Located right at the heart of an upscale district in Lima lies an archeological site that predates the Incas and could be also related to the famous Pachacamac Temple. Huaca Pucllana is one of the many pre-Columbian settlements spread across the busy capital of Peru. However, this one in particular, holds an impressive architectural style and history nearly unknown to many.
For those who used to say that Lima is like any other capital in the world, here we are to prove you wrong. The so-called city of kings was developed in the surroundings of over 50 huacas, and the famous Huaca Pucllana pyramid is one of the best preserved in the region.
Luckily, the archeological complex wasn’t entirely damaged during the city’s expansion. Nowadays, it helps us understand even more of the ancient civilizations that marked our country and influenced the development of other societies.
In this famous tourist attraction, you’ll be able to get to know about the ancestral customs of the Lima, Ychsma and Wari cultures since both of them occupied the site in different periods.
Also, the archeological complex complements the experience with the unique gastronomic expression of the city with the delicacies of the Huaca Pucllana restaurant.
Keep reading and learn everything about this enigmatic structure and take full advantage of your time in Lima like a local expert.
This important archeological site belongs to the Lima culture, a civilization that developed between the 200 and 700 A.D. However, Huaca Pucllana was built around the 5th century and, as aforementioned, was occupied by two other societies.
It is believed that the site had a religious purpose during its height, though it may also have served to control the surroundings and the populations due to its strategic location and architectural style.
Nonetheless, due to the modifications carried out by the Wari and Ychsma people, it is uncertain to know exactly how it was originally distributed, but they did keep the distinctive architectural style of the Lima civilization.
As you may know, the city of Lima is constantly stricken by earthquakes. Therefore, the Lima people were aware of the conditions of the terrain, which is why they constructed the pyramid using a special technique where they left spaced in between the adobe bricks to allow a uniform movement and avoid damages during seismic activities.
The famous technique was also replicated by the Wari, and it allowed them to build other structures in its surroundings. As we mentioned before, Huaca Pucllana was thoughtfully situated in a privileged location, where a branch of the Surco river irrigated the area, making it suitable for agricultural production.
According to the religious purposes of the site, some archeologists say that the top of the pyramid could have served as a cemetery for the Lima elite. However, it is most likely to have been a place where human sacrifices were performed.
Once the Lima society dissolved, the site was completely buried and later abandoned. The Wari culture were the next to occupy the central coast of Peru and to establish in these lands.
During that time, they managed to dig up the top of the pyramid and used it as a burial place, just like the Ychsmas did hundreds of years later.
- Take a guided tour through the place. Huaca Pucllana is one of the most visited attractions within Lima city, and thanks to the hard work of the Municipality of Lima, now it is possible to understand even more about the site and the ceremonies carried out on the place during the pre-Columbian era.
- Visit the Huaca Pucllana Museum. It was founded in 1984 and has an exhibition of the ancient artifacts found in the archeological complex that were traced back to the Lima and Huari cultures. Likewise, here you’ll get to know about the excavation process and infographics that tell the story of the site.
- Stroll around the Native Flora and Fauna Park. Huaca Pucllana was the birthplace of the conservatorship of the distinctive fauna of the region. In this park, you’ll get to learn about how they managed to cultivate different types of plant species and vegetables. Likewise, it also shows different animals that were raised throughout that period.
- Have an exclusive gastronomic experience at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant. For those looking to experience the famous Peruvia cuisine, the restaurant offers exquisite dishes made with local products, especially seafood and local vegetables.
Huaca Pucllana is located within the Miraflores district in Lima and it remains as a paid tourist attraction. However, if you wish to see this historical monument, you must take a guided tour since it is mandatory for exploring the site.
The famous ruins of Huaca Pucllana comprehends many mysteries and details that you certainly can’t miss. Luckily for you, we have a special activity, where you’ll be able to see this attraction just after visiting the Historical Center of Lima.
General Information:
- Address: Ca. Gral. Borgoño cuadra 8, Miraflores 15074
- Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday - From 09:00h to 17:00h
- Entrance: Adults S/. 12.00. - Children S/. 1.00
As we mentioned above, the Huaca Pucllana is located in an upscale district that comprises several attractions and the best accommodation options in the city. Make sure to learn everything you can do in Miraflores while you're here!
Would you like to know more about the civilizations that marked our country? Dare to uncover the mysteries of our lands with Viagens Machu Picchu and explore Lima like a real expert!
