Casma, Peru
Archaeology, Travel Tips & Hidden Gems

The city of Casma is an undiscovered gem on the northern coast of Peru, the capital of the eponymous province in the Ancash region. Its position is strategic: it is located between the imposing Andes mountain range and the magnificent beaches of the Pacific Ocean. This geographical crossroads has allowed it to prosper for millennia.

☀️ Climate and Visiting Conditions

Casma enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, ideal for archaeological exploration. The coastal desert climate offers generous sunshine and moderate temperatures, generally ranging from 18° to 30°. Summers are mild and winters are cool, making the region suitable for tourism all year round.

Casma is primarily famous for being the epicenter of an extraordinarily rich pre-Columbian past. Although the founding of the modern city is recent, the Casma and Sechín Valley is considered one of the cradles of Andean archaeology, revealing some of the oldest monuments in the world.

🏛️ The Ingenuity of the Ancient Inhabitants

The ancient Casma culture flourished thanks to its unique ability to exploit the resources of the ocean and the land. Archaeological remains testify to the architectural ingenuity, political organization, and religious development of this Sechín civilization.

Visitors can explore major archaeological sites that bear witness to this captivating history:

• Cerro Sechín: Famous for its carved bas-relief temple, depicting warriors and ritual scenes.
• Chankillo: A unique fortified complex, globally recognized as one of the oldest solar observatories in America, highlighting the ancient mastery of archaeoastronomy.
• Las Aldas & Mojeque: Other important ceremonial centers that confirm the significance of this region during the Formative Period.

Casma is not just a city; it is a gateway to a millenary history that continues to influence local art, crafts, and cuisine, offering travelers a profound and unforgettable cultural experience.

🎉 Festive Calendar (Not to be missed!)

• Feast of San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist): June 24th
• Anniversary of Casma (Aniversario de Casma): December 29th

🏺 Discover the Millenary Past

Casma's past is explored through its remains and archaeological treasures. These sites are essential for understanding the historical richness of the region.

• 🗿 Cerro Sechín Archaeological Complex

Explore the mysteries of the past by visiting the archaeological site of Cerro Sechín, famous for its impressive bas-reliefs. Right next door, the Max Uhle Regional Museum completes your visit by exhibiting a collection of precious artifacts that will give you a fascinating glimpse into the civilization that thrived here.

Find out more about Cerro Sechín

• 🔭 Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex

Discover the unique site of Chankillo, an exceptional solar observatory known for its 13 perfectly aligned towers. This remarkably preserved fortified temple offers a fascinating perspective on the military and religious architecture, as well as the astronomical knowledge of the era.

Find out more about Chankillo

• 🧱 Mojeque and Pampa de Llamas Complex

Explore one of the oldest planned cities in the Andes. This monumental site includes the temple of Moxeke and **Huaca A**, a large pyramid structure that archaeologists believe was an **immense warehouse** for the harvests of the ancient Sechín civilization.

Find out more about Mojeque

• 🏚️ Las Aldas Archaeological Site

Explore the remains of this site, which provides valuable information on the customs and daily life of the ancient community, thus completing your journey through time.

Find out more about Las Aldas

• 🗿 Sechín Alto

Discover the remains of the largest ceremonial and administrative complex in the Casma Valley. Sechín Alto is one of the most imposing monuments in ancient America, offering an overview of the political and religious organization of this civilization.

Find out more about Sechín Alto

• 🏜️ Pampa Colorada Lines

Discover geoglyphs over 3000 years old, making them potentially older than the famous Nazca Lines. These large figures traced into the arid ground represent characters and animals and bear witness to an ancient ceremonial and astronomical function.

After exploring the historical sites, enjoy the Pacific coastline of Casma, ideal for relaxation and rest. The following beaches are the most popular:

• 🌴 La Gramita, Tortugas, and Vesique Beaches

Relax on the golden sand, swim in the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, and soak up the natural beauty of these unique destinations.

🗓️ Ideal Seasons to Visit Casma

The most favorable period for a visit to Casma is generally during the dry season, from May to September. During these months, the weather conditions are stable with generous sunshine, making the exploration of archaeological sites and relaxation on the Pacific coast particularly pleasant.

🚌 How to Get to Casma (From Lima)

Casma is easily accessible from Lima, located approximately 330 kilometers northwest. Several options are available to travelers:

• Direct Bus Journey (Recommended)

The most direct option is to take a bus on the northern coastal route. The journey from Lima to Casma lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. Day or night buses are available, often departing from major bus terminals in Lima (such as those at Javier Prado or Plaza Norte).

• Barranca and Caral Option (Alternative Route)

An alternative is to make a stopover by taking a bus to Barranca, then a combi to Casma. This route, although longer, offers the advantage of being able to include an excursion to the Caral site, one of the oldest cities in the Americas (3000-2000 BC).

• Connection with Huaraz

Casma can also serve as a stopover or connection point if your journey heads inland, particularly towards the city of Huaraz in the Cordillera Blanca. Take the opportunity to discover the Peruvian coast before heading to altitude.

📝 Practical Information for Travelers

• Accommodation: Casma offers various accommodation options, from hotels to hostels. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during local festivals or high tourist season.
• Currency: The official currency is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). It is best to have small change for markets or local transportation.
• Language: Spanish is the main language. Although English is spoken in tourist services, a few basic phrases in Spanish will greatly facilitate your interactions.
• Health & Safety: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance. Casma is at a low altitude (43 m), so altitude sickness is not a concern.
• Culture & Tipping: Respect for local culture is essential, particularly at historical and religious sites. Tipping is customary for exceptional services (restaurants, guides).