The first major culture in Peru, the Chavín culture emerged around 1200 BC from the Ancash region to the limeñan coast. The Chavín domesticated animals and plants and farmed irrigated areas around rivers and lagoons. Archaeological artifacts from the Chavín period include textiles, metalwork, pottery and religious objects.

Until their decline around 200 AD the Chavín built many religious temples in the Lima region, the most important one is the ‘Huaca Garacay’ located in today’s district of ‘San Martín de Porres’. The ‘Ceremonial Center of Garagay’ consists of three pyramids laid out in the typical U shape that was favored by the Chavín.