Caral the Missing Link Private Tour
On this private tour you will travel outside of Lima to see the ruins of one of the oldest cities in the world – the only older ruins are in Mesopotamia. Caral was built around 5,000 years ago. Archaeologists have found artifacts here that indicate these people practiced agriculture, and their artwork suggests they knew about the existence of animals that lived in far-away jungles. During your visit here you will walk in the footsteps of the first city-dwellers in the Americas.
- Duration:
- 12 hrs
- Available Days:
- Every day
- Schedule:
- 6:30 AM
- Inquire for Transportation
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
Your tour will begin when you set off from Lima for a drive up the Pacific coast. This drive will take you through the coastal towns of Chancay, Huacho, Huaura and Supe. Along the way your guide will pick out a good place for you take a break and visit some of the local shops.
When you arrive at the ruins your initial guide will introduce you to your Caral tour guide. Your first guide will be able to translate for the local guide, and offer additional insights into the ruins. The tour highlights include the Altar of the Holy Fire and the Grand Temple. From the ruins you can see the mountains on the other side of this coastal dessert.
Caral is a large complex of 1,546 acres (646 ha). It is best known for its sunken, circular plazas. The main plaza has 6 pyramids clustered around a plaza. Templo Mayor, also called “The Grand Temple” in English, is the largest temple in the city and has the largest base of any temple in Peru. In its prime it was an incredibly imposing structure.
When you’re done admiring the ruins your tour will return to Lima. On the way you’ll stop in either Huaral or Huacho for lunch.
Attraction Visited
Caral is situated on the dry desert plateau overlooking the green valley of the Supe River. Approximately two and a half hours from Lima, Caral is unique because of its non-violent history and claim to be the second oldest ruin in the world.
Read more:Lost Pyramid of Caral
What to Bring
Bottled water, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunblock, light clothing, and a jacket.
What's included
Transportation, admission fee, lunch, guided tour, and introductory video.
Transportation
Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.
Similar things to do
This tour will take you to the ruins of Caral, the oldest city in the Americas. Archaeologists estimate its age at around 5,000 years old, making this city older even than the Great Pyramid of Giza. Caral is some of the oldest evidence of humans living in cities. While much of this city has crumbled, it has contributed enormously to our understanding of the development of human civilization.
Experience Pachacámac, a complex that was once hailed as an all-important oracle during pre-Columbian times. Tours of Pachacámac include visits to the on-site museum, pyramids, and temples.
Spend a day visiting Caral, the oldest city in the Americas. This tour offers travelers a fascinating look into ancient Peruvian culture.
