Ancient mummy to go on display in Peru

A 1,700-year-old mummy, discovered in 2005, is set to be a new attraction for visitors to Peru.

Best known for the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu, Peru's popularity as a destination is likely to be increased by the new find, particularly as visitors will be able visit the mummy as part of a trip to archaeological complex of El Brujo.

The complex is located in the town of Magdalena de Cao in the Chicaza Valley, 45 minutes from the city of Trujillo, which is already a hub for visiting two other archaeological sites, the City of Chan-Chan and the Huacas del Sol and de la Luna.

The female mummy has been identified as Senora de Cao, the ruler of the Chicama valley at the time of the Mochica culture, a pre-Incan civilisation.

The mummy stands at 4.8 feet tall, and is thought to be in her early twenties. Also on display within a special exhibition will be the possessions that were buried with her.

Audley Travel is among the tour operators planning to add the El Brujo complex to their itineraries.

A 14-night tailor-made trip, including three nights in Chiclayo to visit the exhibition, and time in Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, costs from £2,695 per person with three-star accommodation and flights from London Heathrow.

For more information see www.audleytravel.com

For more information about Peru see www.peru.info