This week we’re traveling way back in time to Caral, Peru, one of the oldest cities in the world and one of the most inspiring places you’ve probably never heard of.

We visited this place unexpectedly and, boy, were we pleased. It's the type of place that makes you feel something unique. It's fascinating if you can feel a human connection with people who lived so long ago. Their problems were different than ours, but they still had a busy society.

You'll learn below that their way of handling conflict was different than how we do it these days. Caral truly inspired us to be better citizens of society.

Caral is an ancient civilization discovered in the Americas. It is over 5,000 years old, which means it was thriving around the same time as the pyramids in Egypt. But here is the most fascinating part: archaeologists found no known weapons in Caral.

Instead of war, this civilization seemed to focus on trade, music, agriculture, and community.

That alone makes Caral inspiring. It shows that powerful civilizations can grow through cooperation, not conflict.

You will see massive pyramid-like structures rising out of the desert when you visit. The Sacred City of Caral is the heart of the site, with large plazas and temples.

The Great Pyramid is the most impressive structure, built with stone and earth.

You can also explore circular sunken plazas, residential areas, and spaces where ceremonies once took place. Some discoveries even suggest that people played musical instruments made from animal bones.

The name of the people who lived here is unknown. It is called Caral now because this is the closest town to the archeological site. It is also unknown as to why this place was abandoned. Theories suggest climate change and lack of water might have been the reasons. There is evidence that the people moved further south.

Caral sits in the Supe Valley, about 120 miles north of Lima. There is so much more to explore nearby:

Caral isn’t flashy. It’s not loud. It’s not touristy.

It’s quiet. Powerful. Ancient. Peaceful.

And honestly, it’s one of the most meaningful historical places you can stand in.

Click on it to access it and the vault of all the best sites of PI destinations.

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

Getting to Caral is an adventure in itself. We started in Lima, which is typically what most tourists do. From Lima, you can drive or take a bus to Barranca or Supe, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. From there, a taxi or tour takes you to Caral.

We chose a guided tour, which we’ll link down below. This made it very easy, logistically, because we were picked up and dropped off at our hotel in Lima. Having a guided tour made it so much easier to learn all about the history as well. The tour lasted the entire day but was well worth it.

There are very limited places to stay near Caral, so the places below are all in Lima.

Antigua Miraflores Hotel - where we stayed in Lima and loved

SOUMA Lima, Vignette Collection - enjoy the beautifu sunsets

Casa Republica Barranca - a 1920s mansion located in the Barranco district

Peru is a dream for food lovers.

Try ceviche, fresh fish cured in citrus with onions and chili. Don’t miss lomo saltado, a flavorful stir-fry with beef, potatoes, and rice.

Empanadas are perfect for travel days.

For something sweet, try alfajores, soft cookies filled with caramel. And if you are feeling adventurous, sample chicha morada, a purple corn drink that is refreshing and slightly sweet.

If you are packing for Caral, think practical and comfortable.

Bring lightweight clothes for warm days and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential because the site is large and sandy. Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water. A small backpack is helpful for snacks and essentials.

If you love photography, bring a camera because the desert landscapes and ancient ruins are stunning.

Timing your trip matters.

Peru has two main seasons. The dry season runs from May to October. This is the best time for clear skies and exploring ruins, but it can be cooler, especially at night.

The wet season runs from November to April. Expect warmer weather and occasional rain, especially in the mountains, though the coast is often milder.

Shoulder months like April and November can be a great balance of weather and fewer crowds.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in Caral and traveling in general. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob