The Archaeological Site of Rupac: Complete Guide and Tips

Por: Huillca Expedition

Rúpac is one of the archaeological sites that belongs to the Atavillos culture. It was built around 1200 AD, during the Late Intermediate Period. Most of its buildings are made of stone and are surrounded by a large wall.

Rúpac has a total of 51 different structures, of which 25 remain intact. At its core stands a palace called Marca Cullpi, pentagonal in shape and 10 meters tall. Additionally, there are constructions up to three stories high, equipped with chimneys, ventilation systems, storage rooms, and living spaces. Its slate stone roofs are particularly effective at protecting against rain.

According to one hypothesis, Rúpac served both military and religious purposes. The defensive characteristics of its structures and its elevated location suggest it was used for surveillance. Furthermore, it is believed to have had a religious function, as there is evidence of idol worship at the site.

Location of Rúpac

The archaeological site of Rúpac is located in the town of San Salvador de Pampas and La Florida in the district of Atavillos Bajo, within the province of Huaral in the department of Lima.

How to get to Rúpac

If you are interested in visiting Rúpac, here is a step-by-step guide to help you reach this important destination in Huaral.

• First, head to the Plaza Norte Bus Terminal and take one of the buses going to the district of Huaral. The trip takes about 2 hours.
• Once you arrive in Huaral, you will need to take a public bus to the town of Las Pampas, costing around 25 soles. This trip lasts approximately 1.5 hours until you reach the town of La Florida, where you should get off the bus.
• In La Florida, you will need to purchase a ticket to enter Rúpac, which costs 10 soles per person.
• From there, you can begin a hike of about 3 hours and 6 km to reach the archaeological site.

When is the best time to visit Rúpac?

To get the best experience visiting Rúpac, here are the best times to go. The best month to visit is May, when you can enjoy the impressive cloud blanket. However, the dry season runs from May to December. The months from December to April are rainy.

How to camp in Rúpac?

Most visitors choose to camp in the designated camping area, as it’s truly worth staying overnight after witnessing a magical sunset. Additionally, it is recommended to wake up very early to marvel at the blanket of clouds. Camping inside the archaeological site is prohibited, but there is a designated area for camping.