Ancient Remains Found Near Huaca Pucllana in Lima

On Tuesday, archaeologists revealed the discovery of skeletal remains near Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pyramid in Lima, Peru. The remains are believed to be those of a man, potentially sacrificed, dating back to around A.D. 650, according to Peru’s culture ministry. This makes the find approximately 1,400 years old. Images from the excavation were shared publicly.

Lead archaeologist Gladys Paz explained that the bones could offer insight into “the rituals of the Lima culture,” enhancing knowledge of ceremonies from that era. The body was found inside a canal, positioned on its left side, with the skull facing both the pyramid and the Pacific Ocean.

The architecture of the ceremonial well is unique, differing from other structures at Huaca Pucllana. Instead of small mud bricks, river stones were utilized, stated the culture ministry.

The Lima culture existed from the first to the seventh centuries along Peru’s central coast, predating the Inca Empire by about 700 years. Huaca Pucllana served as a significant ceremonial and administrative hub for this culture. The Spanish founded current-day Lima in 1535, centuries after the Lima culture disappeared. Presently, Huaca Pucllana is surrounded by green spaces and modern buildings in Lima’s Miraflores and San Isidro districts. Tourists can visit the pyramid and dine on local dishes such as ceviche, stir-fried beef, and roasted alpaca.

Archaeologist Pieter Van Dalen from the National University of San Marcos noted the prevalence of discoveries like tombs and mummified remains along Peru’s coast. In recent years, utility workers in Lima have unearthed several such sites. For example, in July 2025, workers unearthed two pre-Incan tombs over 1,000 years old. Shortly before, a 1,000-year-old child’s mummy was found during pipeline installations. Earlier, in April 2025, the 5,000-year-old remains of a noblewoman were found at the ancient city of Caral.

Overall, more than 400 archaeological sites exist across Lima, highlighting the region’s rich history. These discoveries continue to offer new perspectives on Peru’s ancient cultures.