These Peruvian pyramids are as old as the Egyptian pyramids

Relatively speaking, the Incas are of recent history. An unfortunate consequence of the fame of the Incas is that they tend to crowd out the region’s long and rich history with its many kingdoms and civilizations that preceded them. Some pre-Inca cultures were incorporated into the Inca Empire, while others were ancient history by the time the Incas came onto the scene.

The oldest known city in the Americas today is that of Caral. It flourished around the same time the Egyptian pyramids were built. The ruins of ‘Sacred City of Caral-Supe‘ or simply ‘Carl,‘ is a reminder of the antiquity of the history of what is now Peru. Chan Chan is another ancient pre-Inca city in the Peruvian desert to explore. Peru is a country with a very rich history.

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Caral – The oldest city in America

Caral is considered both the oldest (known) city in the Americas and one of the oldest in the entire world. Its history dates back around 5000 years, rivaling the age of ancient Egypt and its pyramids. No other site in the Americas has been found with Caral’s diversity of monumental buildings and ceremonial and administrative functions.

  • Location: Peru in the Supe Valley by the coast
  • Older : Considered the oldest city in the Americas (and one of the oldest in the world)

The town of Caral was part of the ancient Caral culture. It is believed to have developed between 3000 and 1800 BC and is considered the oldest of the pre-Hispanic civilizations.

  • Caral culture: Developed between 3000 and 1800 BC

To put that into context, it’s much older than the civilizations of Mesoamerica. The Olmec civilization is considered the ancestor of the complex civilizations of Mesoamerica (the Olmecs were responsible for the “colossal heads” and the first use of chocolate). But the Caral culture is thought to have developed about 1,500 years earlier than the Olmec culture.

As it is now understood, Caral could be considered the cradle of Andean civilization – and possibly the Incas. It seems that Caral was the model of urban design that was later adopted by Andean civilizations over the next four millennia.

Related: This Ancient “City of Fire” Is Known as Machu Picchu of Lima

Pyramids as old as Egypt and more

Exceptionally well-preserved, the site is impressive in its design and the complexity of its architecture, in particular its monumental stone and earthen platforms and circular sunken courtyards.UNESCO

Visiting Caral today one will see a windswept desert with what appears to be six dune-like mounds. But these are not works of nature, they are man-made pyramids. They are what remains of a city that flourished there nearly 5,000 years ago.

  • Cut: The site covers 626 hectares
  • Contains: Pyramids, squares and residential buildings
  • Pyramids: The site has the remains of six main pyramids
  • Listed: As a World Heritage Site

Closely associated with the city of Caral was the first fishing town of Áspero or El Áspero located on the western coast of Peru near the mouth of the Supe River. Here the excavations found the remains of human sacrifices (two children and a newborn). It also has large platform mounds.


The Supe Valley has fertile land and is close to the sea. The ancient inhabitants were fishermen, farmers and sailors.

The town is believed to have been home to over 3,000 residents and is now the best studied and one of the largest known Norte Chico sites.

Related: Forget Egypt: See This Pre-Inca Mummy in Peru, Instead

Visit Caral today

Today the site is open to the public but is often overshadowed by the eagerness of tourists to see the Inca ruins.

Caral is today an important archaeological site with the remains of what was the main city of the Caral civilization. It is located in present-day Peru, in the Supe Valley, near the city of Caral, about 180 km or 110 miles north of Lima.


Opening time:

  • Mon-Thu: 9:00-16:00
  • Fri-Sun: 9:00-18:00
  • Price: Adults: S/11 ($3.00)

It is about 3 hours and 20 minutes drive from the capital Lima and can be visited on a day trip. There are full day tours that you book from Lima to visit the ancient site of Viator.

Sample Full Day Tour from Lima to Caral On Viator:

  • Duration: About. 14 hours
  • Understand : Hotel pickup, all fees and taxes
  • Price: From $169.00

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