Contents
1. History:
The Huaca Pucllana | The Huaca Pucllana sanctuary is a great adobe and clay pyramid, built with seven stepped platforms, it is 1800 years old; the term Huaca Pucllana derives from the Quechua language: Huaca means sanctuary and Pucllana means a place to play.
In pre-Columbian times, it served as an important ceremonial and administrative center for the Lima culture, who were the builders of this temple — the Lima culture developed on the central Peruvian coast between 200 AD and 700 AD.
During excavations in the 20th century, remains of textiles, decorated pottery, bones, stone tools, and skeletal remains of alpacas, llamas, guinea pig, fish, bird feathers, gourd sediments and beans were found, even some local fruits such as custard apple, lucuma, pacae and guava.
The remains that were found belonged to different civilizations that took possession of this temple, for example, the Lima culture (200 – 700 AD), the Wari culture (500 – 1000 AD), the Ychsma culture (1000 – 1470 AD) and finally the Inca civilization ( 1470-1535 AD).
For many centuries, this archaeological site was not valued by the local authorities, fortunately, at the beginning of 1984 the restorations began and in 1987 this site was declared an intangible archaeological zone of Peru, thus giving it the historical and cultural value it deserves.
2. Description
The Huaca Pucllana was clearly separated by a great wall (from north to south) into two different parts:
- The administrative sector and the urban area: Both sites located on the east with places presumably used for public meetings, to discuss the control and improvement of production; in this place, you can still see several small buildings, squares, ramps and patios.
- The ceremonial sector: It is located in the western area, it contains the largest pyramid made with adobe, it is 500 meters long, more than 100 meters wide and 22 meters high; the priests performed the religious ceremonies in honor of the gods and ancestors at the top of this truncated pyramid.
3. ¿Where is the Huaca Pucllana?
It’s located at the center area of Miraflores at calle General Borgoño 8.
4. ¿What to see there?
- The guided tours begin by exploring the lower parts of the pyramid, where you can see many ceramics that belonged to different pre-Columbian civilizations.
- You will also see a technical scale model, which represents the original size and how the space was distributed in the temple.
- As you walk, your guide will explain to you about the pre-Hispanic flora and fauna, there are also living examples of llamas and alpacas.
- The main attraction is the 7-level truncated pyramid, which was built using adobe bricks and bonded with clay mortar.
5. Opening Hours
- Daytime schedule: Wednesday thru Monday from 9am to 5pm.
- Night schedule: Wednesday thru Sunday from 7pm to 10pm.
Note:
- The Huaca Pucllana does not operate on January the 1st, May the 1st, July the 28th and December the 25th.
- During the night visit, you will not be able to climb to the highest level of the pyramid because of security reasons.
6. Ticket price:
- Price for daytime schedule:
- Standard ticket: 15 Soles— (5 USD)
- Ticket with discounts: 7.50 Soles— (2.5 USD), this price applies only for:
- Children of 12 years old or under 12 years old
- University students
- Teachers and Professors
- Price for night time schedule:
- Standard ticket: 17 Soles— (6 USD)
- Ticket with discounts: 8.50 Soles— (3 USD), this price applies only for:
- Children of 12 years old or under 12 years old
- University students
- Teachers and Professors
7. Huaca Pucllana Restaurant
Inside the archaeological site, there is a restaurant with traditional Peruvian food, it has the same name as the archaeological site, the chef in charge is Marilú Madueño, winner of the Summum 2017 (Gastronomy Championship); so the good taste of the food is 100% guaranteed.
The restaurant is open every day from 12:30 pm to 4pm and reopens at 7pm to 00am, to reserve call +511 4454042 — although there is no need because they always have free tables.
8. ¿How to get to Huaca Pucllana?
8.1 From Kennedy park in Miraflores:
If you are near Kennedy Park in Miraflores, just walk to this place, it is not far away.
8.2 From Lima historical center:
If you are in Lima historical center, look for the Metro-Bus station called Metropolitano (we recommend you go to Jirón de la Unión or Colmena bus station), then take line “C” heading from north to south and get off at Ricardo Palma station, walk for about 20 minutes towards Huaca Pucllana— the price of the bus ticket is 2.50 Soles pp.
8.3 From Barranco:
If you are in Barranco, look for the Metro-Bus station called Metropolitano (we recommend you go to Bulevar bus station), then take line “C” heading from south to north and get off at Ricardo Palma station, walk for about 20 minutes towards Huaca Pucllana— the price of the bus ticket is 2.50 Soles pp.
8.4 From other districts:
Please take a taxi or uber, we suggest you haggle the price of the taxi fare, don’t be afraid, haggling in Peru is part of our culture.
9. Nearby places:
- Museo de textil precolombina Amano
- El Parque Pucllana
- Parque John F. Kennedy
- Johnny Rockets Restaurant
- Osaka San Isidro Restaurant
- La Lucha Sangucheria
Free Walking Tours Peru
Secure your spot on our free tours led by professional, authorized, and expert guides in Free tour Cusco, Free tour Lima, and Free tour Arequipa. Booking is free!
