U.N. Study Highlights Peru for Two Ancient Astronomical Heritage Sites

Astrotourism connects the sky with the lives of communities. In addition, a UN Tourism guide proposes ideas for creating sustainable experiences that combine science, culture, and nature, and also showcases inspiring examples, including Peru.

In this study, Peru appears with two places that stand out for their potential. Misminay (Cusco) and Caral (Lima) stand out because they turn ancestral astronomical knowledge into an opportunity for local people.

Misminay in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Located in the Cusco region, near the Vilcanota River, which many call the “Sacred River.” In addition, due to its ecological floors, this area helped feed the Inca Empire for centuries.

In the same territory is the archaeological complex of Moray, at an altitude of about 3,500 meters. There you can see circular terraces, which, according to studies, were used for agricultural research and experiments in Inca times.

Misminay is located nearby, with fertile fields and a dark sky ideal for stargazing. In addition, its inhabitants use an agricultural calendar and are guided by constellations, because they inherited this wisdom from previous generations.

Today, Misminay has two community organizations that bring together some 40 families, with many young people and women participating. For this reason, for the past 15 years they have been promoting community tourism to keep their traditions and their relationship with the stars alive.

The experience includes sky observation and an explanation of the Andean worldview, as well as hikes to Moray, calendar readings, and activities related to agriculture. They also offer textile workshops, traditional ceremonies, Andean cuisine made with local products, and lodging in community homes, all under their own management.

Visitors tend to come from Europe and the United States, seeking responsible and authentic travel experiences. They travel with family or friends and want to connect with the nature, culture, and history of the place.

Misminay stands out for several clear reasons. For example, Moray serves as a viewpoint for stargazing, viewing sacred mountains, and observing the archaeological environment, and nighttime walks with torches and music are also offered. Local guides also interpret the sky with traditional stories, making the visit an educational and cultural experience.

Tourism in Misminay receives support from public and private partners, which strengthens the organization and improves services. As a result, the activity helps to conserve natural spaces, reinforces culture, promotes collective work, generates local employment, and encourages the participation of women.

The mysterious city of Caral

Caral is located in the Supe Valley, on the coast of Lima, and is around 5,000 years old. At first, many people thought it was just a series of hills, but excavations later revealed a well-preserved city with stone pyramids and sunken circular plazas.

A modern study pointed out that its buildings are oriented in relation to the Supe River and astronomical events. In addition, an important relationship with the Moon was observed on key dates of the year, which could be connected to the rainy season and fishing and agricultural cycles.

For all these reasons, Caral shows an early relationship between the landscape and the sky in pre-Columbian America. Furthermore, although it is not as famous as other ancient cities, its archaeoastronomy findings give it strong potential for astro-tourism.