Caral
Peru · Lima · 350 m
Description
Caral is the oldest known city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Supe Valley north of Lima, the approximately 5,000 year old settlement is considered one of the cradles of Andean civilization. Monumental step pyramids, sunken circular plazas, and temples bear witness to a highly developed society that emerged around 2600 BC, at about the same time as the great pyramids of Egypt. Remarkably, no city walls, weapons, or clear evidence of warfare have been discovered at the site. Today, Caral is one of South America's most important archaeological treasures and offers fascinating insights into the origins of urban civilization on the American continent.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Sacred City of Caral-Supe
- Pirámide Mayor (Great Pyramid)
- Sunken Circular Plaza
- Pirámide de la Galería
- Pirámide de la Cantera
- Pirámide Menor
- Temple of the Altar
- Residential Complexes
- Caral Site Museum
- Norte Chico Civilization Exhibition
- Ancient Quipu Discovery Site
- Bone Flutes and Musical Instruments
- Supe Valley
- Mirador Caral