Úcupe, Archaeological site in Lambayeque department, Peru.
Úcupe is an archaeological site in Lambayeque featuring multiple scattered structures adorned with colorful murals depicting humans and animals. The remains span a wide area with various huacas and monumental ruins from the Moche period.
The site dates to the Moche period and was examined during 2008 excavations that uncovered a grave approximately 1,700 years old containing a Moche leader. The burial held copper ornaments and ceremonial items that reveal the status and ritual practices of this ancient culture.
The site includes multiple monuments such as Huaca The Town, Murals, Moche, Teodora, Chaquiras, and Lemon, representing different aspects of ancient civilization.
The site is located roughly 8 kilometers from the village of Ucupe and is accessible via the North Pan American highway. Travel time is approximately 25 minutes when heading past the turnoff toward Zaña.
The preservation of the site owes much to the local population, who protected the archaeological remains from potential looting through their dedicated conservation efforts.
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