more than 600 jewels from the Moche culture, which are perfectly protected and cared for through armored display cases. Among them are gold rattles, gold earmuffs, and shell pectorals. The most famous pieces are the necklaces made up of figures of peanuts, also made of gold and turquoise.
But, perhaps, the most important treasure of the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum is the tomb of the Lord of Sipán himself, an important governor of the time, whose remains are well cared for on the first level of the place. In addition, it is possible to see the other bodies with which the regent was buried: 3 women (possibly concubines), four men and a child, as well as animals.
The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum protects the remains of the Lord of Sipán, which were discovered thanks to Walter Alva and Luis Chero Zurita, in 1987. This unique character stands out among others due to the perfect conditions in which he was found, being thus an important fact for Latin American and Peruvian archeology.
While other tombs of important figures were previously found, they were almost always looted or partially destroyed. That of the Lord of Sipán, however, remained as it was at the beginning, which is why all its pieces were rescued (among which stands out a wooden coffin, the first indication of the importance of this character for the Mochica culture). .
Without a doubt, the discovery of this character from Sipán was of great importance for Peruvian history and, especially, for Peruvian architecture.
If you have already decided to visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, we will tell you everything here. First you must go north, exactly to Chiclayo. The best thing is to travel by bus, not only because it is a tradition but also because you will enjoy beautiful northern landscapes that will leave you amazed.
Once in Chiclayo, you must take another bus to Lambayeque, where the museum is located. We recommend that you buy your round-trip tickets through redBus so that you avoid queues and/or any other inconvenience.
From here you have two options: hire a tour that includes a visit to the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum or go on your own. In both ways you will greatly enjoy this place full of history and culture.
If you decide to go on your own, we tell you that you can take a taxi or a van. In the case of the first, it will leave you exactly outside the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. In the case of the second, it will leave you nearby, so you will have to walk a couple of blocks to get to the museum. The price may vary depending on the season and other factors, so always ask before boarding any of these.
Remember that you must pay a fee to enter the museum. Below we leave you the prices, and it is worth it!
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
