Kuntur Wasi Day Trip

Embark on an enlightening journey to Kuntur Wasi, renowned for housing the most ancient gold artifacts in the Americas, starting from Cajamarca.

Kuntur Wasi Day Trip

Your adventure commences with a timely pickup from your hotel in Cajamarca, setting the stage for our exploration of Kuntur Wasi, an archaeological site perched on La Copa hill within the San Pablo province. Anticipated arrival is around 10:45 am.

The name Kuntur Wasi originates from the Quechua language, translating to "house of the condor." This designation stems from stone sculptures depicting the mighty condor discovered at the site, alongside various representations of other supernatural entities.

Historically, Kuntur Wasi served as a necropolis for the Chavín civilization, with excavations commencing in 1989 under the guidance of Japanese archaeologist Dr. Yoshio Onuki. Within its eight tombs, archaeologists uncovered priceless artifacts such as crowns, masks, and intricately crafted jewelry. Remarkably, the gold unearthed here is considered the oldest found in the Americas.

Next, we will explore the Museum of Kuntur Wasi, where we will observe the exquisite gold artifacts that were recovered during the excavations. Notably, the museum houses the celebrated 14-sided crown, a stunning example of gilding craftsmanship achieved through the embossing technique on decorated gold plates.

The tour proceeds to the archaeological complex, offering the chance to witness the temple, the tombs, and the detailed stone carvings first-hand. Following our exploration of Kuntur Wasi, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in San Pablo before making our way back to Cajamarca.

We anticipate returning to your hotels approximately 8 hours after our departure.