Archeological sites, Kuelap fortress are main attractions in Northern Peru

Archeological tourism in Lambayeque and Kuelap Fortress in Amazonas are the main attractions for visitors who have arrived in northern Peru this year, Peru’s tourism information and assistance service (Iperu) reported.

Iperu representative Jose Herrera noted that the tourists have requested information about the location, entrance fees and transportation to the archeological sites in Lambayeque and museums such us the Royal Tombs of Sipan, Brüning, Huaca Rajada and Sican.

Tourists were also interested on the attractions located in surrounding areas such us Amazonas, especially Kuelap Fortress, the sarcophagus of Karajia and Gocta Cataracts, which might be the third world’s highest waterfall.

Iperu Chiclayo provided information to some 6,126 both national and foreign visitors from countries such as Spain, France, United States and Germany between January and November this year, Herrera stated.

Herrera recalled that Iperu assisted 7,315 tourists in 2010 and expects to increase said figure in 2011.

According to Herrera, Iperu started to promote Ventarron archeological complex -which received Franco-Peruvian funds- as it meets the infrastructure conditions to be visited.

Fuente: ANDINA

Tours in the Northern Kingdoms

Peru: Tomb believed to be older than "Señor de Sipan" found in northern Peru

Art/Culture/History 3 July, 2007 [ 10:45 ]

(LIP-ir) -- A team of archaeologists, led by Walter Alva, have discovered the wooden tomb of another member of the Mochica culture's elite - older than the "Señor de Sipan" (Lord of Sipan).

These findings belong to the Moche civilization, which ruled the northern coast of Peru from the time of Christ to 800 AD, centuries prior to the Incas.

Alva has stated that he and his team are investigating and within the next few days will know the role of this noble in the Mochica society.

"We have found the tomb of a person that belonged to Mochica nobility. Inside the coffin, discoveries of copper and copper-plated decorations - covered in rust, demonstrate that this person was not a Lord but was among the Mochica elite," Alva explained.The archaeologist, who discovered the "Señor de Sipan" (Lord of Sipan) in 1987, has said that this discovery will provide valuable information about the Mochica culture.

The mummy is estimated to be 1,800 years old, whereas it is estimated that the "Señor de Sipan" was buried 1,700 years ago."The tomb is of a person that appears on Mochica artwork, which shows he participated in important rituals. His headdress, which is V-shaped, identifies him as such," explained Alva.

The archaeologist explained the value of this discovery, "This is the tomb of a person we hadn't found, now we have the Mochica elite complete."40 workers and 6 archaeologists are taking part in this work funded by the Ítalo Peruvian Fund and the government. This years budget is 600 thousand soles.

Tomb find reveals pre-Inca city

(BBC - News)

Archaeologists working in northern Peru have discovered a spectacular tomb complex about 1,000 years old.

The complex contains at least 20 tombs, and dates from the pre-Inca Sican era.

Among the discoveries are 12 "tumis", ceremonial knives which scientists have not been able to study in a burial site before, as well as ceramics and masks.

The Sican culture flourished from approximately AD 800-1300, one of several metalworking societies which succumbed to drought and conquest.

Archaeologists working on the project say the find will help them understand details of the culture.

"It is a religious city, a sacred settlement, and at each excavation site is a cemetery," Izumi Shimada told Peru's El Comercio newspaper.

"That tells us that Sican was a very organised society."

Professor Shimada, based at the University of Southern Illinois in the US, has been excavating Sican sites for a quarter of a century. The latest dig was performed in conjunction with the Sican National Museum.

More information ....>

Sican Museum