The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has announced a major archaeological breakthrough in Peru’s San Martín region, uncovering more than 100 previously undocumented structures at Gran Pajatén — one of the most mysterious and architecturally significant remnants of the Chachapoya civilization.
Located within the Río Abiseo National Park, a UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance, Gran Pajatén is now offering new insights into the Chachapoya’s societal structure, architectural ingenuity, and regional influence. The discovery significantly exceeds the 26 structures previously known, dramatically expanding our understanding of this ancient society.
This revelation is the result of a multi-year initiative (2022–2024) led by WMF’s Peru office, combining archaeological surveys, excavations, advanced mapping technologies, and conservation efforts.
Who Were the Chachapoya?
Often referred to as the “people of the cloud forest,” the Chachapoya civilization thrived between the 7th and 16th centuries in the northeastern Andes of Peru. They built ceremonial centers, cliffside tombs, and agricultural terraces at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 meters (6,561 to 9,842 feet) above sea level.
Though organized into regional chiefdoms, the Chachapoya shared a distinct architectural and artistic language, evident in their circular structures, geometric friezes, and elaborately decorated funerary architecture. Despite resisting Inca expansion for centuries, they were eventually incorporated into the empire shortly before the arrival of the Spanish.
Gran Pajatén Reimagined Through Cutting-Edge Technology
Discovered in the 1960s, Gran Pajatén features ceremonial buildings adorned with stone mosaics and reliefs depicting human figures, overlooking the cloud forest. Much of the site, however, remained obscured by dense vegetation—until now.
WMF utilized advanced tools such as airborne and terrestrial LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, topographic recording, and technomorphological analysis to create the most detailed map of Gran Pajatén to date. These non-invasive methods allowed archaeologists to study the site’s construction techniques, spatial organization, and environmental context without disturbing the fragile ecosystem.
“This discovery fundamentally transforms our understanding of Gran Pajatén and raises new questions about its role in the Chachapoya world,” said Juan Pablo de la Puente Brunke, Executive Director of WMF Peru. “The evidence confirms that this was not an isolated site but part of a broader, interconnected network of pre-Hispanic settlements.”
Conservation at the Core
In addition to discovery efforts, the team carried out targeted conservation work on one of Gran Pajatén’s most significant structures. This included controlled vegetation removal, detailed digital documentation, mortar repointing, structural reinforcement, and partial wall reconstructions — all done using a specially developed clay-based mix to maintain authenticity.
Dr. Ricardo Morales Gamarra, head of the conservation component, stated, “This pioneering intervention will serve as a model for future preservation work in the region.”
Connecting the Dots: Ancient Roads and Expanded Networks
Archaeological analysis has confirmed Chachapoya presence at Gran Pajatén dating back to the 14th century, with soil layer studies suggesting even earlier use. Notably, researchers have identified a network of pre-Hispanic roads linking Gran Pajatén to nearby sites like La Playa, Papayas, and Los Pinchudos — reinforcing its role as part of a hierarchical and well-connected regional system.
Exhibition in Lima: A Rare Glimpse into the Chachapoya World
For those eager to explore the Chachapoya culture and WMF’s recent discoveries, an immersive exhibition is open to the public from May 21 to June 18 at the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI). The exhibit offers a rare opportunity to engage with the findings through detailed visual materials and interactive storytelling — bringing the inaccessible site of Gran Pajatén to life for global audiences.
Cover Image Credit: Conservation work on the North Basing of Building 1 in Pajatén, Peru. Photo by Heinz Plenge Pardo.
