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Túcume

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Historical site
—°10
Túcume (Peru)

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Túcume, known as the 'Valley of the Pyramids', is a monumental archaeological site located in the Lambayeque region of northern Peru. The complex features 26 massive truncated pyramids made of adobe (mud brick), constructed by the Lambayeque or Sicán culture around 1000 AD. Later, the site was occupied by the Chimú and eventually the Inca, making Túcume a vital administrative and religious center for centuries. The largest structure, Huaca Larga, measures over 700 meters in length, 280 meters in width, and 30 meters in height, and is considered one of the largest adobe structures in the world. These pyramids served as elite residences and venues for complex rituals and sacrificial ceremonies. Excavations have revealed numerous artifacts, including textiles, ceramics, and metalwork, as well as evidence of human sacrifices. Today, Túcume stands as a significant open-air museum documenting the impressive architectural achievements of Peru's coastal civilizations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252626242322212121212123
Rain mm81428941112676

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Túcume, the Valley of the Pyramids, is an archaeological site open to visitors. You can see the adobe pyramids and explore the museum grounds.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, standard for Peruvian archaeological parks. Hours may differ on holidays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site without flash. For drone footage, a special permit from the authorities is required.
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Time needed
Allow at least 2 hours for a walk around the site and a visit to the museum. If you want to enjoy the view from the lookout point, add half an hour.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby city of Lambayeque and the famous Brüning Museum. The beaches of Pimentel are also worth a day trip.
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Getting there
Túcume is about 30 km north of Chiclayo, reachable by bus or taxi. The road is well paved, and parking is available at the entrance.
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Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat and see the pyramids in the best light. Wear a hat and sunscreen as there is little shade.

Geography

Coordinates
-6.51600, -79.84500

Facts

  • Contains 26 large adobe pyramids
  • Largest structure is Huaca Larga
  • Built by the Sicán culture around 1000 AD
  • Spans approximately 220 hectares
  • Main building material is adobe brick
  • Located 33 km from Chiclayo

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ChiclayoChiclayo5 km · WExplore →
Bosque de Pómac Historical SanctuaryBosque de Pómac Historical Sanctuary9 km · NExplore →
Huaca RajadaHuaca Rajada28 km · NExplore →
MacaráMacará43 km · EExplore →
Puyango Petrified ForestPuyango Petrified Forest57 km · SEExplore →
Yacuri National ParkYacuri National Park58 km · NEExplore →
PiñasPiñas59 km · EExplore →
Santa RosaSanta Rosa61 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Túcume (10)

Laguna de las Patas🏺 historical

An ancient archaeological site located within the vast pre-Hispanic complex of Túcume.

Riendero🏺 historical

Uncovered ruins that form part of the vast pre-Columbian archaeological landscape of Túcume.

Cirila🏺 historical

An archaeological excavation site revealing ancient earthen structures in Túcume.

Pyramydas Túcume🌿 nature

An elevated vantage point offering panoramic views over the ancient adobe pyramid complex of Túcume.

Huaca del Balsa📍 landmark

A significant adobe pyramid ruin in Túcume, noted for its rich pre-Hispanic history.

Museo Túcume🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the rich artifacts of the Lambayeque culture found in Túcume.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-17:30

Museo de Sitio Túcume🏛 museum

An on-site archaeological museum in Túcume displaying fascinating ceramics and textiles excavated from the surrounding adobe pyramids.

🕒 Tu,Th,Sa 10:00-15:00

San Juan📍 landmark

A local Christian place of worship serving the community near the ancient ruins of Túcume.

Mercado de Abastos de Pacora🎭 culture

A bustling local food and produce market serving the residents of Pacora near Túcume.

Mercado de Abastos de Illimo🎭 culture

A traditional agricultural marketplace in Illimo offering fresh local produce just outside Túcume.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How is the infrastructure?
There is a well-equipped visitor center on-site.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 2 hours, including the museum.
Is the hiking difficult?
The climb to the viewpoint requires moderate fitness.
When should one visit?
Early morning is the most pleasant.
Are there souvenir shops?
Yes, local handicrafts are sold at the entrance.
Túcume: where is it located?
Túcume is located in Peru.
Túcume: what is there to see?
Highlights include Laguna de las Patas, Riendero, Cirila.
Túcume: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Túcume: why is it worth visiting?
Túcume, known as the 'Valley of the Pyramids', is a monumental archaeological site located in the Lambayeque region of northern Peru.
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Nearby cities

Chiclayo — Túcume (Peru)
Chiclayo
Capital of the Lambayeque region.
Macará — Túcume (Peru)
Macará
An important and warm border crossing to Peru in the southernmost part of Loja.
Piñas — Túcume (Peru)
Piñas
The orchid city of the Andes, famous for its floral diversity and foggy forests.
Santa Rosa — Túcume (Peru)
Santa Rosa
Known for its excellent shrimp farming and small regional airport.
Zaruma — Túcume (Peru)
Zaruma
A picturesque historic gold mining town built on steep hills.
Arenillas — Túcume (Peru)
Arenillas
An arid town with a military presence near the Peruvian border in El Oro.
Pasaje — Túcume (Peru)
Pasaje
A sunny city whose economy depends heavily on banana and cocoa cultivation.
El Guabo — Túcume (Peru)
El Guabo
An agricultural center characterized by its cooperative banana farmers.
Machala — Túcume (Peru)
Machala
Often referred to as the banana capital of the world.
Huaquillas — Túcume (Peru)
Huaquillas
A bustling border town serving as the main commercial crossing between Ecuador and Peru.
Catamayo — Túcume (Peru)
Catamayo
The sunny valley of Loja, known for its sugarcane fields and regional airport.

History & landmarks

Chachapoyas — Túcume (Peru)
Chachapoyas
A charming city in the cloud forest, serving as the gateway to the massive Kuélap fortress and Gocta, one of the world's tallest waterfalls.
Huaca Rajada — Túcume (Peru)
Huaca Rajada
The archaeological site in northern Peru where the famous tombs of the Lord of Sipán were discovered.
Sanctuary of the Virgin of El Cisne — Túcume (Peru)
Sanctuary of the Virgin of El Cisne
A monumental Gothic church in the mountain town of El Cisne, the center of one of Ecuador's largest pilgrimages.

More places

Bosque de Pómac Historical Sanctuary — Túcume (Peru)
Bosque de Pómac Historical Sanctuary
A dense dry forest on the northern coast that protects important flora and fauna as well as ancient pyramids.
Puyango Petrified Forest — Túcume (Peru)
Puyango Petrified Forest
A world-renowned paleontological site featuring massive fossilized tree trunks and ancient fossils.
Yacuri National Park — Túcume (Peru)
Yacuri National Park
An important ecosystem in southern Ecuador that protects the montane cloud forests and páramo landscape.
🗺️
Arenillas Ecological Reserve
This reserve protects the tropical dry forest on the coast of Ecuador, which is home to many endemic species.
Port of El Oro Province — Túcume (Peru)
Port of El Oro Province
The official name for Puerto Bolívar, a multipurpose port crucial for the export of bananas, shrimp, and gold.
El Brujo — Túcume (Peru)
El Brujo
A major archaeological complex known for the mummy of the Lady of Cao.