Huaca Pucllana

Climb to the top of the top of the pyramid, which soars 72 feet (22 meters) towards the sky, for unique views over Miraflores and the Pacific Ocean. Artifacts like tools, ceramics, and textiles unearthed during excavations are housed in the museum, while a workshop illustrates ancient textile and ceramic making techniques. A small park grows plants specifically in the time of Lima Culture. Linger longer and have a meal at the spectacularly-sited restaurant that looks out over the ruins.

Private and small-group half-day tours visiting Huaca Pucllana include many Lima highlights such as Huaca Huallamarca, another Lima Culture pyramid in the San Isidro district, and the Larco Museum, which displays an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. Other tours journey through the downtown area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or include a three-course Peruvian fusion meal.

• Suitable for solo travelers, couples, families; archaeology and history buggs especially.
• Admission for adults is about $10; for children younger than 12, about $2. Entrance fee may be included on a larger tour.
• Remember to bring sun protection and water for hydration, as the site is outside.
• Due to uneven brick walkways and a short climb to the top, this site is not wheelchair accessible.
• English-speaking guides are available on-site.

Huaca Pucllana is located on Calle General Borgoño in the MIraflores district of LIma and is walking distance from most points within the neighborhood. From Barranco, take a taxi north and expect about a 20-minute drive or take the local bus #8514 to Calle Arica, 576 and walk about 20 minutes to the site. Or bus #301 to Ayacucho and walk about 12 minutes.

Huaca is open year-round Wednesday - Monday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Go in the early morning to beat the crowds. In general, the best time to visit Lima is wintertime (May–September), when there is the least amount of rain, especially important if planning a trip to Cusco or trek to Machu Picchu. The summer months (December—March) are warmer, but wetter, and in Lima especially, quite foggy.

The Lima Culture, also known as the Maranga, inhabited the area of present-day Lima from about 100 to 650. As their timing overlaps with several nearby civilizations, such as the Paracas, Moche, and Nazca peoples, their history is a bit obscured. However, they are known for interlocking patterns in ceramic artwork and for constructing the first channels from the Rimac River irrigating the coastal desert plains—engineering feats that still exist today.