On the coast of Peru 32 kilometers south of Lima lies the sacred site of Pachacamac. For two thousand years, this ancient city was an administrative and religious center and place of pilgrimage for ancient Andean cultures including the Inca. Historians have referred to Pachacamac as the “Mecca of Peru.”
“….the enormous site with its great pyramidal temples, buildings, old roads, remains of frescoes decorating the adobe walls and other interesting archaeological structures (that were erected over a time period of over 1000 years by different cultures) gives visitors an astonishing insight into the society and lifestyle of people living in the area.
….several temples, buildings and a part of the Inca road system have already been excavated while other structures wait to be discovered,
It was a major pilgrimage destination in the coastal region and attracted worshippers from all over the Inca Empire; at least until the Spanish conquest.
LimaEasy.com
The god Pachacamac was known as “the one who animates the world” and “the Maker of the Earth” for the coastal peoples. This sacred wooden statue of Pachacamac was worshipped at the site in early Lima culture.
The revered statue was situated inside a large temple complex that was built on a stepped earthen platform. This artifact of Pachacamac was a significant discovery for archaeologists. Veneration of the god Pachacamac was at a zenith when the Inca blended their culture with the early Lima culture of the time. With this spiritual tradition at its height, the Incas actually incorporated Pachacamac into their culture as well.
The image above shows an excavated road in the ancient city of Pachacamac. It is part of the original Inca Royal Road according to archaeologists and was the main street of Pachacamac. In 1533 Spanish conqueror Fernando Pisaro walked these streets looking for treasures before violently bringing an end to the longstanding reverence of Pachacamac and destroying much of the ancient Lima culture here. Thankfully, some artifacts, mummies and pieces of their sacred traditions did survive.
My husband, Brian, and I marveled at the pyramids, roads, plaza, artifacts and sacred culture of all the ancient Peruvian coastal peoples of Pachacamac.
Our tour of this special place came at the beginning of our three week Peruvian adventure. In the final days of our travels, we would learn that Pachacamac was considered the most important sacred ceremonial center of ancient Peru. That brought a significant full circle awareness to our experiences in this extraordinary country.
Resources for more on Pachacamac:
https://pachacamac.cultura.pe/
DeAnne Wolfgram 