In short
- Huaca Pucllana is in modern Miraflores; Mateo Salado is in Cercado de Lima.
- Pucllana was built by the Lima culture; Mateo Salado by the Ychsma culture.
- Both sites feature massive adobe pyramids, but Mateo Salado is more expansive.
In this article
Choosing between Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado depends on your schedule and interests. Pucllana is highly accessible for tourists staying in Miraflores. Mateo Salado requires a short drive but offers a larger, quieter complex.
Who built Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Mateo Salado?
Different civilizations constructed these sites centuries apart.
The Lima culture built Huaca Pucllana between 200 and 700 AD. The Wari people later used it as a cemetery between 800 and 1000 CE. The Ychsma culture constructed Huaca Mateo Salado much later, between 1200 and 1450 AD.
How do the pyramids compare?
Pucllana has one main 22-meter pyramid, while Mateo Salado features five pyramids.
Huaca Pucllana's central structure has seven staggered platforms. It uses millions of adobe bricks placed vertically like bookshelves for earthquake resistance. Huaca Mateo Salado has five truncated stepped pyramids, with the tallest reaching 18 meters.
Which site is easier to reach?
Huaca Pucllana is usually closer for tourists staying in Miraflores.
Huaca Pucllana sits in an upscale residential area. You can walk there in 15 to 20 minutes from Parque Kennedy. Huaca Mateo Salado is located a few districts away. You will likely need a 10 to 30-minute Uber ride to reach it.
What is the visitor experience like at each site?
Pucllana is busier and has an on-site restaurant, while Mateo Salado is quieter and larger.
Huaca Pucllana draws many international tourists. It includes a small site museum and a botanical garden with native animals. Huaca Mateo Salado covers 17 hectares and connects to the ancient Qhapaq Ñan road network. It offers a less crowded visit.
Can you visit both huacas in one day?
Yes, you can easily tour both sites in a single half-day.
Booking a combined tour is the most efficient way to see both archaeological complexes. Guided tours provide transportation between the districts and explain the timeline from the Lima culture to the Ychsma and Inca empires.
Questions travellers ask
Is Huaca Pucllana open at night?
Yes, Huaca Pucllana offers illuminated night tours from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Wednesday to Sunday. Access to the upper tiers is restricted during these hours.
How much is Huaca Pucllana admission?
General daytime admission is 15 Soles (about 4 USD). Night tours cost 17 Soles.
Are both sites open every day?
Huaca Pucllana is closed on Tuesdays and major public holidays.
