Oldest City Of The Americas

Only twenty-three kilometers inland from the Pan-American Highway which runs along the desert coast of Peru lies hidden an archaeological wonder, Caral, which is the oldest city of the Americas and one of the oldest monumental human settlements in the world.

The Pyramids of Caral

Though the mounds near the village of Caral were recognized as archaeological sites in 1948, Peruvian anthropologist and archaeologist Dr. Ruth Shady was the first to recognize the importance of the site in 1994. After careful study, Dr. Shady and her team announced to the world in 2001 that the pyramids of Caral were as old as the pyramids in Egypt. Careful carbon-14 dating of reeds used to wrap construction stones that ease the effects of earthquakes on the pyramids have proven without a doubt that these pyramids were built between 2600 BC and 2000 BC. The lack of ceramics at the site also points to the antiquity of the settlement since this civilization had not yet developed this technology. It’s interesting to note that no weapons have been found at the site, however, musical instruments were discovered.

The main pyramid

Archaeologists transform what looks like a hill into an ancient pyramid through their careful excavations

The Norte Chico Civilization (as it has been labeled by modern-day archaeologists) flourished along the Supe River Valley three millienia before Christ and built Caral as its main settlement. Several pyramids were built on a flat area a bit elevated from the Supe River allowing for agricultural work to continue along the river. They inhabited the area from approximately 3,000 BC to 1800 BC.

Temple of the Amphitheater

Caral is approximately three and a half hours north of Lima and is easily accessible by highway. There is a large sign at the 184th kilometer of the Pan-American Highway that points to Caral.

The last kilometers of the journey will require a car prepared for harsher road conditions. During the dry season it is possible to cross into the archaeological site by driving over the dry river bed, otherwise the parking lot is a thirty minute walk from the site.

Peru may be best known for the impressive ruins of Machu Picchu, but Caral is 44 centuries older!