TOURISM & CUISINE

HUACA PARAÍSO

Built over 4000 years ago, El Paraíso is the archaeological site with the largest and most ancient monumental architecture in Peru. Built around 2000 BC (around 4000 years ago), El Paraíso occupies an area of 50 hectares and required close to 100,000 tons of rock to be completed.

El Paraíso was declared National Cultural Heritage of Peru on March 27, 2002. The archaeological site corresponds to the late pre-ceramic period and is comprised of 14 architectural units, including pyramidal buildings.

It is located on the left bank of the Chillón river, near the river mouth, 5 kilometers from the beach to the north of Lima. It was built between hills (the so-called Chuquitanta hills) to provide protection from winds and inclement weather. It is located in the Ventanilla district, very close to the district of San Martín de Porres.

ANTICUCHOS

Anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) are a traditional Peruvian dish that originated during the Viceroyalty of Peru. According to texts from the archive of the National Library of Peru in Lima, it is believed that the term comes from the Quechua antikuchu (anti: Andes y kuchu: cut) or anti-uchu (uchu: stew, mixture). Over time, neighboring countries such as Bolivia and Chile adopted the recipe, which has sliced beef heart as the main ingredient. The meat’s marinade is prepared with vegetable oil, chopped garlic, cumin, lime juice, panca chili paste, fresh ground pepper, salt, wine vinegar, stout beer and oregano.