Sacred City of Caral

The Sacred City of Caral in the Supe Valley is the oldest known urban settlement in the Americas and a major landmark in the history of human civilization. Built approximately 5,000 years ago, Caral was the center of the Caral-Supe civilization, flourishing concurrently with the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians. The site covers 66 hectares and features impressive monumental architecture, including six large pyramids, sunken circular plazas, and residential sectors. A remarkable aspect of Caral is the total absence of defensive walls or weapons, suggesting a peaceful society organized around trade and religious activities rather than warfare. Its inhabitants developed sophisticated irrigation systems for agriculture and established trade networks linking the coast and the Amazonian jungle. Significant findings include quipus, a knotted-string recording system, showing that this form of information storage is far older than previously thought. Caral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009 and is now viewed as the key to understanding the origins of complex Andean societies. Ongoing excavations led by Dr. Ruth Shady continue to reveal new details about the daily lives and cosmological worldviews of this ancient culture.

Nearby cities

Lima

The capital and largest city of Peru.

Ica

The heart of Peruvian wine and pisco production, surrounded by desert and sand dunes.

Huánuco

The city of eternal spring in the central Andes, famous for its ancient ruins and mild year-round climate.

Pisco

Historic port city and namesake of Peru's national grape brandy, Pisco.

Tarma

Known as the "Pearl of the Andes," Tarma is a charming city famous for its stunning floral displays and mild mountain climate.

Paracas

Gateway to the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the Pacific.

Lunahuaná

A sunny paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts and wine lovers, situated directly on the banks of the Cañete River.

History & landmarks

Ayacucho

The city of 33 churches, famous for its religious tradition, colonial architecture, and the intricate retablo folk art.

Nazca

Famous for the mysterious Nazca Lines, giant geoglyphs etched into the arid Peruvian desert.

Larco Museum

A privately run museum of pre-Columbian art in Lima, housed in a beautiful 18th-century building.

National Stadium of Peru

The largest and most important multi-purpose stadium in Lima, mainly used for matches of the Peruvian national football team.

Plaza Mayor of Lima

The main square and birthplace of the city of Lima, surrounded by significant historical and architectural buildings.

Monastery of San Francisco

An impressive baroque church and monastery complex in Lima, particularly famous for its underground catacombs.

Huaca Pucllana

A massive adobe pyramid of the Lima culture, which today is a fascinating relic in the middle of the modern Miraflores district.

Bridge of Sighs

A picturesque wooden bridge in the bohemian district of Barranco in Lima, which has inspired many artists, musicians, and lovers.

More places

Lomas de Lachay National Reserve

A fog-dependent ecological oasis in the desert near Lima that turns green during the humid season and attracts wildlife.

Chancay Megaport

A major deep-water port project aimed at significantly increasing trade between South America and Asia.

Parque de las Leyendas Zoo

Lima's main zoo and botanical garden, divided into three ecological zones of Peru.

Magic Water Circuit

A sprawling park in Lima featuring numerous interactive, colorful fountains that attract families, especially at night.

Siula Grande

Siula Grande in the Cordillera Huayhuash became world-famous through Joe Simpson's book and film 'Touching the Void'.

Huachipa Zoo

A popular animal park on the outskirts of Lima, showcasing a large collection of Peruvian and exotic animal species.

Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery

One of the largest zinc refineries in the world, located near the capital city of Lima.

Amancay Sanctuary

A hilly area near Pachacámac, known for the yellow amancay flower, which blooms briefly during the winter.