Ancient Cities Caral and Peñico the Origin of Civilization

4-hour ride from Miraflores to Caral archaeological site.

The Caral Civilization, one of the oldest on the planet, was formed in a territory of contrasting geographical configuration, supported by a complementary fishing-agricultural economy and a complex sphere of interaction, which integrated populations from the coast, mountains, and Andean jungle in the North-Central Region of Peru.

The Caral Civilization originated in the Americas almost simultaneously with those of the Old World: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China.

Unlike other civilizations, which exchanged goods, knowledge, and experiences, the Caral Civilization achieved precocious development in complete isolation from other populations, as Caral was at least 1,800 years ahead of those who inhabited Mesoamerica, where the other center of civilization of the six recognized worldwide has been identified.

The Sacred City of Caral is located in the initial part of the middle valley of the Supe River, north of Lima, at kilometer 184 of the Pan-American Highway.

City of Integration: it connected coastal, highland (Sierra), and Amazonian communities, and served as a key node in a regional exchange network.

Peñico was built at 600 meters above sea level on a spur parallel to the river and a large alluvial fan. It is surrounded by the Supe Valley and mountains exceeding 1,000 meters in height. The complex covers 22.05 hectares and is divided into two sections: one located on a spur, which features buildings from various periods, and where a sequence of pyramids and terraces, associated with a sunken circular plaza, stands out.

Among the monumental buildings in the center, one known as "B2" stands out: according to research, this would have been the most important in Peñico, where the main administrative and ideological activities took place. This is evidenced by the presence of reliefs and designs of pututus, a musical instrument used in Andean societies to gather people or announce events.

1.5 Hour for lunch (not included), afterwards 4-hour ride back to Miraflores.