Our Tour Of The Ruins of Pachacamac

Walkway alongside the Temple of Pachacamac ruins south of Lima in Peru, South America

Temple of Pachacamac ruins south of Lima in Peru, South America

Early on our second morning in Lima, Bob and I hired a driver to take us southeast of Lima to the Ruins of Pachacamac.  These ruins are some of the oldest pyramids uncovered from beneath the desert hills and dunes of Peru. To the casual eye, the 500 acres of this national museum and archaeological site just appear as a monotone conglomeration of crumbling adobe bricks. 

Adobe brick walls at the Temple of Pachacamac ruins south of Lima in Peru, South America

Several pyramids at the Ruins of Pachacamac have been uncovered from the desert sands.

Stone and brick walls at the Temple of Pachacamac ruins south of Lima in Peru

After the Inca arrived, they used the Temple of Pachacamac as an important administrative center.

Temple of Pachacamac ruins in the desert south of Lima in Peru, South America

With the informed and colorful commentary of our personal guide, we soon came to recognize the complete lay of the land as it was in the days of the Huari Ishmay Empire, then in the days of the Inca Empire, and finally when it fell under Spanish control.

Jean with our guide on the stone steps at the Temple of Pachacamac ruins near Lima, Peru, South America

Peruvian hairless dog at theTemple of Pachacamac ruins near Lima, Peru, South America

Throughout our tour of the Ruins of Pachacamac, we were accompanied not only by our guide but also by a Peruvian hairless dog with a very inquisitive temperament.

Peruvian hairless dog on a hill at theTemple of Pachacamac ruins near Lima, Peru, South America

The hairless dog trailed us for the duration of our tour of the Ruins of Pachacamac.  Although our movements among the adobe walls, courtyards, arches and stepped walls were strictly controlled, our little four-legged friend nimbly surmounted any and all crumbling surfaces.

Walkway through the Temple of Pachacamac ruins near Lima, Peru, South America

On our hike, we saw the remains of multiple pyramids, burial places, temples and reservoirs.

Brick walls at the Temple of Pachacamac ruins near Lima in Peru, South America

The guide informed us that this location was originally selected for four reasons:  the proximity to the ocean, a nearby river, the surrounding marshland and the height of the highest hill, which is where the Sun Temple was built.  The Inca built the Sun Temple as a religious shrine; they also built five additional buildings during their time there.

Pacific island off shore from the Temple of Pachacamac ruins near Lima, Peru, South America

From atop the Sun Temple, we had a view of an offshore Pacific island.

Ruins of Mamcuna or Templo de la Luna at the Temple of Pachacamac ruins south of Lima, Peru, South America

This is part of the restored ruins of Mamacuna, which date back to the time of the Inca Empire.  It was here that young girls were taught by older women to worship and then to prepare for service in the Sun Temple.

Brick archway in the Ruins of Mamcuna or Templo de la Luna at the Temple of Pachacamac ruins south of Lima, Peru, South America.

The precision and symmetry of interior arches inside the restored ruins of Mamacuna were impressive.

Courtyard at the Ruins of Mamcuna or Templo de la Luna at the Temple of Pachacamac ruins south of Lima, Peru, South America

Here, we see the courtyard of Mamacuna.  The space was quite expansive.

Near the entrance gate, a local artisan was busy carving a gourd.

Walkway alongside the Temple of Pachacamac ruins south of Lima in Peru, South America

It proved to be a very interesting day in the hot, dry Peruvian desert at the ruins of Pachacamac outside the City of Lima.

Related:

Our travels to Puno on Lake Titicaca, Peru

Our Visit To Lima, Peru, The City Of Kings

Our walking tour of Miraflores

Our Visit To The Floating Islands On Lake Titicaca

Frame To Frame – Bob and Jean

feedback welcome