Pachacámac
(Pachacámac district, near Lurín)
The archaeological ruins at Pachacámac are the most important in the Lima area, and although most parts are in a poor state of repair, several areas have been restored, giving a good idea about the complex. The site is mostly adobe, although there are several stone structures. There is a small, interesting museum at the entrance to the site, with ceramics and weavings, as well as a wonderful totem idol.
Pachacámac was first occupied around 200AD by people from the Lima culture, who dedicated it to Pachacámac, the creator god. Around 650AD the Wari culture took over the site. From 1000AD to 1450AD the site was occupied by the Ishmay culture, which developed it into a major religious and ceremonial centre. The Inca occupation from 1450 until the arrival of the Spanish in 1532 added several new temples, including the Templo del Sol and the Templo de Acllahuasi. The former has a similar layout to Qorikancha, the sun temple in Cusco, and is worth visiting. The other area worth visiting is the impressive Templo de Acllahuasi, the chosen women dedicated to the sun. This was restored by the Peruvian archaeologist Julio Tello. The rest of the site is in a rather poor state of repair.
Lurín, the town next to Pachacámac, is a pleasant place with many nurseries and show horses. Ask at the ruins if there are any displays.
To visit the site takes about one to two hours. Many agencies in Lima organise tours to the site. A taxi from Miraflores to the site costs about $5, or $15 return, including time spent driving round the ruins, stopping off at interesting points. Combis from Av. Grau to Lurín pass the ruins ? ask the driver to drop you off. A trip to Pachacámac can be combined with a trip to Pucusana, a pleasant fishing village, for a nice day out. Combis for Pucusana pass the ruins.
Cieneguilla
Cieneguilla is a small town in a pleasant valley along the Lurín River, about 30km from Lima, The town is above the garúa that hangs over Lima in the winter and is a nice escape from the city. There are many good country-style restaurants serving traditional food, including Pachamanca, an Andean dish of meat and vegetables cooked with hot stones. These are very popular with Limeños at weekend. Combis for Cieneguilla leave from Javier Prado Este and take about 1½ hours. A taxi takes about 50 minutes and costs about $7.
Cajamarquilla
10km outside of Lima, on the road to La Oroya, lie the ruins of Cajamarquilla, a pre-Hispanic commercial centre covering an area of 6,000m 2 .
Canta
On a paved road 100km north-east of Lima is the town of Canta surrounded by pretty mountains and green terraces. The Laguna Chuchún has good fishing, and 3km from Canta is the traditional village of Obrajillo . There is good camping in the area, and horses can be hired. The Cantamarca ruins are 10km from Canta. There are also two forests of Puya Raymondi plants, including one above the town on Huaros . Buses for Canta leave from the Universidad de Ingenería in Lima at 6.30am .
Lima beaches
There are many beaches in the city itself, but these are polluted, dirty and dangerous. Much better is to head to one of the beaches to the north or to the south of Lima, These are very popular in the summer and become very full.
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