Sánchez Carrión Province: Archaeology, Lagoons and Culture

Sánchez Carrión Province brings together monumental archaeological complexes, lagoons, historic sites and local festival traditions. Marcahuamachuco is a concrete place to start: the complex covers approximately 250 hectares atop the hill of the same name and dates from around 350 to 1100 AD.

Archaeology and History

The monumental structures at Marcahuamachuco are spread across four areas: Cerro del Castillo, Cerro de las Monjas, Cerro de los Corrales and Cerro Viejo. Their names give the extensive complex a clear layout. The Marcahuamachuco monumental pre-Hispanic archaeological zone is located in the hamlet of Marcahuamachuco, in the Huamachuco District in the southwest of the province. Wiracochapampa was built around 650 to 700 AD and is distinguished by the exceptional degree of planning in its design and construction.

In Huamachuco is the Wamachuko Municipal Archaeological Museum. Its two exhibition rooms contain archaeological finds from Marcahuamachuco and other sites in Huamachuco, including ceramics, carved stones and two mummies. At Cerro Miraflores, two hills with monumental platforms shape the landscape; concentric rings of walls follow the contours of the hill. Archaeological interest therefore ranges from artifacts to architectural forms adapted to the landscape.

Historic sites in Huamachuco also tell the story of different eras. Huamachuco’s Plaza Mayor was built over the Inca plaza of Huamachuco. Construction of the Chapel or Hermitage of San José began around 1560 at the site of an Inca administrative center. The Pampas de Purrumpampa are officially designated as immovable cultural property and as an area of historical and monumental value. On July 10, 1823, a skirmish took place there between Peruvian and Chilean troops.

The Danza Los Incas is part of the cultural tradition and was recognized as national intangible cultural heritage on August 15, 2014. In Huamachuco, it is performed on August 14 and 15 during the patron saint festival in honor of the Virgen de Alta Gracia. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the current program.

Lagoons, Trails and Festivals

Laguna Cushuro is suitable for camping, hiking and climbing. The Vicuña Reserve lies on its shore; the Festival del Chaccu takes place there on the first Saturday in August. This date offers a possible opportunity to plan nature experiences and cultural events together. Check that year’s program before your trip.

Laguna Sausacocha is navigable by small boats and is used for fish farming. Its shores provide habitat for wild ducks and totora reeds. A viewpoint overlooking the lagoon can be reached after about a 15-minute walk and is at an elevation of 3,230 meters. The combination of the walk and altitude provides a practical point of reference for planning; check trail conditions before your visit.

La Escalerilla offers a different perspective on cultural heritage: this approximately seven-kilometer section of the Qhapaq Ñan runs along the slopes of Huaylillas via stone stairways and is shared by Sánchez Carrión and Santiago de Chuco provinces. The section is a specific point of interest for travelers who are interested in historic routes as well as archaeological complexes. Check trail conditions locally.

Hot Springs and Local Events

In Curgos, El Edén has iron-rich therapeutic springs, as well as private pools, a swimming pool and private bathrooms. Facilities may change, so check their current status before visiting. The Yanazara hot springs reach 40°C and are used for medicinal purposes, particularly to treat rheumatism.

Huamachuco is also associated with a culinary event: the Festival La Trucha de Oro is linked to June 29. Don’t plan your trip based on this date alone; check that year’s program.

Discover more destinations: Trujillo Province, Ciudad De Dios.

For the broader travel overview: La Libertad.