Short itinerary
Day 1: Explore Caral
- Departure from Lima at 7:00 am in private tourist transportation.
- Travel along Peru’s central Pacific coast for about 2.5 hours to reach Caral.
- Visit the Sacred City of Caral, the oldest city in the Americas dating back to around 2900 BC.
- Walk among Caral’s sprawling 150-acre site, seeing its main pyramid nearly the size of four football fields and standing 60 feet (18 meters) tall.
- Explore plazas, temples, amphitheaters, and residential areas, while learning how Caral thrived with approximately 3,000 inhabitants in its prime.
- Visit the Civic Center of Bandurria, another remarkable archaeological site showcasing early urban development.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the valley surrounding Caral and reflect on the mysteries of Andean civilization.
- Return to Lima around 7:00 pm, completing your full-day exploration of Peru’s ancient past.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Lima – Caral – Lima
We’ll begin early with a private pick-up from your hotel in Lima at 7:00 am, then head north along the coast for about 2.5 hours. Caral is located near Peru’s central Pacific coast and is recognized as the oldest city in the Americas. During its peak, Caral was home to around 3,000 residents and covered an area of 150 acres, featuring plazas, housing, temples, pyramids, and an amphitheater—signs of a prosperous metropolis that continues to intrigue archaeologists today.
Though discovered in 1948, major excavations only began in the 1990s. Unlike many other Andean sites, Caral lacks ceramic artifacts, adding to its mystery. However, excavations uncovered a child buried around 2900 BC, offering key clues to the site’s timeline.
As we explore, you’ll marvel at Caral’s main pyramid—nearly the size of four football fields and standing 60 feet (18 meters) high—alongside its sunken plazas and amphitheater. The panoramic views of the valley are breathtaking. Later, we continue to the Civic Center of Bandurria before returning to Lima around 7:00 pm, concluding a day steeped in Peru’s profound ancient history.
Included
- Private tourist transportation (round trip from Lima).
- Entrance tickets to the Sacred City of Caral.
- Entrance to the Civic Center of Bandurria.
- On-site professional guide service.
- One bottle of mineral water.
Not included
- Lunch during the tour.
- Tips for guides or drivers.
Recommendations
- Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the strong coastal sun.
- Carry extra water and some snacks, as meals are not included.
- Keep some local currency on hand for personal expenses or small purchases.
- Be ready for a full day of exploration—Caral’s history and landscape promise an unforgettable experience.
