There is a fact about Peru that is known worldwide: the strength of the ancient country of the Incas is the close contact with the millenary history of its people and their evolution. And this recognition is not by chance, since in each Peruvian destination there is always something attractive that takes its visitors on a journey through time, through archaeological sites, museums, representations, and much more.
Therefore, this context could not be different in the capital of Peru! Lima City has numerous assets, bringing together in one place attractions for all profiles which are, without a doubt, charming. Can you imagine visiting a destination with beaches, stunning scenery, modernity, renowned cuisine, and, above all, a lot of history to discover?
You must have already seen some interesting images of Lima, among which you see modern buildings with contemporary architecture and, in contrast, other images that show the colonial characteristics of traditional neighborhoods of the city, which make everything even more full of charm.
But another aspect that draws a lot of attention among the scenarios of the Peruvian capital is being able to walk between the present and the pre-Inca past that marked this region. Don’t know what we’re talking about? Well, here we will tell you all about the ancient ruins of Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent archaeological site in the middle of one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Lima!
If you are as passionate about history as we are, continue reading this article and discover an unmissable tourist spot to put at the top of the list of things to do in Lima. Come explore this historic landmark with us on this digital experience through reading, and soon embark on a journey to see it for yourself.
Discovering the Huaca Pucllana
Located in the Miraflores district, in the middle of one of the most prestigious, modern, and tourist districts of Lima, there is an archaeological site that originated around the 5th century, it is the structure known as Huaca Pucllana. This ancient building has a pyramid shape and is a landmark in the middle of the city since most of the archaeological sites in Peru are located in regions adjacent to urban centers or even in deserts.
The Huaca Pucllana pyramids were built by the Lima culture, who inhabited these lands between the years 200 AD and 700 AD, however, two other civilizations also occupied the place, namely the Ychsma and the Wari culture. Little is known about the original purposes of this archaeological site, but it is believed that it may have been mainly a ceremonial and religious center.
Some archaeologists deal with theories regarding the use of the top of the pyramids, pointing to the possibility that they were used as a cemetery for the elite members of Lima society or that they served as an important ceremonial and administrative center for the Lima culture.
Lima city was built near 50 Huacas, the attraction in question is one of these and, in case you don’t know what it is, we’ll explain it to you! The Huacas are, within the Peruvian Andean culture, places of worship to deities, as they can also refer to the deities themselves. In this way, it is possible to understand that this city is considered a sacred region.
This important archaeological site of Miraflores was built using a technique designed so that the structure would not suffer from the shocks resulting from a large number of seismic activity in the region. Thus, was a great adobe and clay pyramid, which were positioned at a certain distance from each other so that there would be uniform movement between them, which would prevent possible collapses and other damages.
You will surely love exploring this archaeological site in the middle of one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city of Lima! We bet you couldn’t imagine a tour like this, could you? And know that the place can surprise you even more during your trip if you want to know how to keep reading.
Huaca Pucllana Museum
Now that you know a little about the history surrounding the fascinating Huaca Pucllana, it’s time to learn more about your visit to this attraction in the Peruvian capital. The best way to delve into the facts and events that marked the existence of this archaeological site is to take a guided tour of the attraction, and currently, the complex has its guides for this purpose.
Along the walks through the site, you will find different sculptures among the buildings, which were built to bring visitors closer to the reality experienced by the people who inhabited the region. These statues represent the daily activities performed and also some rituals, allowing you to use your imagination even more to enjoy the tour.
However, in addition to this strategy, the archaeological site also has the Huaca Pucllana Museum, so you can see much more information, images, and artifacts found on the site that relate to different historical aspects of the Lima and Huari cultures, and will further complement your experience.
The museum was founded in 1984 and with it, it is also possible to find more details about the studies, excavations, and much more that are carried out in the archaeological complex. It is interesting to note that, as archaeological research still takes place today, the museum collection receives new items and information with some frequency.
Huaca Pucllana Restaurant
To close your visit to the archaeological site with a flourish, why not enjoy a great gastronomic experience with classic dishes and drinks from Peruvian cuisine? This is what you will find at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, located inside the archaeological complex itself, which is open from Monday to Sunday (with reduced hours).
The restaurant works with typical Peruvian cuisine, however, varying between classic and contemporary cooking techniques. The basis of its dishes is guided by the Peruvian culture, using many colors of its vegetables and, as stars, the delicious seafood. But there are several options that, without a doubt, will conquer even the most demanding palates.
Would you like to know more about this unusual historical attraction in the city center of Lima? Know that Peru is a real box of surprises, with unusual and fascinating places for all types of travelers and that will certainly exceed your expectations and those of all your visitors.
If you want to make a dream trip, Viagens Machu Picchu can help you with that. You can travel with all the comfort and quality you are entitled to, so you can give us the details for your trip.
Get in touch with our team of agents who are always ready to assist you. Get inspired by our packages to Lima and other destinations in the ancient country of the Incas and we will create an itinerary tailored to your interests. Peru is waiting for you!
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