Chankillo – the Thirteen Towers and Peru's oldest solar calendar
Chankillo is an extraordinary archaeoastronomical complex in the Casma Valley. Thirteen towers on a desert ridge form an artificial horizon, from which sunrises and sunsets could be observed throughout the year.
Chankillo at a glance
The prehistoric complex is located in the arid coastal landscape of the Casma Valley. According to UNESCO, Chankillo was primarily used between 250 and 200 BC. The site combines architecture, landscape, and the annual path of the sun into an exceptionally precise calendar system.
The World Heritage site includes the fortified temple on a hill, the observatory, an administrative area, Cerro Mucho Malo, and the famous row of thirteen tower-like structures.
Why it's worth a visit
Chankillo is not a single monument, but a large-scale cultural landscape. Those who view the towers from the former observation point will recognize how the spaces between and edges served as markers for the sun's positions.
The barren desert makes the principle particularly clear: natural mountains and artificially erected towers together form a horizon, with which dates within the solar year could be determined.
What is there to see?
- the Thirteen Towers on the elongated ridge
- the western observation point and its aligned corridor
- the triple-walled fortified temple
- remains of the administrative and ceremonial area
- Cerro Mucho Malo as a natural horizon marker
- the vast desert landscape of the Casma Valley
Image gallery
The most important areas
The Thirteen Towers
The rectangular towers stand in a north-south line on a hill ridge. From the observation points, their edges and the spaces between them mark the shifting rising and setting points of the sun throughout the year.
The Western Observatory
A long corridor ended in an opening that was precisely aligned with the row of towers. This directed the view to the artificial horizon.
The Fortified Temple
The triple-walled complex is located on an adjacent hill. Its monumental walls show that Chankillo, in addition to its astronomical function, also had ceremonial and political significance.
Getting to Chankillo
The practical starting point is Casma on the Panamericana Norte. From there, the journey continues into the dry valley to the archaeological site. For visitors without their own vehicle, a local driver or a pre-arranged tour is the most reliable solution.
The final access roads and visitor paths can depend on road and weather conditions. A spontaneous arrival without current local information is therefore not recommended.
Opening hours and admission
Visiting conditions for Chankillo are not uniformly and permanently published everywhere. PeruMagazin therefore does not list unconfirmed fixed times or prices.
Check before visiting
- whether the site is accessible on the planned day
- whether registration or local accompaniment is required
- which access road is currently being used
- whether admission or guided tour fees apply on site
Best time to visit
An early arrival is advisable due to heat, strong sunlight, and lack of shade. The low sun also makes the spatial relationship between the towers and the horizon particularly understandable.
Even on the coast, the sky can be cloudy at times. Nevertheless, sunscreen and sufficient water remain indispensable for a pleasant tour.
What visitors should bring
- at least sufficient drinking water
- sun hat, sunscreen, and light long clothing
- sturdy shoes for sandy and rocky paths
- a small snack
- offline map and charged mobile phones
Chankillo with children
The story of the solar calendar can be easily explained to children. However, due to heat, lack of shade, uneven paths, and potentially longer access, a visit is more suitable for families accustomed to desert excursions who plan for enough water and breaks.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chankillo
Where is Chankillo located?
Chankillo is located in the Áncash Department in the Casma Valley on the north-central coast of Peru.
Why are there exactly thirteen towers?
The towers and the spaces between them, when viewed from the observation point, act as markers for the annual movement of the sun on the horizon.
Is Chankillo an observatory?
Chankillo is an archaeoastronomical complex consisting of observation points, towers, temple, and administrative areas. The entire ensemble functioned as a solar calendar.
Since when has Chankillo been a UNESCO World Heritage site?
The complex was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2021.
How much time does it take?
Approximately two to three hours are recommended for arrival, orientation, and the tour. Travel from Casma is additional.
