La Galgada, Archaeological site in Tauca District, Peru
La Galgada is an archaeological site on the eastern bank of the Tablachaca River in the Ancash region of northern Peru. The location contains multiple levels of temple-tombs with circular buildings and interior fire pits within pyramid-shaped structures.
The site originates from the Late Preceramic period between 3000 and 2000 BCE and was built across multiple construction phases, showing how the architecture changed over many centuries.
The temple structures contain central fire pits where people made food offerings, and later chambers were converted into burial spaces holding textiles, jewelry, and ritual objects.
The site sits roughly 115 kilometers inland from the coast and requires about five hours of travel by car from the nearest major town. Entry is free, though accessibility depends on weather conditions and the time of year.
The site shows unusually well-preserved evidence of fire rituals performed at the center of buildings, offering insight into early religious practices. These central hearths were the focus of daily ceremonies and food offerings.
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