Guitarrero Cave

The Guitarrero Cave stretches 15 meters deep into the mountainside, featuring red ochre paintings on its walls and a wide arched entrance at 2900 meters elevation.

Archaeological excavations dated human occupation between 10,000 and 9,000 BCE, making it one of the earliest documented settlements in Peru with evidence of plant domestication.

The cave inhabitants developed early agricultural practices, cultivating beans, peppers, squash, corn, and other crops while maintaining hunting and gathering activities.

Located 45 kilometers from Huaraz city and 2 kilometers from Shupluy district, the cave remains open to visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Research revealed this site contains some of the earliest evidence of bean cultivation in the Americas, with samples dating back approximately 10,000 years.

Location: Yungay Province

GPS coordinates: -9.20608,-77.70939

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:42