Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
Just 35 km southeast of Chiclayo, in the Lambayeque region, lies one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas: Huaca Rajada. This complex of three adobe pyramids, internationally known as Sipán, is where in 1987 the intact tomb of the Lord of Sipán was discovered, a find often compared to that of Tutankhamun in Egypt.
Huaca Rajada represents much more than an archaeological site: it is a window into the Moche civilization (Mochica) that dominated the northern coast of Peru between the 1st and 8th centuries AD. The discovery of the royal tomb, which remained intact despite centuries of looting, revolutionized our understanding of pre-Columbian civilizations.
The Moche (or Mochica) culture developed between the 1st and 8th centuries AD on the northern coast of Peru. Renowned for their advanced metallurgy, sophisticated irrigation systems, and realistic ceramic art, the Moche built impressive ceremonial centers, among which Huaca Rajada is one of the most important.
In 1987, Peruvian archaeologist Walter Alva and his team from the Brüning Museum in Lambayeque began rescue excavations on a site heavily looted by huaqueros (tomb robbers). On July 26, 1987, they made a discovery that would mark world archaeology:
1. A massively looted site but an intact tomb: While the area was devastated by centuries of looting, the main tomb remained miraculously preserved.
2. The state of preservation: The tomb of the Lord of Sipán (a man aged 40-45, 1.65 m tall) was perfectly preserved with all its funerary context.
3. Global impact: First pre-Columbian governor discovered intact in Peru, comparable to major Egyptian discoveries.
In the funerary chamber (Tomb 1), archaeologists discovered:
| Element | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| The Sovereign | Man aged 40-45, 1.65 m tall, in a large wooden sarcophagus | First pre-Columbian governor discovered intact |
| Companions | 8 people (3 women, 2 men, 1 child, 2 guardians) sacrificed | Testifies to beliefs about the afterlife and social hierarchy |
| Animals | 2 llamas and 1 dog sacrificed | Status symbols and companions for the afterlife |
| Treasures | 209 ceramics, gold and silver jewelry, weapons, emblems of power | Unprecedented wealth in Peruvian archaeology |
| Offerings | Spondylus shells, food, ritual objects | Reveals religious and ceremonial practices |
After the initial discovery, excavations continued with important findings:
The archaeological complex of Huaca Rajada consists of three truncated adobe pyramids (dried mud bricks), characteristic of Moche architecture:
To contextualize the discoveries and present artifacts found on site, the Museo de Sitio Huaca Rajada - Sipán was inaugurated on January 29, 2009.
The museum focuses on discoveries after 2007, particularly:
Note: The original objects of the Lord of Sipán are at the Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán in Lambayeque.
The museum also offers:
All the practical information to organize your visit to Huaca Rajada, from transportation from Chiclayo to tips for making the most of your experience.
Full route: Chiclayo (Terminal Epsel) → Saltur → Huaca Rajada Population Center
Transport: Public bus
Road type: Paved/asphalt
Distance / Time: 28 km / approximately 45 minutes
Route: Huaca Rajada Population Center (park) → Huaca Rajada Sipán Archaeological Complex
Transport: Mototaxi (auto rickshaw)
Road type: Stabilized/gravel road
Distance / Time: 300 m / approximately 7 minutes
| Category | Price (Soles) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| General Adult | S/ 8.00 | International and national visitors |
| Higher Education Student | S/ 3.00 | University or technical, with student card |
| School Student | S/ 1.50 | School education (up to 17 years) |
| Special Rate (50% discount) | S/ 4.00 | Adults >60 years, military, disabled persons, teachers |
| Local Population | Free | Residents of Huaca Rajada - Sipán (with DNI) |
In addition to archaeology, the site offers observation opportunities:
Morning (9am-12pm): Visit Huaca Rajada
• Arrival at 9am to avoid heat
• Guided tour of archaeological complex (1h)
• Exploration of Site Museum (45 min)
• Observation of pyramids and landscape (30 min)
Midday (12pm-1pm): Transfer to Lambayeque
• Transport by collective or private taxi (30-40 min)
• Light lunch in Lambayeque (local options)
Afternoon (1:30pm-4pm): Museo Tumbas Reales
• Visit of original treasures of the Lord of Sipán
• Complete understanding of Moche culture
• Return to Chiclayo around 5pm
| Expense | Price per person (Soles) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Transport Chiclayo-Huaca Rajada | 10-20 | Bus + mototaxi (round trip) |
| Huaca Rajada Entrance | 8 | General adult rate |
| Transport Huaca Rajada-Lambayeque | 10-20 | Collective taxi |
| Museo Tumbas Reales Entrance | 10 | Adult rate (check for updates) |
| Lunch | 25-45 | Typical local restaurant |
| TOTAL | 63-103 soles | ~16-25 USD / ~15-24 EUR |
Visiting Huaca Rajada at Sipán is much more than just an archaeological excursion: it's a journey through time that transports you to the heart of the Moche civilization, one of the most sophisticated pre-Columbian cultures of the Americas.
• Historical authenticity: You walk on the exact site where one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century was made.
• Perfect complementarity: Combined with the Museo Tumbas Reales, you gain a complete understanding of Moche culture.
• Accessibility: Only 45 minutes from Chiclayo, easy to integrate into any tourist circuit in northern Peru.
• Educational value: Understanding the social, religious, and political organization of a vanished civilization.
Whether you're an archaeology enthusiast, history lover, or simply curious to discover Peru's treasures, Huaca Rajada offers you a memorable and enriching experience. Between the imposing adobe pyramids, the modern site museum, and the emotion of standing where history was written, your visit will remain etched in your memory as one of the highlights of your discovery of Peru.
"Huaca Rajada is not simply an archaeological site, it's a dialogue with our ancestors, a living history lesson, and a poignant reminder of the grandeur of the civilizations that shaped Peru."
