Pacatnamú

North Coast


A few kilometers north of Pacasmayo, just before the village of Guadalupe, a track leads toward the ocean and the little-visited ruins of Pacatnamú, a large site that was inhabited by the Gallinazo, Moche and Chimú cultures and is regarded by archaeologists as one of the coast’s most important ruins.

The best way to visit the ruins is to take a bus to Guadalupe and hire a taxi for the final stretch to the site; it should cost around S30 round trip with waiting time. In Guadalupe there is a small museum dedicated to the ruins where you can obtain additional information.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby North Coast attractions

1. Muelle Pacasmayo

5.63 MILES

What was once the longest pier in Peru has a storied history. Constructed between 1870 and 1874, it initially clocked in at a whopping 743.4m in length…

2. Puemape

14.09 MILES

This clean beach, accessed by a spur road south of the town of San Pedro de Lloc, has a fine long left break and has become a popular spot for those in…