Cerro Prieto: Citadel on a Steep Hill

Cerro Prieto is a striking, very steep hill that rises about 300 meters above the surrounding plain. Archaeological remains lie on its southern slope and summit. The archaeological area is classified as a citadel and lies at an elevation of 430 meters. The hillside setting provides the spatial context; house remains, walls, and engraved forms bring its archaeological character into focus.

Groups of houses, walls, and engraved forms

About 500 small house remains have been preserved at the archaeological site. They are arranged in groups containing approximately two to 28 houses each. The approximate total and the range of group sizes convey two different scales: the number of preserved house remains and how they are organized into smaller clusters. Three parallel walls, now occupied by residential buildings, are also visible in some areas. The grouped houses and parallel walls offer different clues to the site’s architectural layout.

Other details include stones engraved with concentric circles and an unusually shaped petroglyph within the archaeological center. These forms provide a different focus from the house remains and walls: here, engraved symbols take center stage. Visitors interested in archaeological sites will find striking motifs carved in stone alongside traces of residential buildings.

Protected sites in the municipality

Provisional protection for two years was established for the Cerro Prieto archaeological site on February 4, 2026. It may be extended if duly justified. In the same municipality, provisional protection for two years was also approved for Pirámide El Rincón in the Salas District, Ica Province, Ica Department; the decision is dated March 23, 2026. Provisional protection for two years was established in 2026 for Huaca Guadalupe, also in the Salas District. These two protection periods may also be extended if duly justified.

Summit views and a guided visit

Local and regional visitors regularly climb to the summit of Cerro Prieto to enjoy the view: in the morning, with clouds over the landscape, or in the afternoon at sunset. Hiking and trekking are among the activities available at the archaeological site. Check current trail conditions before setting out. This allows you to plan for the archaeological details and the view from above as distinct highlights of your visit.

Another perspective is offered by CITE agroindustrial Ica, located near the entrance to Cerro Prieto. A guided visit there covers, among other things, grape varieties, cultivation, harvesting, and irrigation. The focus thus shifts from archaeological traces to agricultural topics and processes. Check the program’s current visiting arrangements in advance.

Getting there and finding your way

The distance from the Plaza de Armas in Ica to C.P. Punta Hermosa is 11 kilometers; the drive by private car on a paved road is estimated to take 23 minutes. From C.P. Punta Hermosa to the entrance to the archaeological site, it is 230 meters along an unpaved track, traveled by private car. From the entrance, a 210-meter walk of about three minutes leads to the site. The route described therefore includes a paved road, an unpaved track, and a short walk.

An orientation and information point about local tourist attractions was set up on Calle Tacna, along the access road to Cerro Prieto, in May 2024. Check locally whether it is currently operating.

Choose accommodation based on what you plan to do

When looking for a holiday rental, you could first consider what you want your stay to center on: the house remains and petroglyphs, the climb to the summit, or a guided visit at CITE. These highlights bring together archaeology, landscape, and agriculture, but offer different ways to plan your day.

Discover more destinations: Pueblo Nuevo, Palpa, Chincha Alta, El Carmen, Puerto Caballas.

View the main travel guide: Ica.