Huaca Huallamarca

This imposing is the most important archeological monument in San Isidro – the business area of Lima. Founding a Pre-Inca Pyramid in the middle of the “asphalt” jungle, surrounded by modern and tall buildings is amazing. This pyramid must have had inhabitants from the VI - XV a.C. First a Pre Inca Civilization and finally the Incas.

The name Huallamarca comes from the quechua words: Hualla – the name of a tribe & Marca – means town. The Huaca looks like a small hill. The two-story construction is made of adobe with a steep ramp leading to the upper level. As every pyramid, this one has different levels. Each governor built one. At the beginning it was a ceremonial center – a temple. Then it was abandoned and finally became a big cemetery. The people didn’t live in the pyramid. They had their houses around it.
Archaeological excavations have unearthed mummies (just at the end of the 2008 they found another mummy) who were buried with their goods and belongings, which give us an idea how people used to leave there.
Ancient objects and mummies found here are on display inside the on-site museum.

Well, the biggest and most impressive pyramids are in the north, but if you wouldn’t have time go to the north, I’d suggest you visit this Huaca to get an idea about the Pre-Inca Civilizations from the north and central coast of Peru. It might be small, but it's impressive. Don't forget to wear tennis shoes ;)

Also it’s wonderful finding an Inca Building in the Middle of Modern buildings.