Homme de Lauricocha

The archaeological site contains a network of caves situated at 3900 meters altitude in the central Andes mountains of Peru.

Archaeologist Augusto Cardich discovered eleven human skeletons during excavations between 1958 and 1960, including remains of four adults and seven children.

The burial sites reveal different funeral practices between adults and children, with children's tombs containing special offerings and ceremonial elements.

The location contains eight stratigraphic layers, with six showing evidence of human occupation from lithic periods through colonial times.

Analysis of skeletal remains from the caves provided the first direct evidence of human presence in high-altitude Andean environments.

Location: Lauricocha Province

Elevation above the sea: 3,900 m

GPS coordinates: -10.31667,-76.70000

Latest update: May 12, 2025 03:43