For many years, tourists who arrived in Peru stayed a few hours at the airport and then left for Cusco – the most touristic city in the country and home to Machu Picchu – without knowing that they could take advantage of those hours to learn more about the city. important in Peru and the oldest also, Lima. As a tour guide I have met many people who have heard everything about the Incas but at the same time think that it was the only culture/empire that existed in Peru. And well, that is not so, until now it is known that there were around 32 Pre-Inca cultures , which settled in various geographies of Peru, including our desert coast.

Four hours north of Lima (184 km from the Panamericana Norte) you can find the oldest of them all, although who knows if in a few years an older one will be found. The mother culture, which has been categorized as one of the oldest civilizations in the world: The Sacred City of Caral (3000 BC – 1800 BC).
25 years ago its 6 truncated and staggered pyramids were discovered along with sunken circular plazas and since then it has not stopped investigating this incredible place developed in the fertile valley of the Supe River.

How to get to Caral?

For work I have had to visit this archaeological site many times and at different times of the year, and depending on what month you go, the way to get there will be different. If you plan to visit Caral in your own car, I recommend you drive to kilometer 184 of the North Pan-American Highway and from there take the right detour to Caral, from where it will be 20 min. more driving on the trail to reach the entrance where the river is crossed (by car). Now, this is where the route can change depending on what month you go. To begin with, we know that the rivers that we have on the Peruvian coast are formed in the mountains of the Andes, where almost half of the year is the rainy season and the other half, therefore, is the dry season. If you plan to visit Caral between the months of October to March (full rainy season) you will find that the river has increased its flow, making it impossible to cross it by car. But! Do not worry, you will still arrive at the archaeological site, what you must do is continue with the route and you will arrive at the modern town of Caral, from there you can take a Mototaxi or Tuk Tuk that will take you to the archaeological site or walk about 25 min.

Now, if they go between the months of April – September, they will be able to take the detour and cross the river, since the level of the flow will be super low! They can even make a stop to go down and cool off a bit in the water of the Supe River, especially in the months of April and May. Once you have crossed the river, you will be only 10 minutes from Caral, the road is very well signposted so there is no way to get lost.

It is worth mentioning that in any of the routes you take, you will have the pleasure of enjoying the crops surrounding the Supe River: potatoes, pumpkins, pumpkins, pomegranates, chili peppers and passion fruit (with its beautiful flower) are some of the crops that you will be able to appreciate in all the way! You can also find some huariques (family restaurants) where you can try fresh passion fruit juice. 100% recommended!

What to expect from Caral?

When you arrive in Caral you will find a large arid and desert platform surrounded by hills and that is where you will ask yourself And where are the famous pyramids? Well, first you must cross a very well-developed information zone, with a lot of information about Caral and what has been investigated up to the present day. Then you will arrive at the area where the ticket is purchased and the local guide who will take you on a tour of the citadel is also requested. Even if you go on a tour from Lima, you will still have to request a local guide from the town of Caral, that is the way in which you collaborate with the economy of the new town, which are also in charge of protecting the citadel. Once the guide has been requested, they will begin their tour of the citadel.

The first time I went to Caral, 5 years ago, I was really surprised by the immensity of the place and how well organized it was for having been built 5000 years ago. The construction system is impeccable and with a unique engineering, which in fact motivated subsequent cultures. Of course, do not expect to see pyramids like the ones in Egypt . In Peru, our pyramids are lower, truncated and stepped. However, they are still amazing. My favorite places in Caral were the Amphitheater, where religious musical and theatrical events took place, and also the main pyramid with its sunken circular plaza.

Likewise, you will have the opportunity to have a panoramic view of the Supe River Valley, which contrasts strongly with the area of the archaeological site.

Let yourself be surprised by the history that surrounds this place, by its magnificent pyramids, by its warm climate, which is perfect when you want to escape from Lima 'La Gris' during the autumn and winter months; and also for its people. All the people who work so that Caral is visited each year by more national and foreign tourists will welcome you with a smile. They are super friendly and very proud of this archaeological complex, the oldest in America and the second oldest in the world. Visit Caral.

Entrance Fees and Guide

National or Foreign Adult s/. 11.00
Children and Senior Adults s/. 1.00
Teachers and university students s/. 4.00
Guide (Group of up to 20 people) s/. 20.00