Pachacamac Pyramids
Sanctuary of Pachacamac · Ichma pyramids
Lima 200–600 → Wari → Ichma 1100–1470 → Inca 1470–1533 (pyramids Ichma period)·Lima → Wari → Ichma → Inca·🇵🇪 Lima, Lurín Valley, Peru
About
About Pachacamac Pyramids
Pan-Andean oracle sanctuary 200–1533 with 17 ramp pyramids (Huaca del Sol Inca? Not, Pachacamac pyramids): large stepped terraces with central ramp (Ichma style 1100–1470), Inca Temple of the Sun 30 m high on cliff, Painted Temple, and Acllahuasi. 600 ha desert control. Oracle's wooden idol terrified Incas. Pilgrimage for 1300 years from Nazca to Inca, with human sacrifice tauri. Earthquake oracle – Pachacamac means 'earth shaker'. Tentative WHS.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Ichma ramp meaning – processional ascent vs solar
Theories
- 01Ramp as ceremonial ascent reenacting mythic founder journey; Oracle control neutralized by Inca sun-overlay
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Pyramids with ramps c.1100–1470 (Ichma); Inca Sun Temple 1470+
- Period
- Lima 200–600 → Wari → Ichma 1100–1470 → Inca 1470–1533 (pyramids Ichma period)
- Culture
- Lima → Wari → Ichma → Inca
- Purpose
- Oracle and pilgrimage entrepot for coastal Andean world
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
Pyramids with ramps c.1100–1470 (Ichma); Inca Sun Temple 1470+
Initial construction
c. 1503 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
12.2567° S · 76.9003° W · 73 m · 3 mapped features
Temple of the Sun (Inca) cliff 30m
pyramidInca stone-facing stepped pyramid atop hill with sea view
12.2570° S · 76.9010° WPyramid with Ramp No.1 (Pachacamac pyramid with double ramp)
pyramidClassic Ichma ramp pyramid with double ramp and atrium
12.2560° S · 76.9008° WPainted Temple (Huaca Pintada) polychrome
templeRed-blue frieze temple opposite Sun Temple
12.2580° S · 76.8995° W
Gallery