Archaeologists have discovered a 5,000-year-old "Altar of Fire" at the Era de Pando archaeological site in the Supe Valley, Barranca province, Lima, Peru. The find was made by a team from the Caral Archaeological Zone (ZAC) in May 2025.
The altar's age suggests that the site was a significant ceremonial center during the Caral civilization. This discovery offers valuable insights into the religious practices and societal structure of one of the oldest known civilizations in the Americas. The Caral civilization, also known as the Caral-Supe civilization, thrived between 3000 and 1800 BC.
The Caral Archaeological Zone, a unit of the Ministry of Culture, continues to unearth details about early Andean societies. The find highlights the Era de Pando's importance within the Caral complex. Caral is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring its global historical and cultural value.