Gran Pajatén Resurfaces From the Jungle: Over 100 Archaeological Structures Reveal Chachapoya Mysteries

In the heart of Río Abiseo National Park , shrouded in the eternal mists of the northeastern Andes, a thousand-year-old secret has come to light. In Gran Pajatén , an ancient and mysterious site of the Chachapoya civilization, more than 100 new archaeological structures have recently been identified. This epochal discovery, the most significant in the region since the 1980s, is revolutionizing the understanding of one of Peru 's most fascinating pre-Columbian cultures.

Nestled in a tropical forest where access is still strictly limited to protect a fragile and unique ecosystem, Gran Pajatén has remained hidden for centuries under dense vegetation, as if suspended in time. This legendary place, often called “ the city in the fog ,” now offers new answers – and even more questions – about the social organization, architecture and worldview of the Chachapoya , the mysterious people who challenged the Inca Empire.

The Discovery: An Invisible Treasure in the Forest

Between 2022 and 2024, a team from the World Monuments Fund (WMF) conducted an in-depth exploration and conservation campaign at Gran Pajatén , using the latest survey technologies. Using advanced tools such as LiDAR (airborne and terrestrial laser scanning), photogrammetry, and morphological analysis of the terrain, researchers mapped over 100 new structures previously hidden by dense vegetation.

This is a dramatic leap from the mere 26 structures documented in the 1980s. The site, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and environmental importance, is no longer an isolated complex, but part of a complex and hierarchical network of pre-Hispanic settlements. Gran Pajatén, originally discovered in the 1960s, has always been an enigmatic symbol of Peru ’s Chachapoya civilization , with its circular stone buildings decorated with geometric friezes and human figures in relief. But this new investigation has dramatically expanded its scope, revealing connections to other sites in the region such as La Playa, Papayas and Los Pinchudos, through an ancient road network that is still partly visible.

Why this discovery is important

This revelation has historical, cultural and technological implications of great importance . First of all, it redefines the role of Gran Pajatén within the Chachapoya world: no longer a single ceremonial center, but part of a more complex, connected and hierarchical system. The new structures indicate a human presence that could date back even before the 14th century, suggesting a much more extensive and articulated use of the territory.

Secondly, the discovery is a virtuous example of sustainable archaeology . The use of non-invasive technologies has allowed us to explore and document the site without damaging the delicate ecosystem of the park. In fact, much of the site remains inaccessible to tourists precisely to preserve its unique biodiversity. Finally, the project also included important physical conservation interventions, such as the reinforcement of the structures and the partial restoration of some perimeter walls, using techniques compatible with the original materials.

This work will serve as a model for future conservation projects in similar areas. For travelers interested in the topic, it is recommended to visit a free exhibition at the Museo de Arte de Lima ( MALI ) open until June 18 where new discoveries are presented through immersive digital reconstructions and unpublished materials on the people of the “ cloud forest ”.