Cabeza de Vaca, Tumbes, Archaeological site in Tumbes, Peru.
Cabeza de Vaca is an archaeological complex near Tumbes featuring pyramids, adobe buildings, and stone structures spread across a large area. The site also contains ancient irrigation channels that reveal how people managed the land.
The site developed as a key administrative center for pre-Hispanic cultures along Peru's northern coast. It served as a hub for trade routes that operated both overland and by sea.
The site served as a major ceremonial and administrative hub for communities in the northern region over many centuries. People gathered here for religious rituals and to conduct regional governance.
The complex is located a few kilometers from Tumbes city and is best explored with local guides. Visitors should bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the grounds are quite exposed.
The site has been featured on a Peruvian commemorative coin and gained national recognition through this honor. This distinction reflects how important this place is to the country's cultural heritage.
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