Peru Travel - History and Archeology in Lima

Peru is famous around the world for its archeological sites and the sheer number of places where travelers can learn more about the ancient cultures that once lived here. However, not many people realize that it's not necessary to travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley to quench their thirst for all things archeological. There's plenty of ancient history to be found right in the capitol city of Lima.

In the Miraflores district, you can find pre-Hispanic culture right in the middle of a residential area at the Huaca Pucllana (also known as the Huaca Juliana). Huaca (pronounce wa-ka) is the name given to pyramid styled adobe constructions, left behind by early pre-Hispanic cultures. The Huaca Pucllana was a ceremonial complex of the Lima culture, a people who lived in the area around 500 AD. Today, the site houses a museum which offers guided tours for about $2.50 for adults.

In nearby San Isidro, we find the Huaca Huallamarca. It's supposed that this huaca was also used as a ceremonial site, and as a place to bury the dead. Archeologists believe that Huallamarca was abandoned sometime around the fourth century AD, and that the newer Huaca Pucllana then became the center for ceremonies and religious training. Huaca Huallamarca also has an on-site museum, open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am-5pm.

About 30 kilometers south of the city proper, in the Lurin River valley, we find the archeological site of Pachacamac, one of the most important of the pre-Hispanic ceremonial centers. Built around the third century AD, the sanctuary stayed in use even through the Inca rule. Pachacamac was a deity worshipped in the Andean cultures, who was said to have the power to control earthquakes - a powerful attribute in this country on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'. The onsite museum offers the chance to see various artifacts that have been recovered from the area, and also has guided tours of the different zones on the site, such as the Temple of the Sun. The site is also dedicated to preserving local flora and fauna, offering visitors the chance to see the famous Peruvian hairless dog, Peruvian camelids such as the alpaca, and a cactus garden. The site is open to visitors 7 days a week from 9am-4pm, and until 5pm on Friday through Sunday.

If you're visiting Peru and aren't going to have the chance to visit some of the more famous Inca sites and fortresses, you don't need to feel like you're missing out. These sites in Lima may not be as well known, but they are still impressive and fascinating, and quite worth an afternoon visit.

Sources:
Pachacamac - Museo de Sitio, Perucultural.org