Must-See Museums in Chiclayo

Discover the exciting archeological sites of Northern Peru

1 min read•May 11, 2018•By Zoë Smith

A look at one of the must-see museums in Chiclayo in Peru

Hi, I'm Zoë!

Zoë Smith is a British travel writer, editor, and digital content creator who has lived, worked, and traveled over six continents, and is currently based near Nantes, France. She has written for Rough Guides, CNN, and Culture Trip, and is digital editor at FrenchEntrée.

As the capital of the historic Lambayeque region, Chiclayo is the gateway to some of the most remarkable archaeological sites and museums in Northern Peru. Here are few you won’t want to miss.

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Royal Tombs Museum of Sipan

The exterior of Royal Tombs Museum of Sipan. | Photo Credit: Mark Green / Shutterstock

Just north of Chiclayo, the Royal Tombs of Sipan (Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán) house Peru’s most important collection of Mochica cultural artifacts. Highlights include the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, ancient jewelry and personal items, and an artisan’s village. Day tours from Chiclayo often combine a visit to the Sipan Royal Tombs with the Huaca Rajada and Túcume archaeological sites.

Brüning National Archaeological Museum

A look at the Brüning National Archaeological Museum. | Photo Credit: Eduardo Vidal Gutierrez / Shutterstock

Situated close to the Royal Tombs Museum, the Brüning National Archaeological Museum (Museo Regional Arqueológico Enrique Bruning de Lambayeque) chronicles the history of the region’s pre-Inca people. Treasures from the Chimú, Chavín, Vicús, and Moche cultures are all on display. The star attraction is the dazzling Gold Room.

Sicán National Museum

Outside the Sicán National Museum. | Photo Credit: Barbara Ash / Shutterstock

The Sicán National Museum, located in Ferreñafe, about 40 minutes by car from Chiclayo, is another top day trip. Devoted to ancient Sican culture, the museum showcases Sicán tombs, religious art, ceramics, and copper items.