Wonders in the East of Lima

Tourism in the East of Lima is something that you may not hear about all too often and some places are not even explored by many people so here is some places that I think everyone who is looking for some amazing places outside of Miraflores can go to visit:

Marcahuasi is located in Huarochirí, Lima and is a plateau in the Andes Mountains located 4000 meters above sea level which was first investigated by Daniel Ruzo (1900-1991) in the 1950´s. What is unique about this place is the large diorite rocks that appear in humanoid or animal shapes. The most notable ones are “Monument to Humanity" or "Inca Face (Pecca Gasha)" a gigantic mass of granite, from different angles can clearly see several human profiles. Then there are the goddess Thueris, the Anfichelidia, the valley of seals, the African lion, the vicuña and the Toad. 

What origin of these “sculptures” are debated by many people for example scientists believe that they were created through a natural process through erosion and ancient glaciers that once may have been present in that area but others believe that they may have been sculptured by an ancient civilization (The Masma Culture).  The work of Mr. Ruzo is hotly debated and one that I would suggest you have look at; in my opinion it is very interesting.   

When visiting this place many suggest you bring all the supplies you need due to the fact that this place is kind of isolated and getting supplies there would be difficult. 

For more information on how to get there and tourist information visit http://www.marcahuasi.com/index.php this site also offers an English version.

Also located in Huarochirí, Lima is Cañón de Autisha now this amazing place is 170 meters below the ground. 

So if you like to go caving and hiking this is the perfect spot to do it. To explore this place there is a fee of 5 soles for each person before entry. There are many tour agencies that will take you there on a tour or if you are feeling brave you could travel with friend but remember to always be careful. 

Also in the East of Lima you will find a district called Ate a district that is kind of hectic and industrial however here lies some historical gems these include: Monticulos de Huaycán, Huaycán de Pariachi, Quebrada Seca, Gloria Grande and San Juan de Pariachi.

Information on these places can be difficult to find but you may find brief information and the location of these places on the Municipality of Ate. 

The most well know places of Ate when concerning historical and tourist places are places like:

Pictures taken by Lizardo Tavera

Cajamarquilla which lies on the boarder of the San Juan Lurigancho district of Lima. This place is believed to have been occupied by the Wari people around 500 AD who built on an early remains of past settlements. Cajamarquilla had an estimated population of 15,000 and most of the structures that were built here were made of adobe which all formed into a major commercial, administrative and military city. The downfall of this city and the civilizations that occupied it have been associated with climate change and natural disasters especially due to the changes of El Niño. This place is supposed to be protected and is recognized by the Instituto Nacional de Cultura but due to the overpopulation of the area illegal settlements have been built around it and a lot of this historical gem has been destroyed and damaged due to this also due to littering and illegal dumping of waste. 

Another site of interest that lies in Ate is Puruchuco, what can be found here is the remains of a palace and a cemetery. Here archaeologist unearthed over 2200 Inca mummies all buried in the traditional fetal pose and buried along with precious objects like ceramics and food. One amazing findings in this place was the finding of the “Cotton King” "El Rey del Algodón" a body found wrapped up in cotton and who wearing a feather hat, interesting the name Puruchuco is a Quechuan word meaning “feather hat”.

During excavations of this site there was numerous skeletal remains not found in the traditional fetal pose and what may found here is the remains of the Inca people who took part in the Great Inca Rebellion on Lima in 1535. Most of the skeletons were found badly damaged due to the weaponry that the Spaniards carried with them also some had gunshot damage. This really highlighted the violence that these people faced under Spanish conquest.  The Incas ultimately failed to defeat the Spanish and the bodies that were left behind were buried quickly and unceremoniously. 

This site is also another victim of the unyielding population explosion in Lima with vandalism and illegally settlements causing irreparable damaged to the site.

This place is relatively easy to get as it is in a busy part of Ate and most buses will pass by there and there is only a small fee to enter.