Pachacamac
Sacred Temple and Pre-Columbian Ruins in Peru

🧭 Site Overview

Located just 40 km south of Lima, Pachacamac was one of the most important ceremonial centers of ancient Peru. This major archaeological site, active for over 1,500 years (200-1533 AD), served as a pilgrimage site for the Lima, Wari, Ichma and Inca civilizations.

🗿 History and Significance

• Original name: "Pacha Kamaq" (Earth Creator in Quechua)
• Function: Religious oracle and administrative center
• Area: 465 hectares with 17 ramp pyramids
• Special feature: The Incas built a Temple of the Sun without destroying existing structures

📸 What to See at Pachacamac?

Major structures:

• 🌞 Temple of the Sun

  Built by the Incas at the site's summit, this pyramidal temple offers exceptional panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Its perfect alignment allowed observation of solstices.

• 🏛️ Painted Temple

  Notable for its well-preserved polychrome frescoes, this pre-Inca temple reveals complex mythological patterns in ochre, red and white tones.

• 🧩 Acllawasi

  This architectural complex was dedicated to the "chosen women" who wove ritual garments and prepared chicha for ceremonies.

• ⚱️ On-site Museum

  Housing the original Pachacamac idol, this museum displays artifacts found at the site including textiles, ceramics and ritual musical instruments.

• 🐫 Pilgrims' Cemetery

  Archaeologists have uncovered intact offerings and mummies in fetal position, testifying to funeral practices of pilgrims from across the empire.

💡 Did you know? Archaeologists have found evidence of pilgrimages coming from modern-day Ecuador to northern Chile.

🚗 How to get there?

• From Lima:
  • By car: 1 h via Panamericana Sur
  • By bus: Public transport lines from Lurín
  • Guided tours: Half-day tours with English-speaking guide (from ~35 USD)
• Address: Antigua Panamericana Sur, km 31.5, Lurín district, Lima 15841

🎟️ Entry fees & opening hours (2025)

Entry Fees

• General adult: 15 PEN (~4 USD)
• Children/adolescents (3–17 yrs): 1 PEN
• University students: 5 PEN (with valid ID)
• Special visits (with guide): 20 PEN
• Guided service (subject to availability): 50 PEN
• 50 % discounts: Seniors (60+), military volunteers, teachers, people with disabilities
• Free entry on the first Sunday of each month for Peruvian citizens & residents (with valid ID) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Opening Hours

• Tuesday–Saturday: 9:00 – 17:00 (last ticket at 16:30) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Sunday: 9:00 – 16:00 (last ticket at 15:30) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Closed on Mondays

🧭 Visiting Tips

• ⏱ Duration: Allow 2-3 hours for complete visit
• 👕 Clothing:
  • Comfortable shoes (sandy terrain)
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • Light jacket (frequent winds)
• 💧 Facilities:
  • Souvenir shop
  • Restrooms near entrance
  • No on-site dining

📍 Recommended Combinations

• Lurín: Pisco tasting at local vineyards
• Punta Hermosa: Nearby beaches to cool off
• Larco Museum in Lima: To complement with similar artifacts

Pachacamac offers a fascinating dive into pre-Columbian history, just one hour from Peru's capital. This exceptional site helps understand the evolution of Andean worship over fifteen centuries, while offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. A must-visit excursion for those wanting to combine archaeology and spectacular landscapes without leaving the Lima region.

✨ Don't miss: The golden light of sunset on the ruins, particularly photogenic.