To the rhythmic sound of conch shell trumpets, Peru officially opened the doors of the ancient citadel of Penico to tourists on Saturday, July 12, 2025. This 3,800-year-old archaeological marvel was built by the Caral civilization, one of the oldest in the world, predating many known societies in Asia and the Middle East.
Located in the Supe Valley, roughly 180 km north of Lima and 20 km from the Pacific Ocean, the site served as a crucial trading hub between coastal peoples and those from the Andes and Amazon. Once a hilly, unexplored area, Penico has now been revealed through 8 years of meticulous research and restoration.
Archaeologist Ruth Shady, head of the research team, explained that Penico was a highly organized urban center devoted to agriculture and trade. Built on a 600-meter-high terrace to avoid floods, the citadel features 18 identified constructions, including residential and public structures.
During the opening ceremony, locals performed an ancestral offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth), presenting coca leaves, local crops, and drinks—symbolizing a deep respect for nature and heritage.
Shady noted that studying Penico could uncover clues about the climate crisis that may have contributed to the fall of the Caral civilization, which flourished between 3000 and 1800 BC.
With its combination of cultural heritage, architectural brilliance, and environmental lessons, Penico is poised to become a major destination for both tourists and scholars around the globe.
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