Caral Day Tour from Lima – Explore the Oldest Civilization in the Americas

Day Trip

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Lima, Peru

Duration

12 Hours

Language

English

Group Size

10 Peopele

Tour Overview

Journey back over 5,000 years with this Full Day Caral Tour from Lima, a fascinating expedition to the oldest known civilization in the Americas. Caral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the Western Hemisphere.


We depart from Lima at 6:00 AM,  beginning the day with a stop for breakfast en route. By 9:00 AM,  we arrive at the Sacred City of Caral, where an expert archaeologist and tour guide will take you through this monumental site. You’ll explore the main pyramids, amphitheater, and ceremonial plazas —evidence of an advanced society that once thrived here long before the Inca Empire. Learn about their architectural techniques, social structure, and how they lived in harmony with their environment thousands of years ago.


After a thorough tour of Caral, we’ll head to Bandurria, an archaeological site by the Pacific Ocean believed to predate Caral. Here, you’ll see additional ancient ruins and learn how early coastal communities developed their own forms of complex social and religious life. The ocean views and historical richness of the site provide a perfect ending to the day’s exploration.


We return to Lima by 8:00 PM, completing a memorable day that bridges modern Peru with its most ancient past.


Why Choose This Tour?

  • Visit Caral, the oldest civilization in the Americas
  • Guided by an archaeologist specialized in Caral
  • Includes Bandurria, another early civilization site
  • Perfect for travelers interested in history, culture, and archaeology
  • All logistics handled: transport, entry fees, guide, and lunch included

Tour highlights

  • Depart early from Lima to explore Caral  in one day
  • Discover the oldest civilization in the Americas, dating back 5,000 years
  • See the pyramids, ceremonial spaces, and amphitheater  of Caral
  • Visit the Bandurria ruins with breathtaking coastal views
  • Learn from a specialist archaeologist to enhance your understanding
  • Ideal for history lovers and culture seekers
  • Includes all logistics—no planning required on your part

Whats Included

  • Private transportation  to and from Lima
  • Pickup and return to your hotel
  • Permanent tour guide and specialized archaeologist
  • Entry ticket to Caral
  • Guided tour of the Sacred City of Caral
  • Visit and guided tour of Bandurria
  • Full tourist lunch
  • All local fees and permits

  • Anything not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
  • VAT (IGV) applicable to Peruvian nationals or local businesses
  • Optional tips or personal expenses

Know before you go (faq's)

What makes Caral so important historically?

 Caral is considered the oldest known urban center in the Americas, dating back to around 2600 BCE. Its complexity shows early signs of organized society, religion, and architecture.


Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?

 Yes, the walking is moderate and the guide adjusts the pace. It’s a great educational experience for all ages.


How long do we spend at Caral?

 You’ll have approximately 2–3 hours to explore the site with the guidance of a professional archaeologist.


What is Bandurria, and why is it included?

 Bandurria is a lesser-known but equally ancient site with preceramic ruins by the sea. It adds depth to the experience by showing how coastal civilizations developed alongside inland ones like Caral.


Is this a private tour?

 Yes, all transport and guiding services are private, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.

Itiniray

Stop 1: Early Morning Departure from Lima

  •  Your Caral Day Tour from Lima begins with a 6:00 AM pickup at your hotel. Enjoy a comfortable ride north along Peru’s coast, stopping for breakfast en route to fuel up for the day’s exploration.

Stop 2: Arrival at the Sacred City of Caral

  •  Reach the Sacred City of Caral around 9:00 AM. With your specialist archaeologist guide, explore monumental pyramids, ceremonial plazas, an amphitheater, and other structures that date back over 5,000 years—making Caral the oldest civilization in the Americas.

Stop 3: Guided Archaeological Tour

  •  Learn about Caral’s advanced urban planning, social organization, and spiritual life. Your guide will reveal the site's unique construction techniques and the society’s remarkable achievements long before the Inca Empire.

Stop 4: Lunch Break

  •  Relax over a full tourist lunch included in your tour. Enjoy local flavors and discuss the fascinating discoveries of the morning.

Stop 5: Visit to Bandurria Archaeological Site

  •  In the afternoon, travel to Bandurria, an ancient preceramic site located on the Pacific coast. Explore ruins that predate or complement Caral’s timeline, with ocean views and insight into early coastal civilizations and their adaptation to the environment.

Stop 6: Return to Lima

  •  After a day immersed in Peru’s ancient history, depart Bandurria for the return journey. Arrive back in Lima around 8:00 PM with a deeper understanding of the country’s earliest civilizations.

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