Pachacàmac

Pachacàmac Review

Dating back to the first century, this city of plazas, palaces, and pyramids, many of them painstakingly restored, was for centuries a stronghold of the Huari people. Here they worshipped Pachacámac, creator of the world. It was a pilgrimage site, and people from all over the region came to worship here. In the 15th century the city was captured by the Inca, who added structures such as the Accllahuasi, the Palace of the Chosen Women. When the Spanish heard of the city, they dispatched troops to plunder its riches. In 1533, two years before the founding of Lima, they marched triumphantly into the city, only to find a few remaining objects in gold. Today you can visit the temples, including several that were built before the time of the Incas. The Incas built several more structures, including the impressive Templo del Inti, or Temple of the Sun. Here you'll find a grand staircase leading up to the colonnaded walkways surrounding the temple. The site has a small but excellent museum. Although it's a quick drive from the city, the easiest way to see Pachacámac is by a half-day guided tour offered by Lima Tours and several other agencies in Lima.