Huaca Pucllana
Calle General Borgoño cuadra 8, Miraflores, Peru, 15074
Lima is dotted with sacred pre-Columbian ruins and ceremonial sites known as huacas. Located in the coastal Miraflores neighborhood, the Huaca Pucllana complex, with its towering stepped adobe pyramid, is one of the city’s largest and most important ancient monuments. Built around the fifth century, it was once an administrative and ceremonial center of the indigenous Lima Culture civilization.
The Basics
Climb to the top of the top of the pyramid, which soars 72 feet (22 meters) towards the sky, for unique views over Miraflores and the Pacific Ocean. Artifacts like tools, ceramics, and textiles unearthed during excavations are housed in the museum, while a workshop illustrates ancient textile and ceramic making techniques. A small park grows plants specifically in the time of Lima Culture. Linger longer and have a meal at the spectacularly-sited restaurant that looks out over the ruins.
Private and small-group half-day tours visiting Huaca Pucllana include many Lima highlights such as Huaca Huallamarca, another Lima Culture pyramid in the San Isidro district, and the Larco Museum, which displays an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. Other tours journey through the downtown area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or include a three-course Peruvian fusion meal.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Suitable for solo travelers, couples, families; archaeology and history buggs especially.
- Admission for adults is about $10; for children younger than 12, about $2. Entrance fee may be included on a larger tour.
- Remember to bring sun protection and water for hydration, as the site is outside.
- Due to uneven brick walkways and a short climb to the top, this site is not wheelchair accessible.
- English-speaking guides are available on-site.
How to Get There
Huaca Pucllana is located on Calle General Borgoño in the MIraflores district of LIma and is walking distance from most points within the neighborhood. From Barranco, take a taxi north and expect about a 20-minute drive or take the local bus #8514 to Calle Arica, 576 and walk about 20 minutes to the site. Or bus #301 to Ayacucho and walk about 12 minutes.
When to Get There
Huaca is open year-round Wednesday - Monday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Go in the early morning to beat the crowds. In general, the best time to visit Lima is wintertime (May–September), when there is the least amount of rain, especially important if planning a trip to Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu. The summer months (December—March) are warmer, but wetter, and in Lima especially, quite foggy.
Who Were the Lima Culture?
The Lima Culture, also known as the Maranga, inhabited the area of present-day Lima from about 100 to 650. As their timing overlaps with several nearby civilizations, such as the Paracas, Moche, and Nazca peoples, their history is a bit obscured. However, they are known for interlocking patterns in ceramic artwork and for constructing the first channels from the Rimac River irrigating the coastal desert plains—engineering feats that still exist today.
Ways to explore
As well as admiring the adobe pyramids, you can see artifacts such as tools, ceramics, and textiles unearthed during excavations at the Huaca Pucllana Museum, and witness ancient textile and ceramic-making techniques in the workshop. You'll pay a small admission fee to enter. Tours typically combine Huaca Pucllana with other Lima highlights such as Huaca Huallamarca, a Lima culture pyramid in the San Isidro district, and the Larco Museum, which displays an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. Other tours journey through downtown (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or include a Peruvian fusion meal at a restaurant overlooking the ruins.
Accessibility
Huaca Pucllana is mostly accessible, except for the main pyramid, which is reached via a steep slope.
Age limits
None
What to pack
There’s little shade at Huaca Pucllana, so be sure to bring water and sun protection.
What to wear
Wear sturdy sneakers as the archaeological site has many uneven surfaces.
Not allowed
Climbing the pyramids
Amenities
Tours, restaurant, restroom
Address
Huaca Pucllana is located on Calle General Borgoño in the Miraflores district of Lima and is within walking distance from most points within the neighborhood.
Driving
From the historic centre of Lima, head southwest via the major avenues out of the centro histórico and into the district of Miraflores. Continue until you reach Miraflores, then head to Av. Arequipa or Av. Angamos Oeste. From there, turn onto General Borgoño Street, where Huaca Pucllana is located.
Public transportation
From Barranco, take the local bus 8514 to Calle Arica, 576, and walk about 20 minutes to the site. Or take bus 301 to Ayacucho and walk for about 10 minutes.
Best times to visit
Because it's exposed to the sun, visit Huaca Pucllana in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Best days to visit
If you want to tie in a visit to Huaca Pucllana with lunch or dinner at its restaurant, be sure to book if on a weekend.
Best months to visit
To avoid getting rained on, visit the historical highlights in Lima’s dry season from December through April.
Special events
In mid-January, the whole city celebrates its birthday during the Anniversary of Lima.
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