Pachacamac
The great oracle and pilgrimage site of the Peruvian coast, with adobe pyramids and a Pacific view.
- Address: Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary, Lurin, Lima
- District: Lurin, Lima
- Category: archaeological site
Pachacamac is one of the most important pilgrimage and oracle sites of ancient Peru, in the Lurin valley south of Lima, about 20 miles from the city center. A temple to the creator god Pachacamac stood here for more than a thousand years, and pilgrims came from across the Andes to consult its oracle. Successive cultures, from the Lima and Wari to the Ychsma and finally the Inca, added their own adobe pyramids, ramps and plazas, so the site reads like layers of history on the desert hillside. The Painted Temple, the stepped pyramid with a long ramp, the Acllahuasi (the House of the Chosen Women) and, at the top, the Inca Temple of the Sun, whose terraces look out over the Pacific and the islands offshore, are the highlights. A small site museum helps put it all in context. It is an easy half-day escape from Lima, best in the morning before the sun is at its strongest.
Highlights
- The Temple of the Sun, with Pacific views from its upper terraces
- Adobe pyramids, ramps and plazas built by several cultures over a thousand years
- The Painted Temple and the Acllahuasi, the House of the Chosen Women
- Views over the Lurin valley and the islands offshore
- A site museum, and an easy half-day trip from Lima
Ideal for
- history and archaeology lovers
- travelers who want to see ancient Peru without leaving the Lima area
- photographers, especially in morning light
Practical information
- Hours
- Open daily, roughly 9:00am-5:00pm -- confirm current hours locally
- Price
- Paid entry, with student and child rates -- confirm current price on arrival
- Difficulty
- Moderate. The site is open desert with sand and loose stone underfoot and some inclines to reach the Temple of the Sun's upper terraces, with very little shade.
- Accessibility
- Limited. The main museum and visitor center are accessible, but the temple circuit itself is largely unpaved archaeological ground and is not wheelchair-friendly.
- Good to know
- Go in the morning before the sun is highest. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and comfortable walking shoes, as the site is open desert and can be windy and dusty. Count on about an hour of driving each way from Miraflores, more with traffic.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pachacamac?
An ancient pilgrimage and oracle site on the Peruvian coast, with adobe pyramids and temples built by several cultures over more than a thousand years.
How far is it from Lima?
About 20 miles south of the city center, roughly an hour's drive from Miraflores depending on traffic.
How long should I spend there?
Plan on 2 to 3 hours at the site, or a half day including the drive.
What is the best time to visit?
Morning, before the sun is at its strongest. The site is open desert with little shade and can be windy.
Is the site accessible?
Only in part. The museum and visitor center are accessible, but the temple circuit is unpaved, with sand and loose stone.
Can I visit on a tour?
Yes, the Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary half-day tour includes hotel pickup.