Huaca Pucllana Archaeological Site

Located in Miraflores, this interesting archaeological site treats the visitor to a look at the ancient origins of Peru   . . .

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It was my first full day in Lima that I awoke with a desire to catch a glimpse into the ancient world. After a light breakfast, I strolled down to the lobby of Hotel Diamond and asked the desk clerk to phone me a taxi down to the Miraflores neighborhood.
​Here is what happened:

Huaca Pucllana and the Ancient Past of Peru

​This impressive archaeological site is located just a few mile south of downtown Lima. Upon arrival you will notice a bar and restaurant conveniently placed to the right, with the ticket booth just up ahead. This provides a great place to hang out if you have a bit of time to wait before the next tour starts. Now, let's get on to the main attraction. 

The Pre-Incan Lima Culture dominated this landscape around 1500 years ago. It was during this time that major activity began for this settlement, and inside these corridors of adobe brick we are going to learn exactly how it would be used over time. 

The adobe bricks are actually key to how this massive structure has withstood the ages. This architectural design is not only suited for the dry climate, notice the spacing between the bricks. This offers insulation against seismic activity that is common throughout the region. It seems the builders really knew what they were doing. 

These winding corridors take you on an exploration around the courtyards of the perimeter that surrounds a 24 meter tall step-level pyramid in the middle. As you make your way to the top you will learn all about the complex history of this place and its many uses by different people during the course of time.. 

Despite the dry desert climate of the Peruvian Central Coast, this area was able to grow due to advancements in irrigation, and researchers claim that this was once a fertile farmland with the mighty Huaca Pucllana centralized to oversee it all. 

Over time the original settlement would eventually become abandoned and soon claimed by the Huari Culture (Wari). As can be seen below, It has since been discovered that they would use Huaca Pucllana as a funerary site. 

Travel Tip:
Be sure to stop in the museum before you leave to learn more about the art bundled mummy techniques as well as information on artifacts that have been recovered from this very site. 

The changing of hands for this site wouldn't end with the Huari. The Ychsma People (Ichma) would soon overtake this settlement and continue to use Huaca Pucllana for purposes of their own. ​As much turmoil as the area seems to have already witnessed, most smaller groups would later be absorbed by the Inca Empire that would go on to encompass the greater region. 

I had an amazing time exploring what remains of this archaeological wonder. It provided a great way to catch a glimpse into a past long forgotten. This attraction is one you don't want to pass up while visiting Lima and surrounding areas. 

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