The sanctuary is one of the few places where the endangered Peruvian Plantcutter bird resides.
It is home to the famous 'Huaca Las Ventanas,' where the gold-laden burial mask of the Lord of Sican was discovered in the 1990s.
The forest relies on an intricate relationship with groundwater, as the algarrobo trees tap into deep aquifers to survive the desert climate.
Many of the pyramids within the forest were built using millions of adobe bricks, reflecting the advanced engineering of the Sican people.
The park was elevated to the status of a Historic Sanctuary to prevent deforestation and protect both the cultural and biological heritage of the region.
Bosque de Pómac Historic Sanctuary is a protected dry forest ecosystem located in the Lambayeque region of Peru, known for hosting one of the world's largest concentrations of carob trees. The sanctuary spans over 5,800 hectares and functions as a dual-purpose site for ecological conservation and archaeological research. It contains 36 pre-Inca pyramids belonging to the Sican culture, constructed primarily between the 8th and 14th centuries. The landscape is dominated by Prosopis pallida, commonly known as the algarrobo tree, which survives in the arid coastal desert climate. The area serves as a critical habitat for diverse bird species, including the endemic Peruvian Plantcutter. Visitors can explore the archaeological remains of the Huaca Las Ventanas and the Huaca El Oro sites. The sanctuary is managed by the Peruvian National Service of Protected Natural Areas (SERNANP).
The elevated viewpoint overlooking the forest canopy with the Huaca Las Ventanas pyramid in the background.
Bring high-factor sun protection, as the dry forest offers limited shade in many areas.
Carry at least two liters of water, as the desert heat leads to rapid dehydration.
Hire a local guide to navigate the expansive trail network and identify hidden archaeological features.
Attempting to climb the unstable mud-brick pyramids, which causes significant structural damage and is strictly prohibited.
Stay strictly on marked paths to prevent soil erosion and avoid disturbing the fragile desert ecosystem.
