Half-Day Private Tour to Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado

Uncover the captivating history of Lima’s pre-Incan civilizations on this half-day private tour. Venture to the iconic Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado sites, where you’ll explore the rich cultural heritage that shaped the region. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide by your side, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the archaeological discoveries and the significance of these ancient structures. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious to learn more, this immersive experience promises to leave you fascinated by the remarkable past that lies hidden within the bustling city of Lima.

Key Points

• This half-day private tour in Lima, Peru, explores two significant pre-Incan archaeological sites: Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado.
• The tour duration is 3.5 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off services, a bilingual guide, and admission fees included.
• Visitors can learn about the cultural evolution and architectural achievements of the Lima and Ychsma cultures from 100-650 A.D.
• The tour provides insights into recent excavations and the historical significance of these pre-Columbian sites.
• Booking the tour requires providing the hotel name for pickup coordination, and private residence pickups require arranging a meeting point.

Tour Overview and Details

The half-day private tour to Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado lasts 3.5 hours and takes place in Lima, Peru.

Offering 13 reviews with an overall 4.0 rating, the tour costs around $91.00 per person depending on group size. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours beforehand.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from select hotels, a professional bilingual guide, and admission to both archaeological sites.

However, gratuities and personal expenses aren’t covered, and pickup from private residences requires coordinating a meeting point.

Highlights of the Tour

Guided exploration of Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado lies at the heart of this half-day private tour, allowing visitors to enjoy Lima’s captivating pre-Incan cultural heritage.

The tour highlights include:

1. Visiting the 25-meter-high pyramid of Huaca Pucllana, constructed between 200 and 700 A.D. and extensively restored since 1981.

2. Discovering Huaca Mateo Salado, an administrative and religious center of the Ychsma culture, construction of which began in 1100 A.D.

3. Learning about the evolution of Lima’s culture and the rise of pre-Incan civilizations that flourished between 100 and 650 A.D.

4. Gaining insights into recent archaeological excavations and the historical significance of these important sites.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes pickup and drop-off services from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and the Historic Centre of Lima, as well as the services of a professional bilingual tour guide who can provide insights in both English and Spanish.

Admission to both Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado is also covered. However, gratuities and personal expenses aren’t included.

Pickup from private residences like Airbnbs isn’t provided, and guests will need to coordinate a meeting point.

The rates don’t apply to Peruvian citizens or foreigners staying in Peru for more than 60 days due to sales tax regulations.

Tour Experience Walkthrough

Guests begin their half-day private tour at 9:00 am, with pickups arranged from their hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, or the Historic Centre of Lima.

The tour first visits Huaca Pucllana, a 25-meter-high pyramid constructed between 200-700 A.D. The guide provides insights into recent excavations and offers panoramic views of Lima’s skyline.

Next, the group explores Huaca Mateo Salado, an administrative and religious center of the Ychsma culture, which began construction in 1100 A.D. The guide shares the historical significance and transformations of this Cultural Heritage site over time.

The tour concludes around 12:30 pm, after approximately 3.5 hours of engaging exploration.

Historical Significance of Sites

Huaca Pucllana stands as a testament to Lima’s pre-Incan past, constructed between 200-700 A.D. by the Lima culture. This 25-meter-high pyramid has been carefully restored since 1981, offering visitors a glimpse into the architectural achievements of this ancient civilization.

Huaca Mateo Salado, on the other hand, was the administrative and religious center of the Ychsma culture, construction of which began in 1100 A.D. Declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2001, this site provides invaluable insights into the evolution of Peru’s pre-Columbian societies and their enduring cultural legacy.

Tips for Booking and Coordination

When booking this tour, travelers can count on seamless coordination. The tour operator provides pickup and drop-off from select hotels, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

To ensure a smooth experience, travelers should:

1. Provide their hotel name at booking for pickup coordination.
2. Understand that pickup from private residences like Airbnb requires a meeting point.
3. Be aware that infants must sit on laps during the tour.
4. Note that special rates may apply for Peruvian citizens and long-term foreign visitors.

With these tips in mind, travelers can look forward to an engaging exploration of Lima’s rich pre-Incan heritage at Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado.

Traveler Reviews and Experiences

According to the reviews, travelers have generally enjoyed their experiences on the Half-Day Private Tour to Huaca Pucllana.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars, with the majority of reviews being 5-star and 4-star. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable tour guides who provide interesting historical context about Lima’s pre-Incan civilizations.

Visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore the significant archaeological sites of Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado, gaining insights into the cultural and architectural aspects of these important structures.

While most experiences are positive, there’s one 1-star review, suggesting room for improvement in certain areas.

Getting to the Tour Start Point

The tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and the Historic Centre of Lima.

Travelers should inform the tour operator of their hotel name upon booking confirmation to coordinate the pickup.

However, the service doesn’t extend to private residences, such as Airbnb accommodations. In that case, travelers must arrange to meet the guide at a designated meeting point.

The tour experience starts at 9:00 am.

To summarize the pickup and start point logistics:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off available in select areas.
2. Inform hotel name at booking for coordination.
3. No pickup from private residences; meet at a meeting point.
4. Tour starts promptly at 9:00 am.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photography and Filming Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and filming are typically allowed during the tour, though visitors should check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions. Most tours encourage guests to capture photos and videos to document their experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for this tour, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended given the outdoor nature of the archaeological sites.

Can We Stop for a Meal or Refreshments During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any scheduled meal or refreshment stops. However, the guide can recommend places to grab a bite or drink before or after the tour if desired. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and water.

Are Restrooms Available at the Archaeological Sites?

Restrooms are available at both Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado archaeological sites. Visitors can use the facilities during the tour to ensure a comfortable experience exploring these important historical landmarks in Lima, Peru.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the Sites?

Visitors can purchase souvenirs at the archaeological sites. The tour operator provides information about souvenir shopping opportunities during the tour, allowing guests to browse and purchase local handicrafts and mementos at the sites.

Recap

This private tour offers an immersive glimpse into Lima’s rich pre-Incan heritage. Visitors can explore two significant archaeological sites, Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado, with a knowledgeable guide. The tour provides insights into Peru’s fascinating history and culture, making it an ideal experience for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this half-day excursion is a comprehensive and efficient way to discover Lima’s ancient wonders.