Cave of Lauricocha, Archaeological cave site in Huanuco Province, Peru.
The Cave of Lauricocha is an archaeological site in the Andes situated around 3,900 meters in elevation near Lauricocha Lake. Inside, explorers encounter chambers where archaeologists have uncovered evidence of early human occupation spanning thousands of years.
Excavations in the 1950s uncovered human remains dating back approximately 11,000 years, making this one of South America's earliest known occupation sites. The work established this location as crucial for understanding the early settlement of the Andes.
The cave displays traces of daily life through stone tools and animal bones left by early Andean inhabitants. These artifacts tell the story of hunting practices and activities of nomadic groups who spent time here over many centuries.
The site lies over 100 kilometers from Huanuco city and requires travel into the mountain region where weather can be unpredictable. Access is free, though visitors should prepare for high altitude and cold conditions typical of the area.
The inhabitants developed a specialized hunting method called the chaco technique, where groups would surround their prey in coordinated rings. This approach reveals how early Andean communities worked together to hunt large animals across difficult mountain terrain.
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