Overview:

Cerro Baúl is an archaeological site located on the northern Peruvian coast of the Moche Valley. The site covers some 13 hectares, making it one of the largest archaeological sites in the valley. Cerro Baúl is home to the remains of two major pre-Columbian settlements — Huaca El Brujo (The Wizard's Sanctum) and Huaca Cao Viejo (The Old Tower). The site provides some of the earliest evidence of Moche culture in Peru, as well as remnants of the Lambeyeque, Chicama, Moche, and Chimú cultures. These cultures flourished between AD 1 and 1500. The remains of the ancient civilizations at Cerro Baal can be divided into three major phases: Huaca El Brujo, Huaca Cao Viejo, and Cerro Baúl. Huaca El Brujo dates to approximately AD 200-600 and was the first to occupy the site, consisting of several smaller mounds. Huaca Cao Viejo was built by the Moche between AD 600-800 CE and is the most impressive of the three structures at Cerro Baal. It is a four-part stepped pyramid structure made from adobe and brick, measuring over 60 meters in height. Finally, Cerro Baúl is much larger than the other two structures, and from the time period of AD 1000-1500. This particular phase was re-occupied by the Chimu and Inca cultures. Ruins from all three of these major phases are well preserved in the stonework and the presence of various artifacts. Cerro Baúl is an important archaeological site offering evidence of both pre-Columbian and post-conquest activity in Peru. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

1. Cerro Baúl is a large mountain that stands over 200 meters tall. 2. It is home to a spectacular pre-Incan archaeological site that dates back to the 3rd century BC. 3. The site consists of massive terraces, ceremonial centers, and a monumental temple atop the mountain with various sculptures and other ancient artifacts. 4. Cerro Baúl contains historical remains from four different prehistoric cultures, including the Chavín, Kotosh, Paracas, and Wari. 5. Despite being largely unexplored, some areas of the site have already been excavated and are open to visitors, allowing people to explore the mountain's past. 6. There is also a small museum on the site that showcases artifacts from the area's various cultures. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

Cerro Baúl Archaeological Site in Peru is an ancient Wari site located in the Palpa Valley in south-central Peru. This archaeological site was discovered in 2009 by J. Schreiber, J. Van der Heyden, G. Nyland and M.N. Diaz. It is one of the microcathedral fortresses from the Wari culture and is known for its impressive enclosure walls made of adobe brick and stone. The site is believed to have been in use from the 8th century until the 13th century and most of its ruins are clearly visible from the surrounding hills. Cerro Baúl was used during a period of expansion of the Wari Empire and is believed to have functioned as an administrative and military center. Archaeological excavations of the site have revealed two enclosures containing a large enclosure with a north-south central axis and several ancillary rooms. The two-part enclosure is surrounded by an outer wall measuring 1250 feet in circumference and 12 feet in height, with 2 large towers located at the eastern and western ends of the enclosure. Within the walls are two patios, storage spaces, workshops, living quarters, and administrative areas. Pottery artifacts recovered from the site include ceramics with Wari designs and images associated with the cult of the moon. The site also contains several mummies with high-pitched wari-style adobes. Cerro Baúl is now a popular tourist destination, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the extensive ruins of the Wari Empire. It also serves as a reminder of the Wari Empire and its significance in Peru's past. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Cerro Baúl is one of the earliest stone architecture sites in South America, dating back to 1600BC. 2. Cerro Baúl was placed on the World Heritage list in June, 2018. 3. The site features a unique style of megalithic structures, including large platforms, stone walls, and courtyards. 4. It is believed the structures served as religious centers or sites where astronomical calculations were made. 5. Cerro Baúl is believed to be linked with the concept of the four directions, as the four walls encompass a courtyard in the middle which has an altar at its center. 6. Cerro Baúl is located approximately 40 km from Cusco and is surrounded by high Andean peaks. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era