Lima City Tour Extension: Pachacamac

Description

The huge archaeological site of Pachacamac is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Lima. The site began to develop around 200 AD and flourished for about 1,300 years until the Spanish conquistadors invaded Peru. It became one of the most important sites in ancient Peru, and archaeological evidence shows that it was visited by members of various civilizations from across Peru. When the Inca Empire invaded the region, it took control of Pachacamac. However, the Incas respected the site’s religious importance and continued to maintain it as a sacred site, even allowing the Pachacamac priests to continue with their work, independent of the Inca priesthood. The Incas expanded the site, building five additional buildings including the Temple of the Sun on the main square, the Old Temple, the Painted Temple and the Acllahausi. The Acllahausi, where Inca women prepared for their ritual sun worship, is the only one of its kind left in Peru. During our tour of this fascinating site, we’ll walk to all of the main structures and features. And from the highest point of the complex, we’ll have wonderful views along the coast.