Cerro Prieto: Citadel on the Steep Hill

Cerro Prieto combines an archaeological site with a striking landscape. The archaeological area is classified as a citadel and lies at an elevation of 430 metres. The distinctive, very steep hill rises about 300 metres above the surrounding plain. The archaeological remains are located on the southern slope and at the summit of Cerro Prieto. The area’s elevation of 430 metres and the hill’s rise of about 300 metres refer to two different points of reference: the elevation of the area and the hill’s height above the plain.

House Remains, Walls and Rock Art

Approximately 500 small house remains have been preserved at the archaeological site and are arranged in groups. Each group contains about two to 28 houses. This range shows that the groups vary in size; the overall picture is not of a single building, but of numerous small, clustered dwelling remains.

In some areas, three parallel walls are visible, occupied by residential structures. Cerro Prieto also has stones engraved with concentric circles. There is also an unusually shaped petroglyph within the archaeological centre. The archaeological motifs thus range from groups of houses and walls to individual engraved forms.

Protected Status and Other Archaeological Sites

Provisional protection for two years was established for the Cerro Prieto archaeological site on 4 February 2026. It may be extended if there are sufficient grounds. Pirámide El Rincón is another archaeological site in the same municipality, in the district of Salas, Ica Province, Ica Department. Provisional protection for two years was also established for this site on 23 March 2026; here too, it may be extended if there are sufficient grounds.

Summit Views and Activities

Local residents and visitors from the region regularly climb to the summit to enjoy the view: in the morning, with clouds over the landscape, or in the afternoon at sunset. Hiking and trekking are also activities available at the archaeological site. The summit views and the archaeological structures thus offer two distinct ways to experience Cerro Prieto.

Access and Getting There

The walking path from the entrance to the archaeological site is 210 metres long and takes about three minutes. From Plaza de Armas in Ica to C.P. Punta Hermosa, it is 11 kilometres and 23 minutes by private car via a paved road. From C.P. Punta Hermosa to the site entrance, a 230-metre unpaved vehicle track leads to the site and can also be travelled by private car. The route therefore changes from a paved road to an unpaved track, followed by a walk to the site.

CITE agroindustrial Ica is near the entrance to Cerro Prieto. A guided tour there covers grape varieties, cultivation, harvesting and irrigation, among other topics. Check the current arrangements in advance.

An orientation and information point about local tourist attractions was set up on Calle Tacna along the access route in May 2024. Check locally whether the point is currently operating.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Puerto Caballas, El Carmen, Palpa, Pueblo Nuevo, Chincha Alta.

Go to the overview of destinations: Ica.