Kuntur Wasi
The oldest forged gold in the Americas was found at the archaeological site of Kuntur Wasi. Set within Peru’s Northern Highlands, this site was one of the most important ceremonial centers in the region during the Formative Period (2,500–50 B.C.).
Kuntur Wasi means “the house of the condor” in the local Quechua language. Appropriately, this site is set atop the La Conga hill near the small village of San Pablo. Cajamarca is about 80 miles (130 km) east.
It’s thought that the inhabitants of Kuntur Wasi were part of the Chavín civilization. The complex may have been used for both religious and social purposes.
Kuntur Wasi was excavated in 1989 by Japanese archaeologists. The 2,800-year-old forged gold that was found here is the oldest in the Americas (by comparison, the forged gold found at Sipán is about 1,800 years old). Other artifacts unearthed from the site’s eight tombs include crowns, masks, chest plates, earrings, and stone jewelry. These objects confirm Kuntur Wasi’s role as an important ceremonial center during Peru’s Formative Period.
Today travelers can see ceremonial architecture uncovered at Kuntur Wasi. This includes a hilltop temple, sunken courtyard, stepped platforms, carved rock sculptures, and a series of rooms. Kuntur Wasi also has a modern museum with about 200 artifacts on display.
Experiences in Kuntur Wasi
Explore hand-picked Kuntur Wasi tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Cajamarca
Kuntur Wasi Tour
Tour
Where to stay in Kuntur Wasi
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Kuntur Wasi accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Costa del Sol Wyndham Cajamarca
This hotel is located in downtown Cajamarca. Although this is a busy cosmopolitan area, you’ll still see locals dressed in traditional garb, with straw hats and colorful, handmade shawls.
Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
