Pre-Inca Archaeological Sites

For most people planning individual, group or family tours to Peru, the Inca sites are front of mind. However, it’s worth remembering that Peru, and in particular the regions around present-day Lima, are also littered with fascinating reminders of pre-Inca peoples, such as the Aramburú, Maranga, Huallas, Huacho and Collas cultures.

Caral is the Peruvian equivalent of Egypt’s great pyramids. At over 4,500 years old, it is the oldest ancient city in the Americas. Perhaps even more interesting is that a system of quipu (an ancient knotted string device used for record-keeping) was uncovered here, suggesting this technique was used long before the Incas came to prominence.

Pachacámac, located about 25 miles southeast of Lima, is the site of a pre-Inca ceremonial center that dates back to A.D. 200. The site, which contains 17 pyramids, a cemetery and a colorful fish mural, was used by the Wari people to honor their creator god and was later inhabited by the Ichma.

The Huaca Huallamarca, a pyramid dating back to 800 B.C., is located in the middle of bustling Lima – an incongruous reminder of how this area may once have looked. An on-site museums displays archaeological finds from this locale.

Huaca Pucllana, in Lima’s upscale Miraflores district, is another compelling vestige of an ancient world. This adobe pyramid was once an important site for the Lima people, and dates from between A.D. 200 and 700.

What’s most amazing about Lima, and indeed the whole of Peru, is that archaeologists are continually unearthing new finds. For example, in early 2015, a pre-Inca mummified baby was found at the edge of Puruchuco-Huaquerones site in Lima.

Let Kuoda arrange exclusive tours to Peru’s spectacular ancient sites; they’ll bring out the budding archaeologist in you and your travel companions. Contact us today and get your free Peru trip quote.  At Kuoda Travel, all trips are custom and personally designed for you by one of our professional travel experts.