Caral - Oldest City in the Americas

In complete isolation from other cultures, Caral rapidly progressed reaching an unparalleled degree of sophistication, and religion became the focus of control and social cohesion. Fourteen carbon-dating samples have confirmed the age of Caral, placing it as the oldest city in the Americas (Archaic period, between the years 3,000 and 2,000 B.C.).

The complex spreads out over 150 acres and contains plazas and residential buildings. Caral was a thriving metropolis at roughly the same time that Egypt's great pyramids were being built. Findings suggest it was a gentle society, built on commerce and pleasure. In one of the pyramids, they uncovered flutes made of condor and pelican bones and cornets of deer and llama bones. One find revealed the remains of a baby, wrapped and buried with a necklace made of stone beads.

Lunch is included.