Tour Operator Escaped To Peru have recently enjoyed an increase in business thanks to the recent archaeological discovery of a 1200-year-old tomb in the Lambayeque region of Peru.

Cusco, Peru -- (SBWire) -- 02/23/2011 -- Tour operator Escaped to Peru have recently experienced an increase in interest for archaeological tours in the north of Peru.

“We noticed that more people were asking for quotes on tours to the north of the country,” said Escaped To Peru’s Managing Director Gary Sargent, “The vast majority of people usually want to do the archaeological circuit in the south of the country that includes Machu Picchu.”

The team at Escaped To Peru attribute this increase to the discovery of a 1200-year-old tomb in the Lambayeque region. Publicity surrounding the archaeological dig has reached ancient culture enthusiasts and they are looking for an opportunity to visit the sites of the lesser-known pre-Inca cultures of northern Peru.

“For many people, Peru is all about the Inca culture, but they were the last in a long line of indigenous cultures before the arrival of the Spanish,” explained Mr. Sargent.

“Northern Peru has some incredible archaeological sites to offer ancient culture enthusiasts, including the tombs of Sipan, Chan Chan and the fortress of Kuelap among others,” he continued, “This recent high-profile discovery has brought attention to some of the other ancient sites that Peru has to offer as a tourist destination.”

The tomb belongs to a ruler of the pre-Incan Sican culture in the Las Ventanas archeological zone. Carlos Elera, director of the dig, announced that the contents of the tomb included an individual seated on a litter and a funerary bundle, in which has been found in situ a crown, a mask and a series of objects that accompany the body.

Also discovered was a gilded copper crown with an attachment of jaguars, a typical pendant worn by the elite in that region, and a mask with winged eyes, spearpoints and arrowheads.

The funerary bundle, along with the other objects, are still in the process of being excavated by archaeologists.

Escaped To Peru offer custom designed tours and vacations to all regions of Peru including those sites in the north such as Chan Chan, Sipan and Kuelap.