Pikimachay
A large rock shelter 24 kilometres north of Ayacucho. It is one of the earliest archaeological sites in Peru.
How old is it?
The American archaeologist Richard MacNeish dug here from 1969 as part of a study of the Ayacucho valley. He found stone tools together with the bones of extinct animals and argued that people were present more than 20,000 years ago.
Most archaeologists do not accept the oldest dates. Occupation from about 12,000 years ago is widely agreed, which still makes Pikimachay one of the earliest sites in the Andes.
Pikimachay at a glance
- Location
- 24 km north of Ayacucho
- Altitude
- about 2,850 m
- Type
- rock shelter in volcanic rock
- Name
- Quechua for 'flea cave'
- Excavated
- from 1969, by Richard MacNeish
- Finds
- stone tools, bones of giant sloth and horse
- Accepted early dates
- about 12,000 years ago
- Visit
- short climb from the road
A wide shelter on a hillside
The shelter is about 24 metres wide and 12 metres deep. Large blocks that fell from the roof cover part of the floor. A path with steps climbs to it from the road.
Pikimachay in figures
Before you go
Getting there
The site is beside the road from Ayacucho to Huanta. Tours from Ayacucho combine it with the Wari ruins and the village of Quinua.
On the visit
The climb takes about 15 minutes. There is an information panel but no museum.
Good to know
The valley is dry and sunny. Bring water and a hat.
Opening times, access rules and prices change. Confirm them before you travel: the Ministry of Culture office in Ayacucho.
