Murals of Úcupe | Lambayeque

Murals of Úcupe | Lambayeque

The Úcupe Murals are a group of polychrome mural paintings found inside the Úcupe Palace, located in the Úcupe Archaeological Complex, in the Zaña Valley, in the district of Lagunas, in the province of Chiclayo in the department of Lambayeque. They were discovered in 1983 by archaeologist Walter Alva during excavations carried out by the Bruning Museum.

History of the Úcupe of Murals | Lambayeque

The Úcupe Murals are a collection of polychrome murals that are located inside the Úcupe Palace, in the Úcupe Archaeological Complex, in the Zaña Valley, in the Lagunas district, within the province of Chiclayo in the Lambayeque department. They were discovered in 1983 by the archaeologist Walter Alva during excavations carried out by the Bruning Museum.

Discovery and Excavations

In 1983, during excavations carried out by the Bruning Museum in the Úcupe Archaeological Complex, the archaeologist Walter Alva and his team discovered the first vestiges of the Úcupe Murals. It was an adobe wall with remains of polychrome paint.

Excavations continued over the following years, and new murals were discovered in different sectors of the Úcupe Palace. In total, more than 200 square meters of murals have been excavated, making Úcupe one of the sites with the largest number of pre-Columbian murals in Peru.

Characteristics of the murals

The Murals of Úcupe are characterized by their large size, colorfulness and realism. They represent scenes of daily life, religious rituals and battles of the Lambayeque culture. Their human figures are painted with great detail, and different facial expressions, clothing and ornaments can be observed. Their murals show a great variety of animals, plants and landscapes.

Meaning and importance

The Úcupe Murals are an important source of information about the Lambayeque culture. They allow us to know aspects of their daily life, their religious beliefs and their social organization. The murals are also a testament to the high artistic level that the Lambayeque culture achieved.

Threats and conservation

The Úcupe Murals are threatened by humidity, erosion and vandalism. To protect them, restoration work has been carried out and a monitoring system has been implemented. The Úcupe Murals are also open to the public, and guided tours are offered so that visitors can learn about this important cultural heritage.

In summary, the Úcupe Murals are a pre-Columbian mural artwork of great historical and cultural value. They are a window into the past of the Lambayeque culture and allow us to know aspects of their daily life, their religious beliefs and their social organization. The Úcupe Murals are threatened by various factors, but efforts are being made to protect and conserve them for future generations.

How to get to the Úcupe murals from Cusco?

To get from Cusco to the Úcupe murals in Lambayeque, you’ll embark on a journey covering a considerable distance by land. Here’s a potential route:

1. Cusco to Lima: First, you’ll need to reach Lima, the capital of Peru. You can take a flight from Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport to Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. There are direct flights available, with a duration of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
2. Lima to Chiclayo: From Lima, you’ll take another flight to Chiclayo, the largest city near Lambayeque. The flight from Lima to Chiclayo takes around 1 hour. Capitán FAP José A. Quiñones International Airport serves Chiclayo.
3. Chiclayo to Lambayeque: Upon arrival in Chiclayo, you can opt for a taxi or bus to Lambayeque, where the Úcupe murals are located. The taxi ride may take about 20 to 30 minutes, while a bus journey could be slightly longer.
4. Lambayeque to the Úcupe murals: Once in Lambayeque, inquire with locals about the best way to reach the Úcupe murals, either by taxi or public transportation. You might need to rent a vehicle or hire a local guide to reach the murals specifically.

Ensure to check flight schedules and the availability of ground transportation to plan your trip in advance.

Recommendations for visiting the Úcupe murals

Here are some recommendations for visiting the Úcupe murals in Lambayeque:

1. Preparation: Before you go, research the Úcupe murals to understand their history, significance, and cultural context. This will help you better appreciate the experience when you’re there.
2. Transportation: Make sure you have reliable transportation to get to the murals. You can choose to rent a car, hire a taxi from Lambayeque, or even join an organized tour that includes a visit to the murals.
3. Local guide: Consider hiring a local guide. They can provide detailed information about the murals, their cultural significance, and historical relevance. They can also help you navigate the area and discover the best vantage points to appreciate the murals.
4. Appropriate gear: Carry water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun, especially if you plan to visit the murals during the day.
5. Respect for the environment: When visiting the murals, respect the natural and cultural environment surrounding them. Do not damage the murals or the surrounding area, and follow any rules or restrictions set by local authorities.
6. Visiting time: Allocate enough time to explore the murals and absorb their beauty and history. Avoid rushing and allow the experience to unfold naturally.
7. Photography: If you wish to take photographs of the murals, make sure to do so while respecting local rules and avoiding the use of flash, which can damage the paintings.
8. Interaction with the community: If you have the opportunity, interact with the local community. You can learn more about their culture, traditions, and way of life, enriching your travel experience.

By following these recommendations, you can make the most of your visit to the murals of Úcupe and have a memorable experience in Lambayeque.

Murals of Úcupe | Lambayeque