Visit the oldest known city in the Americas on this day trip to Caral! From Lima, travel with your guide to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Caral, an archeological site where you’ll see ancient artifacts and structures like bone flutes, dusty temples and a few sunken plazas. This tour is designed to introduce you and your group to the history and culture of this ancient Peruvian city.
After complimentary pickup from your hotel in Lima, you’ll be driven north 115 miles (185 km) to the ancient ruins of Caral, located in the Supe Valley. Caral spans more than 150 acres (60 hectares) and is considered to be the oldest place of civilization in the Americas.
At the ancient city, you'll see six terraced pyramids that are thought to have been the main center of town. Surrounding the pyramids sit many residential structures and sunken plazas. Get a glimpse into how the ancient people of Caral lived as you admire many artifacts and dwellings, including pieces of textile, necklaces, flutes made from animal bones, reed and woven bags, ceremonial burial relics and structures made from adobe and stone.
You’ll also see evidence of agricultural practices and elaborate religious ceremonies, as well as a design carved into the earth called Chupacigaro, which was used to measure the movements of the stars.
After exploring the ruins, you'll have time to get lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) before heading back to Lima.
Actual tour was well managed and a great experience. There is so much more to be learnt about this site.
Review by: mark s, December 2012
The oldest remains in Peru. It is quite a long drive, but the guide was entertaining and car was easier than coach. We had lunch in a non-tourist area which is fun. You have to go round Caral with an official guide, but it is in Spanish, and so need your guide to translate.