<h1>Kotosh, and the mysterious hands clasped</h1>

Only 10 minutes from the city of Huanuco can reach Kotosh Archaeological Center. Where is located the most important archaeological pre-Inca Temple of the Crossed Hands Kotosh. In addition visitors can see two other temples that comprise the archaeological complex: Nichita and White.

Kotosh is the earliest evidence of public and ceremonial architecture in the Andes. With almost 5,000 years old, Kotosh is one of the earliest traces of human civilization in Peru, and without doubt one of the oldest in America. The site consists of a series of pyramid mounds among which a small room in which worked in clay and stone, where you can see his hands crossed representing one of the first sculptures of the Peruvian Andes samples.

In the Temple of the Crossed Hands were two sculptures of different sizes with hands folded one with his right hand on the left and the other with the left over right.

By the age of the remains is difficult, to date, interpreted the ornaments of the temple, there are those who think they see in the two pairs of hands clasped found inside the enclosure, the memory of alleged sacrifices made by the high priests as an offering , others, however, come at the hands cross a symbol of protection against enemies and to a certain level of representation of communion ritual.

In Kotosh can find traces of 6 periods of continuous occupation dating from the pre-ceramic (2.500 to 1.900 BC) to the I or II century AD For the initial period have been found 11 stone buildings whose structure away from the pre-ceramic, but still see a rough work in construction.

The Temple of the Crossed Hands is the most famous, and today you can visit and learn, it has been prepared to receive visitors. Is rectangular and measures 9.5 meters long and 9.3 meters wide. Is divided into two levels with a central fireplace in the lower level and a vent for the stove.

In any case, it is known, the absence of remains of houses nearby, which Kotosh was not a place that brought together a large number of people and presumably that was a shrine or pilgrimage. Huanuco part of the landscape itself, and Peru, Kotosh is a tangible example of the ancient treasures of Peru keeps the floor in each corner.

How to get there?

For the archaeological complex of Kotosh must come first to Huanuco. You can go by land along the route Lima - La Oroya - Huánuco. There are a total of 410 km that can be covered in eight hours. Another alternative is to board a flight from the capital. The tour lasts 45 minutes. The Temple of the Crossed Hands of Kotosh is located 5 km west of the city of Huanuco. Bus is accessed in just 10 minutes.

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