The Huaca Juliana or “Pucllana” gets its name from the Quechuan word “pucllay” meaning “game,” and in its entirety can be translated as “a place for ritual games.” Back in its prime days, it was an important ceremonial and administrative center for the advancement of the Lima Culture, a society which developed in the Peruvian Central Coast between the years of 200A.D. and 700A.D. With the intended purpose of having the elite clergymen (whom politically governed several valleys in the area) express their complete religious power and ability to control the use of all the natural water resources (saltwater and freshwater) of the zone, a Great Pyramid was constructed in the Huaca. This great adobe and clay pyramid is itself built from seven staggering platforms.
As a whole, the structure is surrounded by a plaza or central square that borders the outer limits and by a large structured wall dividing it into two separate sections. In one section there were benches and evidence of deep pits where offerings of fish and other marine products took place in order to attain the favor of the gods. In its other section (corresponding to its administrative area), there are various small clay structures and huts made of adobe – some of whose walls have managed to maintain upright – whose function seemed to be to act as the courtyards and patios of the enclosure at over 500 meters in length, 100 in width and 22 in height.
Other remains have been uncovered belonging to the Wari culture (existing between 500AD to 900AD) which was a direct influence to the Lima Culture society towards the ends of its time period. One such remains to spotlight, are those of the “Señor de los Unkus” (The Lord of the Unkus) which belonged to the first tomb within the ceromonial center to have been discovered completely intact. This tomb holds three separate burial shrouds containing the remains of three adults – two of which have masks- and a fourth one for a sacrificed child.

I was really impressed by the architectural advances of the Lima civilization and their abilities to leave a lasting legacy in an active earthquake zone. The guide from the Museum was extremely informative and very enthusiastic about the archaeological endeavors going on there. For me, a trip to Huaca Pucllana was a great way to get my feet wet with a smaller ancient temple before journeying further into to Peru.

Don't miss the restaurant at night or enjoy an after dinner drink in the garden. Simply wonderful.

Very nice and curious place to visit.