Peru’s 4,000‑Year‑Old citadel Now open to tourists
Penico Citadel Welcomes Visitors
3,800-Year-Old Caral Center Opens to Public
The Penico citadel, constructed nearly 4,000 years ago, has been opened to the public after eight years of detailed study and restoration work.
Historical Context
- Caral Civilization flourished between 3,000 and 1,800 BC.
- Penico served as a trading hub for early Pacific‑coast communities and those from the Andes and Amazon regions.
- Located 110 miles (180 km) north of Lima and 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
Archaeological Insights
- 18 structures identified, including residential complexes and public buildings.
- Built on a geological terrace 2,000 feet (600 m) above sea level, parallel to a river to avoid flooding.
- A thriving urban center devoted to agriculture and trade between the coast, the mountains, and the forest.
Climate Crisis and Cultural Decline
Researchers believe that climate change led to droughts and disrupted agricultural activities, contributing to the rapid decline of the Caral civilization.
Opening Ceremony
At the ceremony, regional artists performed pututus—traditional shell trumpets—during an ancestral ritual offering to Pachamama, Mother Earth. The offering included agricultural products, coca leaves, and local drinks.
Future Research Goals
- Understand the formation and development of the Caral civilization.
- Identify how climatic changes precipitated the civilization’s crisis.
The Peninsula of Penico now invites scholars and tourists alike to explore the ancient legacy of the Caral civilization.
