Half-Day Private Tour to Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado

Exploring the rich pre-Incan heritage of Lima can be a fascinating journey. This half-day private tour takes visitors through the captivating sites of Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado, providing a comprehensive look at the ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region. With expert guides, seamless transfers, and all admission fees covered, the tour offers a convenient and enriching cultural experience. What secrets and insights might these remarkable archaeological wonders reveal about Lima’s past?

Good To Know

• Explore pre-Incan ruins of the Lima and Ychsma cultures, including the 25-meter-high Huaca Pucllana pyramid and the Huaca Mateo Salado administrative center.
• Enjoy a 3.5-hour private guided tour with a bilingual expert, providing insights into the architectural and cultural evolution of these ancient sites.
• Benefit from complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as included admission fees, for a seamless and convenient experience.
• Ascend the Huaca Pucllana pyramid to take in panoramic views of modern-day Lima, offering a unique juxtaposition of the ancient and the contemporary.
• Receive comprehensive information on the recent excavations and ongoing restoration efforts that continue to shed light on Peru’s pre-Incan past.

Tour Overview

The Half-Day Private Tour to Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado takes guests on a 3.5-hour exploration of ancient ruins in Lima, Peru.

Rated 4.0 out of 13 reviews, this private tour allows visitors to discover pre-Inca civilizations and gain insights into the Lima culture from 100 to 650 AD.

Priced from $91 per person, the tour includes admission to both archaeological sites, a professional bilingual guide, and complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from select areas.

Travelers can ascend the 25-meter-high pyramid at Huaca Pucllana for panoramic city views and explore the significant Huaca Mateo Salado site, which was integrated into the Inca’s Qhapaq Ñan road system.

Tour Highlights

Explore ancient ruins predating Machu Picchu on this half-day private tour.

Visit significant sites like Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado to gain insights into pre-Incan civilizations and the Lima culture from 100 A.D. to 650 A.D.

You’ll ascend the 25-meter-high pyramid at Huaca Pucllana for panoramic views of Lima.

Recent excavations at these archaeological sites have revealed new historical information about the region’s early inhabitants.

The tour includes a professional bilingual guide, admission fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off, providing a comprehensive and enriching cultural experience.

Huaca Pucllana

Situated in the Miraflores district of Lima, Huaca Pucllana is an archaeological site that dates back to the Lima culture, thriving between 200 and 700 A.D. The site features a 25-meter-high pyramid, patios, and squares, which have been investigated and restored since 1981. Huaca Pucllana provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the remnants of this pre-Incan civilization and gain insights into their architectural and cultural practices.

Feature	Description
Pyramid	25-meter-high structure
Patios	Surrounding the pyramid
Squares	Architectural elements of the site
Restoration	Ongoing since 1981

Ascending the pyramid offers panoramic views of modern-day Lima, allowing visitors to appreciate the site’s historical significance within the context of the city’s evolution.

Huaca Mateo Salado

Adjacent to the well-known Huaca Pucllana lies another significant archaeological site, Huaca Mateo Salado. This administrative and religious center of the Ychsma culture dates back to 1100 A.D. and was later integrated into the Incan architecture and road system.

Huaca Mateo Salado features:

1. Impressive multi-level structures with intricate architectural design.
2. Evidence of religious and administrative activities from the pre-Incan era.
3. Declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2001 due to its historical importance.

Visiting Huaca Mateo Salado provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of ancient Lima.

Inclusions

The tour includes several key components to ensure a comprehensive and enriching experience.

A professional bilingual guide accompanies guests, providing insights in both English and Spanish.

Admission to the Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado sites is included, allowing visitors to explore these significant archaeological wonders.

Plus, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from select areas like Miraflores, San Isidro, and the Historic Centre are provided for convenience.

The tour price also covers all necessary entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for participants.

Additional Information

As part of the booking confirmation process, travelers are informed of their hotel’s name to coordinate the complimentary pickup and drop-off service.

This tour isn’t suitable for unaccompanied minors, as children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps. Plus, the tour rates don’t apply for Peruvian citizens or foreign passengers staying over 60 days in Peru due to sales tax considerations.

The tour experience can be enhanced by:

1. Arriving on time to make the most of the 3.5-hour duration.
2. Wearing comfortable walking shoes.
3. Bringing sun protection and staying hydrated.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have left largely positive remarks on this tour, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the historical insights gained.

Many appreciated the tour for its ability to enrich their cultural experiences and provide deeper understanding of pre-Incan history. Some noted a preference for maintaining group cohesion during the site visits.

The tour is well-regarded for its ability to explore the ancient ruins of Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado, which predate the more famous Machu Picchu.

Exploring Ancient Ruins

On this half-day private tour, visitors explore the captivating world of ancient Peruvian civilizations, exploring the impressive archaeological sites of Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado.

At Huaca Pucllana, they discover a 25-meter-high pyramid, intricate patios, and sacred squares dating back to the Lima culture (200-700 A.D.). Atop the pyramid, breathtaking panoramas of modern-day Lima unfold.

Next, the tour ventures to Huaca Mateo Salado, an administrative and religious center of the Ychsma culture, integrated into the Incan Qhapaq Ñan road system.

Recent excavations at both sites continue to reveal new historical insights, offering visitors a window into Peru’s pre-Incan past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may present challenges for those with mobility issues. The sites involve uneven terrain and stairs that could be difficult to navigate. Visitors should consider their physical abilities before booking to ensure they can fully participate.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Items During the Tour?

Travelers can purchase souvenirs and other items during the tour. There are typically small shops or markets located near the archaeological sites where visitors can browse and purchase local crafts, art, or other mementos of their experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Avoid overly revealing or formal attire as the sites are historic archaeological areas. Dress for the weather conditions during your visit.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, it’s essential to follow any restrictions or guidelines provided by the site staff to preserve the historical integrity of the archaeological sites.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available at the Sites?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at both Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado. The sites have modern, well-maintained restrooms for visitors to use during their tour.

The Sum Up

This private tour offers an immersive exploration of Lima’s ancient ruins, providing a comprehensive cultural experience. Participants will discover the impressive Huaca Pucllana pyramid, enjoy panoramic city views, and visit the significant Huaca Mateo Salado site. With professional guides, convenient hotel transfers, and all admission fees included, this tour delivers an enriching journey through pre-Incan civilizations.