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Archaeological site · Chiclayo, Lambayeque
Complejo Arqueológico de Túcume
The valley of the pyramids of Túcume, with 26 large adobe pyramids around Cerro Purgatorio, a late capital of the Lambayeque culture, later occupied by the Chimú and the Inca, with a viewpoint and a site museum.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Complejo Arqueológico de Túcume
The Túcume Archaeological Complex is 1 km from the village of Túcume, in the La Leche river valley, about 34 km north of Chiclayo. It covers more than 200 hectares around Cerro Purgatorio, also called La Raya, a rocky hill that was a place of worship. Locals call the complex the Pyramids of Túcume or Purgatorio.
There are 26 large adobe pyramids and dozens of smaller structures. Túcume was an administrative and religious center of the Lambayeque culture from the 11th and 12th centuries, after Batán Grande was abandoned. The Chimú occupied the valley around 1370, and the Inca around 1470, until the arrival of the Spanish.
The visit follows a path up to the viewpoint on top of Cerro Purgatorio, from which you can see the valley of pyramids eroded by the rains during El Niño years, which today look like mounds of earth. Along the way is Huaca Las Balsas, with reliefs of birds and men in rafts, and other excavated structures.
The site museum, at the entrance, tells the story of the place and the excavations, with artifacts, models and a section about the traditions of the village of Túcume.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours for the trail, the viewpoint and the museum.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, avoiding the strong sun. Check opening hours and days before you go.
How to get there
It's about 34 km north of Chiclayo, roughly a 45-minute drive on the Lambayeque road. There are shared vans from Chiclayo to Túcume and agency tours that combine Túcume with Bosque de Pómac and Museo Sicán.
Tip
Climb to the viewpoint on Cerro Purgatorio to grasp the scale of the complex. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: there is almost no shade.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Complejo Arqueológico de Túcume
How many pyramids are there in Túcume?
Twenty-six large adobe pyramids, plus dozens of smaller structures, around Cerro Purgatorio.
Who built Túcume?
The Lambayeque culture, from the 11th and 12th centuries. Later the site was occupied by the Chimú and the Inca.
Why do the pyramids look like hills?
The adobe has been eroded over centuries by the heavy rains of El Niño years.
Can it be combined with other tours?
Yes. Túcume is often visited on the same day as the Bosque de Pómac and the Museo Nacional Sicán.