Tumshukayko, Archaeological site in Caraz, Peru.
Tumshukayko is an archaeological site with circular structures, platforms, and terraces on a river slope near Caraz at approximately 2300 meters elevation. The site shows different building phases with organized wall systems that follow the landscape and reflect various periods of settlement.
The site dates from the Late Preceramic period around 2000 BCE and was later occupied by the Recuay culture between 300 BCE and 300 CE. This sequence shows a long history of use at this location across different cultural periods.
The stone walls display carved patterns and sculptured heads that reflect connections to early building methods of ancient Peruvian peoples. These elements show how local communities developed distinctive architectural practices over time.
The site is located about one kilometer north of Caraz and is reachable from local tourism offices. Visitors should bring proper footwear for uneven ground and prepare for the higher elevation.
The site displays semi-circular walls arranged at regular intervals, suggesting deliberate planning in its design. This consistent pattern is uncommon in sites from this period and hints at specialized construction purposes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.