Northern Peru archaeological discoveries - Visit Peñico!

Off-the-Beaten-Path Peru! Things to do near Lima

Here is some background information about Peru´s newest archaeological site to be explored! The connection between Caral and Peñico civilizations has been uncovered, and Peñico is close in proximity to the site of the oldest archaeological site in the Americas!

How Old Is The Peñico Archaeological Site?

Peñico is the latest of the Northern Peru archaeological discoveries. The city is 3,500 years old and is thought to have served as a strategic trading center that was once the connection of the Pacific coast and Andean trade routes. There is also evidence to suggest that it connected the coast to the Amazon Rainforest.

Cultural Routes in Peru Near Lima

Peñico is found just 200km north of Lima and at an altitude of 600 meters /1,970 feet. It is rapidly becoming one of the must-see archaeological sites near Lima, highlighting Supe Valley archaeology. The discovery of Peñico offers more insight into the purpose of Caral and its subsequent demise. The Peñico archaeological site contains the remnants of both stone and adobe buildings, and 18 structures have been identified. Images taken of the site from above, by drone, show a circular structure on a hillside terrace at the city's center, surrounded by the remains of stone and mud buildings.

 

 

Why Peñico Belongs on Every Cultural Traveler’s Peru Itinerary

Eight years of research, including the excavations, have uncovered ceremonial temples and residential complexes. These were integrated into two other large public buildings of the urban center. During the excavations, archaeologists found ceremonial items, such as clay sculptures and artifacts, in the form of figurines, both human and animal.  Bone and shell necklaces from Peru were also found, along with beads representing Amazonian-inspired ancient art. 

The building was found to have designs of “pututus” (giant conch shells used as musical instruments in ancient Peruvian society), as well as other musical instruments represented on the walls of a rectangular room. This was Pututus' ceremonial hall.

Pututus were used centuries ago in Peru to transmit sound over long distances. For example, to make announcements for important events or meetings. As such, they were a symbol of social importance. They were also used in ritual offerings to the ancient Gods, in thanks for what the earth provided. The finding of these ancient artifacts makes archaeologists believe that the building was likely to have been one of the most important at the Peñico archaeological site.

 

 

Connecting Caral and Peñico - The Discovery of Ancient Civilizations in Peru

Peñico is important in Ancient Peru history and was discovered near Caral.  Caral is the oldest known ancient civilization in the Americas. The leading Archaeologist, Dr. Ruth Shady, who is in charge of excavations at Peñico and also Caral in the 1990s, explained that the discovery was important for understanding what became of the Caral civilization.  Caral was believed to have been a victim of climate change. At a news conference unveiling the findings, archaeologist Marco Machacuay, a researcher with the Ministry of Culture in Peru, said that Peñico's findings suggest that the site is a continuation of the Caral civilization. Peñico has been linked to the extraction and trade of the iron mineral hematite. This was used to make a red pigment with a highly regarded in ancient Peru and formed part of their belief system of Andean cosmology.

 

Support Responsible Travel and Discover Peru’s Ancient Civilizations

Today, Peñico offers us insight into an ancient world and holds important information about Peru´s past civilizations. It is at the forefront of Archaeological tourism in Peru. As land traffickers seek to cash in on the growing value of territory close to the archaeological zones, this ancient site faces a very real threat. Researchers have reported harassment, even violence, with little or no police protection. This means that both the site and those trying to protect it are in danger.

 

 

Why Visit Peru?

There are a million and one reasons to visit Peru. You can see history being uncovered before your eyes! Peñico provides us with a rare glimpse into ancient Andean civilizations. From a time way before the Incas ruled the lands!  A time when these ancient Peruvians built giant and organized cities, elaborate trade routes, and systems of inter-community cooperation. Even today, they have archaeologists perplexed yet in awe of how advanced they were for their time.

 

 

The architectural remains at Peñico uncover how ancient Peruvians thrived back in the day. Through commerce, adaptability, innovation, and sheer perseverance, these communities adapted and innovated,  even though they had environmental challenges. Peñico is a fascinating site to visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in ancient history and ancestral civilizations in Peru. It is an ongoing archaeological work that explains to us how this incredible Pre-Incan civilization took root and developed in South America. If you would like to visit the Peñico archaeological site during your stay in Lima, contact us here!