Pomac Forest Historic Sanctuary

The Pomac Forest, once the center of the ancient Sican Culture, embraces the highest number of pre-Inca pyramids in South America. These pyramids, most now covered by sand, once emerged from one of the largest equatorial dry forests of the world. Within the 5,887 hectares of the sanctuary, many archaeological sites have yielded important information that is helping researchers learn more about the Sican Culture (900 to 1100 AC). The objects found by the archaeologists are restored and later exhibited in the National Museum of Sican, where the jewelry of the Lord of Sican is in exhibition. Furthermore, the sanctuary’s flora and endemic fauna attracts nature observers such as bird-watchers from around the world.

Most of the dry forest is made of algarrobo (carob) trees, which beans are used to produce algarrobina flour and syrup for culinary arts. A popular frothy mocha-like drink called Algarrobina is made with the algarrobina syrup and pisco, the Peruvian liquor. Zapote trees, vichayo bushes, and big cactus, among other flora abound in the forest too. Bird lovers could find 70 species, 22 of them endemic, such as the huerequeque and the red head parrot. Among mammals, there are anteaters, mountain cats, foxes, vampire bats, and squirrels. As for reptiles, the forest is a haven for iguanas, boas, pacasos, and coralillos. This is a unique environment of nature and culture worth visiting in Peru.