The Ciudad Sagrada de Caral is an exceptional testimony of the Caral civilization, the oldest in the Americas, developed 5,000 years ago—nearly simultaneously with the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India. It is a unique research site in the Americas due to its great antiquity, offering insight into the formation of early states, urban life, social hierarchies, trade systems, and the role of religion in social organization. These aspects can be compared with other centers of civilization in the Americas (which emerged 1,500 years later) and with contemporary civilizations worldwide.
It is the oldest and most prominent urban settlement in the Americas between 3000 and 1800 BCE, notable for its size (66 hectares), planned layout, and architectural complexity. Though it shares similarities with Mayan cities, Caral is at least 3,300 years older.
The Ciudad Sagrada de Caral is located in Supe, in the province of Barranca, north of Lima, at kilometer 184 of the Panamericana Norte. From there, a signposted route leads 23 kilometers to the Centro Poblado de Caral. A detour takes you to the parador turístico and pedestrian bridge that leads to the Centro de Recepción.
The Oldest Civilization in the Americas
The Ciudad Sagrada de Caral is an exceptional testimony of the Caral civilization, the oldest in the Americas, developed 5,000 years ago—nearly simultaneously with the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India. It is a unique research site in the Americas due to its great antiquity, offering insight into the formation of early states, urban life, social hierarchies, trade systems, and the role of religion in social organization. These aspects can be compared with other centers of civilization in the Americas (which emerged 1,500 years later) and with contemporary civilizations worldwide.
It is the oldest and most prominent urban settlement in the Americas between 3000 and 1800 BCE, notable for its size (66 hectares), planned layout, and architectural complexity. Though it shares similarities with Mayan cities, Caral is at least 3,300 years older.
The Ciudad Sagrada de Caral is located in Supe, in the province of Barranca, north of Lima, at kilometer 184 of the Panamericana Norte. From there, a signposted route leads 23 kilometers to the Centro Poblado de Caral. A detour takes you to the parador turístico and pedestrian bridge that leads to the Centro de Recepción.
Overview
Discover Caral, a 5,000-year-old archaeological site recognized as the oldest civilization in the Americas.
Located in the Supe Valley, Caral features monumental pyramids, sunken circular plazas, and temples aligned with celestial events. A specialized local guide leads the exploration of the main sectors of the complex.
Return to Lima in the afternoon.
Includes:
Not Included:
Important Notes:
Operational & Safety Guidelines – Caral Programs:
Follow Us on Our Social Media
Designed by SECUAZ.pe