Valley of the Pyramids of Túcume and Site Museum
Our Túcume pyramids tour shows you the Valley of the Pyramids from Cerro Purgatorio, a group of 26 large adobe pyramids built by the Lambayeque, Chimú and Inca cultures.
A valley of pyramids in the northern desert
Summary
Túcume is one of the largest archaeological complexes on Peru’s northern coast. Its valley holds 26 large adobe pyramids, built and successively occupied by the Lambayeque, Chimú and Inca cultures over several centuries.
The Túcume pyramids tour begins at the site museum, which presents the history of the site, its finds and the traditions of today’s communities, including the traditional healing still practiced in the area.
Then you climb Cerro Purgatorio, also called La Raya, whose viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the valley and its pyramids, surrounded by dry carob forest. You can complement it with the Royal Tombs Museum; also, the Bosque de Pómac protects more pyramids among ancient carob trees.
Highlights
Itinerary
09:00 - 09:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in central Chiclayo before the tour.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the drive to Túcume by tourist transportation.
09:30 - 10:15
Transfer to Túcume
Drive through the Lambayeque valley until we reach Túcume.
We drive north of Chiclayo, through the Lambayeque valley, until we reach the Túcume archaeological complex.
10:15 - 11:00
Site museum
History and traditions of Túcume, especially its living culture.
First, we visit the site museum to learn about the history of the pyramids, the archaeological finds and the community’s living traditions.
11:00 - 12:15
Cerro Purgatorio and viewpoint
Panoramic view of the valley, then the descent.
Then we climb a trail to the Cerro Purgatorio viewpoint, from where we admire the pyramids and the dry forest surrounding them.
12:15 - 13:00
Return to Chiclayo
Return to your hotel when the tour ends.
Finally, we return to Chiclayo and drop you off at your hotel.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Chiclayo
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance to the Túcume archaeological complex and site museum
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Meals
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Light, cool clothing
Light jacket for the morning
Comfortable sneakers
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Water
Cash for personal expenses
Passport or identification document
Sun and weather
The archaeological sites of the northern coast are open and have little shade. The sun is intense, especially between December and April, so sunscreen and a hat are essential.
Best season
The tour operates all year. However, morning departures let you climb to the viewpoint before the hottest hours.
Recommendations
The climb to the Cerro Purgatorio viewpoint has a slope and steps, so go at your own pace and bring water. Also, the pyramids are viewed from the marked paths.
Gallery
FAQ
How many pyramids are there in Túcume?
The complex has 26 large adobe pyramids as well as numerous smaller structures.
Can I climb the pyramids?
No. On the Túcume pyramids tour, the pyramids are viewed from the paths and from the Cerro Purgatorio viewpoint for conservation reasons.
How demanding is the climb to the viewpoint?
It is a short but sloping climb of about 20 to 30 minutes; however, it is optional for those who prefer to stay below.
Which cultures lived in Túcume?
The Lambayeque, Chimú and Inca cultures successively occupied the site over several centuries.
Can I combine it with the Royal Tombs Museum?
Yes. The Túcume pyramids tour and the Royal Tombs Museum are in the same area, so they can be visited on the same day.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.
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