THE LORD OF SIPAN: KING OF THE MOCHICAS
Sipan is a small town 18.02 mi. from Chiclayo on the north coast of Peru. In 1987 Walter Alva a Peruvian Archeologist, made an important discovery in the Rajada Indian Tomb site. He found the remains of a man who turned out to be the most important ruler of the Mochica culture: The Lord of Sipan. The discovery was magnificent in such a way that it has been compared to that f Tutankhamon’s tomb in Egypt. Before Dr. Alva’s discovery,the site had been ransacked by grave robbers known as “huaqueros”, but fortunately, the archeologist managed to protect the site. The Sipan burial site is made up of two big adobe pyramids that from far away look like mountains. Inside these pyramids were more than six tombs; among them were the tombs of The Lord’s mistresses, a warrior,a child and a guard. Right in the center of the site and inside a wooden coffin was The Lord, surrounded by offerings and gold ornaments such as orejeras(earrings),scepters, medallions, necklaces. The team of archeologist also found hundreds of ceramics pots and a minor tomb which contained a second man. This man was called “The Old Lord of Sipan”. It is believed that that the Lord of Sipan was a Mochica divine leader that ruled for several decades three aspects of their lives; the military, the religious and the social. Make sure you don’t miss the impressive discovery and visit two important museums: The Sipan Royal Tombs and The Bruning.
TRUJILLO: THE SPRING CITY
Trujillo is a wonderful colonial style city whose houses show different
architectural styles. Trujillo is the most important economic and cultural
center of the north located on the valley of the Moche River in the region
of La Libertad. Founded in 1534, it took its name in honor of the
Spanish city of Trujillo de Extremadura, the place where Francisco
Pizarro was born. In the old times, the Mochicas, Lambayeques and
Chimus inhabited the area. The Chimus left the most beautiful pre-Inca
piece of architecture: The City of Chan Chan. It is considered the
biggest adobe construction in America. In the outskirts of the city, there
are other significant cities as valuable as Chan Chan. They are El
Brujo, la Huaca Dragon, and the Huacas of the Sun and the Moon.
These constructions are very old from pre Columbian data. During
republican times, the city developed thanks to agriculture, and big
ranches producing sugar cane and cotton appeared. But Trujillo is not
only monuments and ranches; it is also a very joyful city, known as
home of Marinera dance, the most elegant dance of the country and a
symbol for its people. The Peruvian Stepping Horse (Caballo Peruano
de Paso) is another of Trujillo’s symbols. If you visit the city, you must
also go to the beaches, famous for the ancient Caballitos de Totora
and for having the best waves for surfing. Trujillo has so many
attractions that it is the place to visit on the coast of Peru.
CHICLAYO: THE LAND OF THE LORD OF SIPAN
Lambayeque has witnessed the development of the most important
Pre-Hispanic culture of Peru, in the outskirts of Chiclayo, the capital of the
region; there are many legacies from the Mochica, Sican and Chimu ethnic
groups. From this cultural heritage are the tombs of the Lord of Sipan,
who was the most powerful governor of the Mochica kingdom. The finding
of this lord was considered the world’s most important archeological event
of the 80’s. The burial site is located in the Huaca Rajada complex (near
the city of Chiclayo). It was the most important burial center of the
Mochica culture. When the Spanish settlers arrived, they founded many
cities in the region that still remain. Among them we find Lambayeque,
then Zaña, home of witchcraft and finally Monsefu, the city where hats,
baskets and straw ponchos are made. Chiclayo is known as “The city of
friendship” due to the kindness of its people, it is also the biggest trade
center of the north for people coming from different regions. Another
attraction of the city is the archeological complex of Tucume or the
valley of the pyramids, which has the most astonishing constructions
such as the Huaca Larga, the greatest adobe building in the continent.
Chiclayo is a beautiful and warm place; if you decide to visit it, don’t
forget to include the Bruning Museum (an interesting gold collection of
Tucume and Sican) in your itinerary.
CUSCO: CITY OF THE INCAS
Cusco is considered to be among the most ancient cities of the continent. “The
Earth’s Navel” is the meaning of the city name Qosqo in Quechua. There are
many myths about the creation of the city. However it is known that the city
existed before the year 5000 BC. The Spanish foundation of the city took place
in 1534.Later it was the seat of the first Bishop of South America and the
center of a great cultural activity. One of the most outstanding arts schools of
the world took place in Cusco, The Escuela Cusqueña. The main characteristic
of this city is the perfect blend of the urban with the pre-Colombian
monuments, among the most outstanding buildings is the Koricancha temple,
which is located near the main square. This was the center of the cult to the
Sun God or Inti. On top of this temple, the Spanish built he Santo Domingo
Convent. The Compañia de Jesus is considered to be the most beautiful church
of the continent. This church together with La Merced is some of the Spanish
legacy. Walking along the streets of the city, there are wonderful things to visit
as the craftsmen village known as San Blas. Its temple is a magnificent piece
of colonial art. In and out of Cusco are great things to see. For example, in the
center of the city are the Sacsayhuaman ruins or the complex of
Ollantaytambo and the towns of Pisac and Calca. There is also course
Machu Picchu, an awe-inspiring city. In Cusco you can also find religious
festivities that you can enjoy such as the Procession of the Corpus Christi or
the Inti Raymi. Come to Cusco. Nothing you have ever done is even close to a
visit to Cusco.
ICA: THE LAND OF PISCO
Ica is an oasis in the middle of the desert plains in the south of Peru. In its vineyards are made the best selection of wines and piscos. Their quality is well known around the world. Ica has sand dunes, black and Creole music, witches, and delicious sweets known as tejas (stuffed candy) or frijol colado (pudding made from cooked beans).
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