Cabeza de Vaca, Tumbes, Archaeological site in Tumbes, Peru.
The Cabeza de Vaca complex extends across 69 hectares and contains stone structures, adobe buildings, pyramids, and ancient irrigation channels near Tumbes city.
This pre-Hispanic administrative center marked the starting point of both the coastal Inca Trail and the maritime route for obtaining Spondylus shells.
The site includes the Huaca del Sol, a three-level truncated pyramid that served as the main ceremonial structure for the northern region.
Located 5 kilometers from Tumbes city, the archaeological site features educational workshops and guided visits for understanding pre-Columbian architecture.
In 2016, the archaeological complex gained national recognition when its image appeared on a commemorative Peruvian 1 Sol coin.
Location: Tumbes Department
GPS coordinates: -3.60101,-80.49178
Latest update: March 11, 2025 20:09
El Cajas National Park
164.4 km
Tumbes Mangals National Sanctuary
31.4 km
Churute Mangroves Ecological Reserve
149.1 km
Parque seminario
170.5 km
Arenillas Ecological Reserve
38.8 km
Basilica of El Cisne
121.6 km
Poechos Reservoir
118.9 km
Tumbes National Reserve
39.2 km
Hospital de Especialidades Teodoro Maldonado Carbo
166 km
Biblioteca Municipal de Guayaquil
170.4 km
Cathedral of Loja-Parroquia El Sagrario
150 km
Playa Varadero
99.9 km
Palacio de Cristal de Guayaquil
169.8 km
Estadio Alejandro Ponce Noboa
163.3 km
Catedral Emperatriz de Santa Elena
158.3 km
Teatro Centro Cívico Eloy Alfaro
168.4 km
Divine Mercy Sanctuary
158.3 km
Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral, Machala
69.1 km
Iglesia del Cristo del Consuelo
167 km
Church of Our Lady of the Pillar
144.2 km
Jardín botánico Reinaldo Espinosa
91.9 km
Cerro de Arcos
114.7 km
Hospital Liborio Panchana Sotomayor
157.6 km
St. Nicholas Cathedral, Tumbes
4.8 km
Velero Bridge
170.4 km
Guayaquil Municipal Museum
170.4 km
Macará River
85.5 km
Tren Crucero
149 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes