From Lima: Caral Full Day Tour

Uncover the mysteries of the ancient Caral civilization with this captivating full-day tour from Lima. Venture into the past as you explore the oldest city in the Americas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with archaeological wonders. From urban settlements and towering pyramids to captivating amphitheaters, this tour promises an immersive experience that’ll leave you intrigued. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll gain insights into Caral’s rich history and cultural significance. What secrets will you uncover on this journey back in time?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Lima.

Key Points

• Explore the oldest city in the Americas, Caral, dating back to 3000-1800 BC, on a 12-hour excursion from Lima.
• Enjoy round-trip hotel transfers, a professional guide, entrance fees, and tolls for a comprehensive experience.
• Discover the UNESCO-designated site’s urban settlements, pyramids, squares, and amphitheaters during a 2-hour guided tour.
• Benefit from a flexible cancellation policy with a full refund available up to 24 hours before the tour.
• Choose from a maximum group size of 6 participants for a more personalized and engaging experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Caral Full Day Tour is a comprehensive 12-hour excursion that takes visitors to the oldest city in the Americas, located approximately 113 miles north of Lima.

Priced from £176.55 per person, the tour is limited to 6 participants and available in English and Spanish. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes round-trip transfers, a professional guide, entrance fees, and tolls along the way.

Travelers should come prepared with their passport, comfortable shoes, and sun protection, as they’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage site‘s impressive archaeological features.

Caral Significance

Caral, located in the Supe Valley of Peru, holds the distinction of being the oldest city in the Americas, dating back to the late archaic period between 3000 and 1800 BC. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, Caral covers over 60 hectares and boasts significant archaeological features, including urban settlements, pyramidal structures, squares, and amphitheaters. The city’s proximity to the Supe River enhanced its landscape and irrigation systems, while its cultural traditions and religious rituals continue to fascinate scholars.

Caral Significance
Oldest city in the Americas	Late archaic period (3000-1800 BC)	UNESCO World Heritage Site (2009)	Covers 60+ hectares
Urban settlements	Pyramidal structures	Squares	Amphitheaters
Supe River	Irrigation systems	Cultural traditions	Religious rituals

Itinerary

The tour begins with a pickup from the hotel in Lima, followed by a journey to Caral, which lies approximately 113 miles away and takes around 5 hours to reach.

Along the way, there’s an optional breakfast stop. Upon arrival, the tour explores the Sacred City of Caral for 2 hours.

Visitors can observe the urban settlements, pyramidal structures, squares, and amphitheaters, while learning about the irrigation systems, cultural traditions, and religious rituals.

Lunch at nearby restaurants is optional. Finally, the tour returns to Lima, where participants are dropped off at their hotels.

The key elements of the itinerary include:

1. Pickup from hotel in Lima
2. Travel to Caral (113 miles, 5 hours)
3. Tour of the Sacred City of Caral (2 hours)
4. Return to Lima and drop-off at hotel

Inclusions

This tour includes round-trip transfer to and from the hotel in Lima. Along with the transportation, the tour also provides a professional guide who can lead the group in both English and Spanish. Entrance fees to the Caral site are covered, and tolls along the way are included as well. To help you prepare, here’s a table outlining what’s included and what’s not:

Included	Excluded
Round-trip hotel transfers	Food and drinks
Professional English/Spanish	Gratuities
Caral site entrance fee	Personal expenses
Tolls	–

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Preparation and Important Information

Travelers should bring their passport, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a jacket, breathable clothing, cash, and a hat to fully enjoy the Caral Full Day Tour.

The tour requires a minimum of 2 people to depart, and the lunch cost is approximately 30 soles per person.

Plus, there’s a 50% holiday rate increase for tours on specific dates, including January 1st, May 1st, July 28th, July 29th, and December 25th.

Remember:

1. Comfortable, breathable clothing is a must.
2. Bring cash for lunch and other personal expenses.
3. Check for any holiday rate increases before booking.
4. Wear sun protection to stay comfortable during the tour.

Group Size and Departure

How large are the group sizes for the Caral Full Day Tour? The tour group is limited to 6 participants.

This small group size ensures a more personalized and intimate experience as you explore the ancient city of Caral. The tour requires a minimum of 2 people to operate, so you’ll have the chance to share this unique adventure with a few fellow travelers.

Group departures are scheduled, so you’ll need to book your spot in advance. With a maximum of 6 people, you can expect plenty of opportunities to ask questions and interact with the knowledgeable guide throughout the day.

Pricing and Cancellation

The Caral Full Day Tour is priced at £176.55 per person. This price covers the round-trip transfers, professional guide services, entrance fees, and tolls.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility. Additionally:

1. The tour has a group size limited to 6 participants.
2. Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment by using the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option.
3. Prices increase by 50% on select holidays, including January 1st, May 1st, July 28th, July 29th, and December 25th.
4. Lunch and personal expenses aren’t included in the tour price.

Meal Options

Lunch is available at nearby restaurants during the tour, offering an optional opportunity to sample local cuisine. Guests can expect to pay approximately 30 soles per person for a typical Peruvian lunch.

The tour doesn’t include lunch, allowing participants the flexibility to choose their own dining preferences. After exploring the ancient ruins of Caral, guests may appreciate the chance to refuel and recharge with an authentic Peruvian meal.

Whether they opt for a quick snack or a more substantial lunch, the chance to savor the flavors of the region is a highlight for many on this comprehensive tour of the oldest city in the Americas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children as it involves a long drive and extensive walking through archaeological sites. However, older children interested in history and culture could potentially enjoy this educational experience.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide luggage storage. However, most hotels in Lima offer luggage storage services for guests during their tours. Travelers should check with their hotel about storing any extra bags or suitcases for the duration of the Caral tour.

Is Photography Allowed at the Caral Site?

Photography is allowed at the Caral site. Visitors can take photos throughout the tour, capturing the ancient pyramidal structures, urban settlements, and stunning landscapes. However, guests should be respectful and avoid using flash or tripods that could disrupt the archaeological site.

What Is the Weather Typically Like During the Tour?

The weather during the Caral tour is typically mild and sunny. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit. Visitors should pack layers and sun protection to account for potential changes in weather conditions throughout the day.

Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

The tour itinerary is generally fixed, but you can customize the tour by adding optional activities like breakfast or lunch stops. The tour operator can accommodate personalized requests within reason, though additional costs may apply.

Recap

This full-day tour from Lima to Caral offers a captivating opportunity to explore the oldest city in the Americas. Travelers will enjoy round-trip transfers, a knowledgeable guide, and entrance fees, providing an intimate experience to discover Caral’s remarkable archaeological wonders, including urban settlements, pyramids, and amphitheaters. An optional local lunch adds a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine, making this tour a comprehensive and immersive experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: