Archaeologists Discover 100 Structures From an Ancient City While Exploring a Cloud Forest

Researchers from the World Monuments Fund have uncovered more than 100 previously unknown archaeological structures in Perus Rio Abiseo National Park. This region was historically inhabited by the Chachapoya civilization, which thrived from the 7th to the 16th centuries and was known as the people of the cloud forest.

Rio Abiseo National Park, located in Perus San Martin region of the Andes Mountains, rises over 10,000 feet above sea level. The park has long been recognized for its archaeological richness, and these new findings further illuminate the Chachapoyas complex society.

The recent expedition focused on the Gran Pajatn area, a UNESCO Mixed World Heritage site, celebrated for both its cultural significance and natural beauty. Initial rediscovery of the site occurred in the 1960s, with 26 structures documented by archaeologists in the 1980s. The latest discovery of over 100 additional structures offers fresh insight into the Chachapoya civilizations architectural and cultural achievements.

The Chachapoya were known for advanced urban planning, ceremonial platforms, cliffside tombs, and terraced agriculture. Their distinctive architectural and artistic style is evident in circular buildings, geometric friezes, and elaborately decorated burial sites.

Between 2022 and 2024, the team employed aerial and ground-based LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, topographic surveys, and technomorphological analysis to create a precise map of Gran Pajatn. The site features ceremonial buildings with high-relief friezes, stone mosaics of human figures, and sweeping views of the cloud forest. These techniques allowed archaeologists to study the site beneath dense vegetation while preserving its fragile environment.

On-site investigations indicate that Gran Pajatn was occupied at least as far back as the 14th century, with evidence suggesting even earlier use. Researchers also identified a network of pre-Hispanic roads linking Gran Pajatn to other regional settlements, demonstrating that the civilization operated within a well-connected territorial system.

The remote location of the park has protected many sites from human interference, preserving their authenticity. However, vegetation and fragile structures pose conservation challenges. The archaeological team reinforced stairs, stone reliefs, and partially reconstructed a perimeter wall to help safeguard the site.

To share these discoveries with the public, the Museo de Arte de Lima now offers a free exhibition on the Chachapoya culture and the latest findings from the World Monuments Fund. Digital tools and immersive storytelling aim to bring the hidden history of Gran Pajatn to a wider audience, despite its inaccessibility.

Author: Noah Whitman