Day 70: Museo Bruning (Sican & Moche) & Lords of Sipan- Sunday January 16, 2011

These are world-class museums that showcase what is known about the Moche, Sican and Sipan cultures. These cultures antedated the Incas in northern Peru, with 7 river valleys as their territory. The ancient Moche civilization spoke to me at the museum of the Lords of Sipan. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed. The actual archeological sites only show extremely eroded adobe brick pyramids, more like small mountains with holes dug by the archeologists. The tombs within the pyramids were replicated at these museums. The actual regalia and funerary customs of the lord, the high priest & military head were beautifully displayed. Our English-speaking guide was very informative.

We had an excellent late lunch in a restaurant near the Lords museum: Ceviche mixta (8 items), arroz con mariscos, and arroz con pato (duck). We then headed back to Chiclayo to prepare for the sites around Chachamayo. Kulep, et al are right after Machu Pichu in importance, but hard to get to. They receive 2,500 visitors per year vs. 2,000 per day at Machu Pichu. Since we have our own car, we are an 8-hour drive away.