Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America in Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru

Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America

Outty Ranking 70 4.7 · 39 traveler reviews16 hoursFrom $190
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Outty Ranking

70/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 39 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America worth booking?

Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America is a 16-hour experience in Lima, Peru, from $190 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 39 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
70 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (39)
Duration
16 hours
From
$190 per person

Descubre la cuna de la civilización en un emocionante tour de día completo a Caral y Bandurria desde Lima. Explore the ancient city of Caral, the oldest civilization in the Americas, with its impressive monumental architecture and pyramids. Continue your journey to Bandurria, an archaeological site located by the Pacific coast, known for its ancient temples and fascinating history. Immerse yourself in Peru's pre-Inca heritage as you uncover the mysteries of these two remarkable archaeological treasures in a single day!

What you get

    About this experience

    Descubre la cuna de la civilización en un emocionante tour de día completo a Caral y Bandurria desde Lima. Explore the ancient city of Caral, the oldest civilization in the Americas, with its impressive monumental architecture and pyramids. Continue your journey to Bandurria, an archaeological site located by the Pacific coast, known for its ancient temples and fascinating history. Immerse yourself in Peru's pre-Inca heritage as you uncover the mysteries of these two remarkable archaeological treasures in a single day!

    What's included

    Included

    • Lunch (✅Included in Premium)
    • Tourist transport with air conditioning
    • Breakfast (✅Included in Premium)
    • Entrance ticket to Bandurria (✅Included in Premium)
    • Official Tourism Guide
    • Entrance Ticket to Caral

    Not included

    • Personal expenses

    What you'll see and do

    1. Miraflores

      San Isidro – Miraflores – Downtown Lima – Barranco: We begin our adventure by picking up each traveler from their Hotel or Airbnb at 6:00 am in the morning according to our included pick-up points (1 day before we will confirm the pick-up time according to the location of their Hotels) .

      10 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Zona Arqueologica caral

      09:00 AM – 09:30 AM: Welcome and Orientation in Caral Upon arrival in Caral, you will be welcomed by our specialized guide. You will receive a detailed introduction to the history and archaeological significance of Caral before beginning your exploration. 09:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Tour of the Caral Archaeological Complex Explore ancient pyramids, plazas and archaeological structures dating from approximately 3000 BC to 1800 BC Discover the rich culture and architecture of this pre-Inca civilization.

      240 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Caral

      06:30 AM – 09:00 AM: Road Trip to Caral Enjoy a comfortable trip as you travel from Lima to the archaeological complex of Caral. Along the way, you'll be able to appreciate the changing landscape and learn about the history of the region.

      240 minutes here

    4. Huacho

      12:30 PM – 02:00 PM: Lunch at a Local Restaurant Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste Peruvian cuisine and rest before continuing your day (Lunch not included).

      60 minutes here

    5. Lima

      03:30 PM – 07:00 PM: Return to Lima Begin the journey back to Lima, reflecting on the richness of history and culture you have experienced in Caral. 07:00 PM: Arrival at your Hotel in Lima Conclude your day with arrival at your hotel in Lima, with your mind full of knowledge about the amazing civilization of Caral. This itinerary provides a complete experience, allowing you to explore the archaeological treasures of Caral in a single day from Lima.

      240 minutes here

    6. Bandurria

      Explore the ancient archaeological site of Bandurria, located on the Peruvian coast. Discover its impressive pyramids, ceremonial structures, and learn about one of the oldest settlements in the Americas while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    7. Miraflores

      Return to your hotel in Miraflores, Barranco or San Isidro.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Premium - Caral and Bandurria

      Visit two archaeological jewels: Caral, the oldest civilization in America, and Bandurria, a millennial site. Nutrition Pickup included

    • Essential - Full day Caral

      Enjoy a complete experience visiting the oldest civilization in America. ❌DOES NOT INCLUDE food Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Inca Trilogy Tours S.A.C

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • From 5 years they pay the full rate

    Photos

    Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America in Lima, photo 2Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America in Lima, photo 3Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America in Lima, photo 4Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America in Lima, photo 5Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America in Lima, photo 6Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America in Lima, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 39 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    39 verified traveler reviews for Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    35
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    notapplicablenow · October 2026

    Great tour

    Great guide and logistics and thorough explanation of the archeology at Caral and Bandurria. Perfect day and guide! Highly recommend……

    via Tripadvisor

    enriques200 · September 2026

    Wonderful tour.

    Wonderfully experience. Extremely interesting arqueológical zone. Probable the oldest in America. Explanations were very complet. Full day but worthed.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your lovely comment and for trusting us. 😊✨ We hope we met your expectations and were able to answer all your questions during your trip. If you have any suggestions that could help us improve, we would be very happy to hear them. Thank you again, and we hope to see you again in Peru soon! ❤️

    via Tripadvisor

    randybA5586PH · June 2026

    The Sacred City of Caral-Supe

    Seeing what the oldest civilization in the Americas built, and being at site with all their pyramids was amazing! The long drive from Lima was well worth it. Benjy, our driver, knew the roads so well. Jose was a good guide & answered all of our questions too. I’m thankful that this tour was available.

    Response from the operator: We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed learning about the history and impressive structures of Caral, the oldest civilization in the Americas. We sincerely appreciate your trust in Inca Trilogy for this unforgettable experience, alongside our team members Benjy and José. Thank you for choosing Inca Trilogy.

    via Tripadvisor

    schneiderth · October 2025

    Amazing trip to Caral and Bandurria.

    Amazing trip to Caral and Bandurria, exploring the ruins of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Our guide, Noemí, was fantastic — she gave us a complete and insightful background on the history of these ancient civilizations and of Peru.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Schneider! 🌟🙌 We’re delighted you enjoyed discovering Caral and Bandurria with Noemí — her passion for history truly brings these ancient civilizations to life 🏛️✨ Thanks for choosing Inca Trilogy Tours! 💛

    via Tripadvisor

    oscarcC626WO · May 2025

    Beautiful excursion to Caral and Bandurria

    A great tour that allowed us to learn about the earliest known civilization in the Americas. Ricardo provided an excellent, professional, and attentive guide, with great assistance from Benami as our tour driver.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    16 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $190 to $390
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    14
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Inca Trilogy Tours S.A.C, who run 17 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.6 and 2 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Inca Trilogy Tours S.A.C runs

    Why this scores 70

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)81
    Review evidence (18% weight)55
    Booking momentum (14% weight)48
    Value for money (12% weight)82
    Listing quality (10% weight)73
    Local standing (8% weight)42
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lima.

    How much does Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America cost?

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    Prices start at $190 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Lima usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America take?

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    Plan for about 16 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Lima is not rushed.

    Is Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 39 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Lima, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 16-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America?

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    Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Lima can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Lima and add a light layer if any part of the 16-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Lima within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Lima?

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    On Outty we rank every Lima experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast, Discover Lima: Love Park, Historic Center, and its Catacombs., Paracas & Huacachina Premium Experience from Lima. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Lima?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Lima?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America?

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    Included: Lunch (✅Included in Premium); Tourist transport with air conditioning; Breakfast (✅Included in Premium); Entrance ticket to Bandurria (✅Included in Premium); and Official Tourism Guide. Not included: Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 156 listed pickup locations in and around Lima. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Lima. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America?

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    Across 39 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Premium - Caral and Bandurria, Essential - Full day Caral. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America.

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