In ancient Peru, a ‘huaca’ or ‘wak’a’ (Quecha meaning for sacred) is an object that represents something revered, typically a monument of some kind. The term huaca can refer to natural sites like massive rocks, trees or rivers, or to men made monuments. Some huacas have been built especially for worshiping and rituals, others for administrative purposes. Along the Peruvian coast the term ‘huaca’ usually refers to pre-Hispanic burial and cultural sites of indigenous Peruvians in the shape of a pyramid made with Adobe bricks (bricks made of sand, clay, straw, animal excrements or other fibrous materials).

The area of today’s Lima City and Province has been already inhabited for many thousands of years. That’s the reason why you will find hundreds of ancient settlements hidden somewhere in Lima and the surroundings. But only around 250 archaeological sites and huacas in the capital are registered with the National Institute of Culture (INC). These ancient historical sites and buildings are spread over the traditional and modern districts of Lima. Explorers and archaeologists rediscovered a few hundreds years back many of these historical monuments, but their findings were until a few years back generally speaking ignored.

Unfortunately until today only a few huacas are cared for, preserved, restored or investigated in an appropriate manner. Most of the valuable reminders of Limas rich archaeological and historical past seem to be forgotten. They are neglected, left to deteriorate and exposed to Limas urban expansion. You can find for example residences, small plantations, rubbish, a soccer field or even a garage in an archaeological complex or on top of an ancient temple. So it is not surprising to even see mayor roads literally cutting through a historical complex.

A good example is the ‘Huaca Garagay’ in today’s district of San Martin de Porres. The ceremonial site was built by the first major culture in Peru, the Chavín, which emerged around 1200 BC. The ‘Ceremonial Center of Garagay’ consists of three pyramids laid out in the typical 'U' shape. During excavations in the 60´s and 70´s important artifacts like ceramics and textiles were found that enabled the reconstructions of the early history at the Peruvian coast. Archaeologist found amazing wall paintings, drawn with natural colours that unfortunately were destroyed by someone shortly after the discovery without any purpose. Probably at some point the money for further research and restoration of the complex run out and the archaeological work stopped. Instead Garagay was used as dumping ground for demolition rubble.

Luckily the awareness for Limas cultural patrimony grew in the last years. Thanks to the efforts of the Peruvian government, the Municipality of Lima, cultural institutions, archaeologists, companies and citizens projects were started to save at least a few of these ancient relics. Huacas like ‘Huaca Mateo Salado’ in Pueblo Libre, ‘Huaca Santa Cruz’ in San Isidro, ‘Huaca Santa Catalina’ in La Victoria, ‘Huaca Huantille’ in Magdalena, ‘Huaca San Borja’ in San Borja, ‘Huaca Rosada’ in San Miguel, ‘Huaca Capillo’ in Ventanilla and the ‘Archaeological Complex of Puruchuco’ in Ate are being preserved from further deterioration, investigated and restored. These enormous efforts and the costs involved pay off: Once investigations of the huacas began, archaeologists recovered great structures built by ancient Limeños, valuable artifacts and mummies within a short time. Day by day more information and details about the life, culture, religion, social structure, skills, techniques and abilities regarding arts and handicrafts are revealed.

Below you find an overview of some selected huacas or archaeological complexes that were spared from destruction and deterioration. Most of them are preserved, investigated and restored. Like a permanent reminder of the great cultures in the Lima region they stand out right in the middle of the huge metropolis.