Huánuco

Kotosh or the Temple of the Crossed Hands

This site belongs to the pre-ceramic or late archaic period (c. 2000–1800BC). The distinctive architecture of this site has come to be defined as part of the Kotosh or Mito Tradition. The complex is comprised of three temples: Nichitos, Blanco (white) and the most well known, the Temple of Crossed Hands. The last of these contains five niches, each containing a sculpture of life-sized human hands crossed over each other. The statues are among the oldest in pre-Columbian America. Click to read more…

Tantamayo Archaeological Complex

There are more than 80 archaeological sites in the area surrounding Tantamayo, with architecture characterized by immense buildings up to 11 meters high, some with 6 stories, all made from stone, and surrounded by formidable defensive walls. Click to read more…

Garu Archaeological Complex

One of the most important sites in the Upper Marañon river valley, Garu was possibly a political and administrative center for the Yaros or Yarowilcas people, who are considered among the most organized and largest cultures in the pre-Inca era. The site includes houses, administrative buildings, religious sites and defensive positions. Click to read more…

Huanuco Pampa

Also known as Wanuco Marka or Old Huánuco, this citadel is typical of buildings from the late Horizon or Inca Period (1476-1534 AD). Construction started in 1460, but work was interrupted in 1539 when the Spanish arrived to found the colonial city of Huánuco. Click to read more…

Cave of Lauricocha

The oldest human remains found in Peru were discovered in this cave; it’s estimated they were buried in 9525 BC. As a result they serve as vital evidence to determine how Peru was initially populated. On another level in the same cave the remains of rock tools and implements of slightly more recent antiquity were also found. Click to read more…