Private Caral Tour from Lima

Private Caral Tour from Lima

It is widely taught in the field of ancient history that Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and India, gave rise to the first civilizations of mankind. However, few are aware that at the same time, and in some cases before some of these societies emerged, another great civilization had sprouted - the Norte Chico civilization of Supe, Peru – the first known civilization of the Americas. Their capital was the Sacred City of Caral – a 5,000-year-old metropolis complete with complex agricultural practices, rich culture, and monumental architecture, including six large pyramidal structures, stone and earthen platform mounds, temples, amphitheatre,  sunken circular plazas, and residential areas.

06:30 h. Our clients are picked up from their hotel in the city of Lima by our certificated guide. Then we will board a private vehicle and will drive to the north of Lima towards the lost city of Caral. We will drive our vehicle for approximately 3 hours till the Kilometer 184, before reaching the village of Supe. Then we take a detour on a dirty road driving along the left bank of the Supe River till the ruins of Caral.

Once in Caral, we will start a walking tour with our local guide. Due to the bad conditions of the road, we will have to walk for about 800 metres to reach the main entrance of Caral. During our excursion we will see the zone known as Sacred Fire, a little temple in which fireplace where found remains of coal, bones, seeds and quartz. Later on we will see one of the most outstanding buildings of Caral known as the amphitheater, where lies a circular plaza with ceremonial features, where archaeologist believes the men of Caral carried out religious ceremonies.

Later on we will reach the Greater Pyramid, a strikingly large building located in a dominating position within the urban plan of Caral. It is said that officials standing on the highest part of this pyramid could monitor not only the activities going on the city, but also a large part of the capital area in the middle valley. At the site was found the corpse of a young man who was probably sacrificed in honor to local gods. Archaeologist also discovered walls decorated with small figures and collars made of shark teeth. It is believed that the Great Pyramid was the most impressive public building and also was the center of the political, administrative and religious power. From one side of the pyramid our visitors will be able to make out the green Valley of Caral that lies just behind the pyramid.

Following our tour, we will reach the pyramid called Huanca, a small building overlooking a mysterious monolith. Archaeologists believe that this monolith was used for astronomical and ceremonial purposes. Our driver will seek for a nice spot where you can seat comfortably for lunch. Finally we will take our private vehicle to return to Lima. We will be back in Lima around 17:00 hrs.