Caral the Missing Link Shared Tour
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.
- Duration:
- 12 hrs
- Available Days:
- Every day
- Schedule:
- 7:30 AM
- Hotel Transport Included
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
Caral is nestled in the Valley of Supe, which is a short distance from the sea and 3 hours north of Lima. Your tour will begin with a road trip through the scenic towns of Chancay, Huacho, Huaral, and Supe. Along the way you’ll have the chance to stop and stretch your legs while you do a little shopping and sightseeing.
After you arrive at the site you will meet with a local guide. Your original guide will be able translate during your guided tour of Caral. Despite the fact that the city has crumbled, it’s still easy to see how complex Caral was in its heyday. There are six pyramids, and large circular plazas that were built just below ground level. The pyramids cluster around a main plaza. Beyond the pyramids stand the remnants of buildings that served as housing.
During your tour your guide will point out structures like Templo Mayor and the Altar of the Holy Fires – Templo Mayor is the largest pyramid in Peru, and he Altar of the Holy Fires has a shallow well where priests would leave offerings.
On your return trip you will stop in either Huacho or Huaral for lunch. Then your group will return to Lima.
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
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.
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.
