Cumbe Mayo, Archaeological site in Cajamarca, Peru.
Cumbe Mayo is an archaeological site in the Andes featuring an ancient water system with channels carved into volcanic rock. The network extends across the mountain landscape and shows advanced knowledge of water management.
The site dates from the early era of Andean civilizations and shows how societies could then already carry out complex technical projects. The water system stands as evidence of engineering knowledge from this distant past.
The rock carvings at the site show scenes from daily life and spiritual rituals of ancient mountain peoples. They reveal what mattered to these communities and how they made sense of their world.
The location sits high in the mountains and requires time to adjust to the altitude and climate. Visitors should bring suitable clothing for changing mountain weather and prepare for uneven terrain.
A natural rock formation at the site resembles a human face in shape and held religious meaning. Stone steps lead beside this formation to a sacred chamber that remains accessible to visitors today.
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