Sunampe between huacas and wine tradition
Accommodation in Sunampe
Huaca Grande and the Vendimia de Chincha point to two distinct sides of Sunampe: archaeological heritage and a wine tradition that encompasses Cachina, wine and Pisco. Huaca Grande was declared part of the Nation’s Cultural Heritage; in March, the traditional Pisa de Uva in Sunampe is part of the Vendimia de Chincha.
Archaeological heritage
Huaca Grande is located in the district of Sunampe, in the province of Chincha in the Ica region. Features of the archaeological site include pre-Hispanic structures made of adobe bricks and rammed earth, as well as scattered pottery fragments. Visible signage indicates that it is an untouchable protected zone. Adobe bricks are shaped building blocks; rammed earth is made from compacted soil. This makes it possible for visitors without prior knowledge of archaeology to distinguish between the two construction materials.
Huaca La Cumbe is also an archaeological site in the district of Sunampe, in the province of Chincha, Ica department. The provisional protection applies to sectors A, B and C. It was established on July 6, 2026, for two years and may be extended for the same period with prior justification. This is a separate protection status from Huaca Grande’s declaration as part of the Nation’s Cultural Heritage.
Viticulture, Cachina and Pisco
During the Spanish invasion, Doña Magdalena Chumbiauca began planting new vineyards in the areas of Sunampe, establishing the production of wine and Aguardiente. In the 19th century, Italian immigrants came to Sunampe and cultivated grapevines there. These historical references trace different periods in the history of local viticulture.
Cachina, a grape juice from Sunampe, is a well-known local product. Must is made from it, later becoming wine and Pisco. The must is the intermediate stage between the grape juice and the drinks produced later. The historical transportation of these products is also part of the town’s history: wine and Aguardiente from Sunampe were historically transported by rail for shipment through the port of Tambo de Mora.
Vendimia in March
In March, Sunampe holds the traditional Pisa de Uva as part of the Vendimia de Chincha; the festival queen is also chosen. Sunampe’s Vendimia was held in the district’s Plaza de Armas. If you would like to attend a future edition, check the event date, venue and program in advance.
Bodega Viña Vieja and the wine route
Bodega Viña Vieja is part of the Ruta VitivinĂcola de Chincha. In CaserĂo San Ignacio in Sunampe, it is listed as a bodega producing Pisco, wine and other spirits. The Antigua Panamericana Sur serves as a guide for accessing Guayabo Cholo. A 3 km paved route from the Plaza de Armas de Chincha to the bodega is listed; check this route information before setting off.
The province of Chincha also has a regional connection to archaeology: the Instituto de Investigación del Patrimonio Cultural de Chincha (INIPACCH) organizes the “Huacas Milenarias” archaeological walking program there. More than 400 people took part in the fourth edition.
Festival season or local history?
March is the specific time of year associated with the Vendimia; the history of winemaking, by contrast, encompasses developments from the time of the Spanish invasion and the 19th century.
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