Visiting The Huaca Pucllana Ruins in Lima — Cachi Life | Peru Tours | Peru Travel Experts

This massive pyramid originally functioned as an important ceremonial and administrative center for the Lima culture in Peru. Surrounding the structure there is a plaza with a large wall running north and south that divides it into separate sections. The western side of the Huaca Pucllana complex is an area that ceremonies were performed in which they would make sacrifices and offerings to Pachamama. This is the side that contains the 22-meter-high pyramid.

Huaca Pucllana was built around the year 400 to 500 AD by the Lima culture, which ruled the Peruvian central coast for around 200 AD and 700 AD and developed technology such as irrigation which allowed them to thrive in the harsh desert climate.

Eventually, the Lima culture was invaded by the Wari culture sometime around 700 CE. With their arrival, the complex was mostly abandoned with the exception of a burial site for the noble. The first intact tomb from the time period was found in 2008 and had the remains of three people: two adults wearing masks, and a child who was sacrificed.

The Wari civilization then collapsed in 1000 AD, followed by the settlement of the Ychmas, an Aymara-speaking people centered around the city of Pachacamac. Huaca Pucllana then became used as primarily as a site for worship and sacrifice.

Finally, Ychmas were absorbed into the Inca Empire. By the time Inca arrived in Lima, the site was already considered a “ñaupallaqta” (sacred ancient town).

Originally published at https://www.cachilife.com on September 8, 2020.