Huacaloma, Archaeological site in Cajamarca, Peru.
Huacaloma is an archaeological site in Cajamarca with rectangular stone platforms, water channels, and ritual hearths spread across twenty hectares. The structures sit at 2800 meters elevation and form a connected ceremonial center made up of several temple complexes.
The site was continuously occupied between 1500 and 50 BCE, showing a long history of human presence in this mountain region. Japanese archaeologists conducted five excavation campaigns between 1979 and 1989, uncovering the history of settlement at the location.
Early inhabitants built multiple temples with ritual fire pits and decorated walls showing geometric patterns and images of felines, birds, and serpents. Visitors today can see the remains of these ornamental details, which reveal much about the religious practices of the ancient people who lived here.
The site sits roughly three and a half kilometers southeast of central Cajamarca and is relatively easy to reach. The location needs attention for preservation, as surrounding urban development threatens the condition of the ancient structures.
The site holds monoliths showing crouching human figures, which are rare examples of this skilled sculptural tradition. One particularly large structure measures about 108 by 120 meters and reaches roughly 8 meters in height.
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