Delve into the lost world of ancient Lima at the evocative ruins of this grand temple complex, a testimony to the architectural know-how of Peru’s pre-Columbian cultures.
Learn about the ancient civilisations of Lima at the Huaca Pucllana, a well-preserved temple that sits on a complex covering 4.9 hectares (12 acres) of land. This ancient pyramid was built by an indigenous population known as the Lima Culture. Admire the architectural ingenuity of its design and gain an insight into this pre-colonisation culture through a tour of the temple’s remarkable grounds.
Huaca Pucllana was built around A.D. 500 as a setting for ceremonies and political activity. The pyramid is made from clay and adobe, a natural mixture of sand, clay and water. A number of ancient sites around Lima take the name of Huacas, and the Huaca Pucllana is so named after the indigenous Quecha language’s term for "a ritual for games". The Lima Culture, which built the Huaca Pucllana, lived in the Lima area between roughly A.D. 200 and A.D. 700.
Explore the chambers, hallways and entrances of the plaza that surrounds the temple. Learn about the different uses of the plaza’s various passageways in that ancient world, and imagine the lives of Lima Culture people as they inhabited the huts, patios and courtyards that you see around. Seek out the deep pits that served as a location for animal sacrifices to local gods.
Head to the tombs that were added by the Wari Culture, who made use of the temple grounds while the presence of the Lima Culture waned. Seek out the grave that holds the remains of one of the chiefs of the Wari group, the Lord of the Unkus, along with two other masked adults and a child who was sacrificed.
See the temple itself through an English-language guided tour. From the top of the structure, you will be rewarded with great views of Lima.
The Huaca Pucllana is best reached by taxi or private tour. It is located in Miraflores, an affluent region around 8.8 kilometres (5.5 miles) south of the historic town centre. Stay in the neighbourhood to enjoy such tranquil public spaces as the Clorinda Matto de Turner Park and the Ernesto Alayza Grundy Park.
