Batán Grande

Batán Grande is just north of the archeological complex of Tucumé, and about 57km / 35mi southeast of Chiclayo. This site, in the lower La Leche Valley, is comprised of some 50 pyramids in varying states of deterioration.

At Batán Grande, once the Sicán capital, archeologists discovered burial tombs from approximately 100 - 1000 AD. Pre-Columbian artifacts found here are some of the best discovered in Peru. A gold Tumi weighing almost 7 pounds was recovered from the royal tombs.

One of the best finds at Batán Grande was that of the tomb of Señor de Sicán at Huaco Loro. The finds from this tomb can be seen at the Museo Nacional Sicán in Ferreñafe. Unfortunately Batán Grande, like many sites along the coast, was discovered first by grave robbers who plundered gold and other treasures from the tombs they found.

The complex is set in a forest nature reserve, a Poma Forest, with some rare flora and fauna. One tree here is thought to be almost 1,000 years old.