{"id":6601,"date":"2017-04-21T09:00:38","date_gmt":"2017-04-21T13:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=6601"},"modified":"2017-04-17T13:30:05","modified_gmt":"2017-04-17T17:30:05","slug":"a-peruvian-pyramid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=6601","title":{"rendered":"A Peruvian Pyramid"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved<\/i><\/i>.<\/p>\n

Lima, Peru is an animated city filled with compelling history, amicable people,\u00a0considerable bargains and\u00a0mouthwatering cuisine. \u00a0So vast are the options in this city, its hard to fathom how to narrow down the list to fill your day!<\/p>\n

Just recently, I was returning to Lima for my second visit. \u00a0Arriving late in the evening, I made time to enjoy a Pisco Sour, the Peruvian cocktail that the country\u00a0is known for, before retiring for a quick night’s rest.<\/p>\n

No sooner than I had shut my eyes, my alarm was going off, reminding me that it was time to hit the breakfast buffet and the busy streets. \u00a0Having some shopping to complete\u00a0and a pedicure to enjoy, was first and foremost on my mind, but there was something else I wanted to seek out.<\/p>\n

A pyramid.<\/p>\n

Both times that I have planned for my visits to Lima, I have done internet searches for things to do in the vibrant city. \u00a0 The usual items have always popped up… Plaza Mayor, the Larco Museum, San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs, Parque Kennedy. \u00a0This time, however, I found something different…two pyramids…Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca. Not only were these pyramids located in the city, but one was in the area of Miraflores, my base of operations during my stay and the other quite near.<\/p>\n

After my shopping was complete, I secured a map from the concierge as well as some helpful directions. \u00a0Since Huaca Pucllana was closer to my hotel, I decided to seek it out on this trip. \u00a0Heading up Avenida Arequipa and enjoying the colorful and distinct architecture as I walked, I quickly found my turning point, Calle Tarapac\u00e1. \u00a0A short walk and a right turn, the ticket window was there before me.<\/p>\n

It was explained, as I purchased my ticket, that the next English tour would be leaving in thirty minutes. \u00a0Gladly, I took the time to take pictures, re-hydrate\u00a0and relax my feet from the brisk walk I had just endured.<\/p>\n

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\"\"As the tour guide assembled our group\u00a0at the entrance, we all stared up at the great adobe and clay monolith\u00a0to our left. \u00a0A massive structure, it is truly amazing that it has not succumbed to the development of the city which surrounds it on all sides.<\/p>\n

One of the most important ancient monuments in Lima, Huaca Pucllana,\u00a0 currently an historical and cultural park, was found to have served as a ceremonial and administrative center. \u00a0It was ruled by a group of priests that politically governed the area as well as the valleys of Chancay, Chill\u00f3n, Rimac and Lur\u00edn and was constructed around 500 A.D.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Guided around the plaza that surrounds the pyramid, we were briefed on the history of the pyramid and the Lima people who resided in this area and gazed upon the displays designed to give tourists a representation of life when the pyramid was built. \u00a0Separated by a large structured wall dividing it into two separate sections, one side was an area of offering and for religious ceremonies and another served as an administrative area.<\/p>\n

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As you make your way through the outer part of the complex, you will notice the intricacies of the adobe brick walls that are still in amazing shape and give you an idea of how the complex was divided. \u00a0When the project was begun in 1981, the entire pyramid and surrounded area was covered with dirt. \u00a0Excavation of the site has exposed about two thirds of the slopes and the upper part of the main building. \u00a0Many clay structures and adobe huts still remain as well as a preserved footprint of one of the inhabitants.<\/p>\n

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At the rear of the complex, an area has been set aside which\u00a0offers a representation of the crops that the Lima people grew at the time as well as the animals that were kept.<\/p>\n

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Facing the front of the main pyramid is impressive…here, you can see the actual pyramidic shape which was built from seven staggered platforms. \u00a0Walking to the right, our guide led us to a ramp leading up to the top of the pyramid. \u00a0A birds eye view of the entire Huaca Pucllana complex is presented before you, but if you are searching for impressive\u00a0views of the city surrounding it, you will be sorely disappointed. \u00a0Still, it is quite profound\u00a0to be standing atop an ancient pyramid in Peru.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Our guide enlightened\u00a0us with much information detailing the changes that Huaca Pucllana endured around the year 700. \u00a0By the year, 800, the highest parts of the site became an elite cemetery of the Wari culture. \u00a0Many tombs and burial bundles have been unearthed on this apogee, the most recent being in 2010, when the remains of an affluent woman were discovered along with four children,\u00a0who were believed to be sacrificed to accompany her to the after-world. \u00a0Open tombs can be inspected which contain various elements such as clothing, household items and ritual objects.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Finally, we made our way down the pyramid and back to our entry point, which was also our exit.<\/p>\n

If you find yourself in Miraflores, make time to head to Huaca Pucllana, take a tour, wander through the adjacent museum and have a bit to eat at the restaurant which overlooks the ruins. \u00a0The tour lasts approximately an hour and is an informative journey through an important time in Lima’s history. \u00a0Be sure to bring water if you will be visiting during the hottest parts of the day and when you need to tend to your dusty feet after your visit, grab a pedicure at one of the many salons in Miraflores…that’s just what I did!<\/p>\n

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Huaca Pucllana Restaurant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe for more pictures.<\/p>\n

Huaca Pucllana<\/strong><\/p>\n