CIUDAD SAGRADA DE CARAL

In its heyday, Caral, the main city and major ceremonial center of the civilization of the same name, must have housed between 1,000 and 3,000 individuals, divided into hierarchical classes and assigned tasks. This civilization spread and prospered for around 1,000 years. Unlike the neighboring cities of Aspero and Vichama, Caral lies in the foothills of the desert, 23 km from the coast. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Several archaeologists have explored the area, including Max Uhle, Julio C. Tello, Carlos Williams and Switzerland's Frédéric Engel, but it wasn't until 1996 that the work to uncover the city and its satellites was completed and disseminated by the archaeologist Ruth Shady, who is still at the head of the project.

In the central zone, there are 32 structures or residences spread over two main areas: Caral Alto to the north and Caral Bajo to the south. The full 2h30 tour or the 1h30 " ligero" tour is available, and must be accompanied by a guide. At several strategic points, you'll find viewpoints or platforms for better observation of the sites.

Caral Alto

Caral Alto, in the north, is home to the most extensive buildings and residences. There are 7 pyramids, two circular plazas, a Plaza Central, a collective congregation space, and the smaller plazuela de la Huanca.

Pirámide Mayor (Sector E). Measures 150 meters long, 110 meters wide and 28 meters high. It stands in front of the central plaza, where the market is thought to have been located. It was the most important building on the site, the one shown in the photos. It was surrounded by a circular plaza and stepped platforms.

Edificio Piramidal La Cantera (Sector B), built on a rocky promontory that served as a quarry. A circular altar, a furnace and two underground shafts can be found at the top.

Edificio Piramidal Central (Sector C), the^2nd largest, standing 18 metres high. It is located to the west of the plaza central. Next to it, a small plaza was found, used for rituals.

Edificio Piramidal La Galería (Sector H), on the eastern edge of the city, is the^3rd tallest. It is linked to the site by an underground gallery.

Edificio de la Banqueta (Sector N), smaller and more anecdotal.

Edificio Piramidal La Huanca (Sector I), home to a 2.15-metre-high monolith planted in the ground.

Caral Bajo

Caral Bajo, to the south, features smaller buildings such as the Anfiteatro archaeological complex and the Altar Circular.

Templo del Anfiteatro (Sector L), a fortified complex consisting of an amphitheatre-shaped circular plaza. At 29 metres in diameter, it is the largest in the complex. It is the most important in this part of the city, and the best known after the Pirámide Mayor.

Edificio del Altar Circular (Sector P), again featuring a circular altar, furnace and flues.

At the entrance, a small museum and panels explain the development of the civilization, its prosperity, regional exchanges, the development of fishing and cotton cultivation, for example. You can also learn more about cosmovision, the mysterious link between man and the elements that governed his life.

There are also toilets, a small restaurant and a store. A richly instructive visit, no doubt. Late October, Caral Raymi festival.