182 kilometers north of Lima and 25 km inland of the Pacific in the valley of the Rio Supe, Caral is rightly called the oldest city in the Americas. Today its origin is dated to 2,600 BC. Considering her age and the surrounding environmental influences, the remaining ruins of Caral are remarkable. Six large and some smaller pyramids, the largest of which measures 150 x 160 meters; two huge, sunken ceremonial places; mystic amphitheater; various temples; Residential districts; a sophisticated irrigation system that also provided water to the area surrounding the area from the nearby River Supe.
Caral is not only a fascinating, mysterious place in itself. His archaeological finds have also contributed to a deeper historical understanding of the entire epoch. Among other things, the discovery of 32 flutes carved from condor and pelican bones suggested a much more advanced developmental status of ancient American civilization than previously thought.
It is thanks to this cultural diversity that Caral was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. In order to preserve the site, which is strongly marked by constant wind erosion, the Peruvian government has provided funds for further mapping, research, conservation and careful touristic development of the site.