SPI is creating both local youth employment and a better visitor experience at the site of tÚcume

The SiteThe archaeological site of Túcume dates back to 1000 AD acting as an urban center for its surrounding community of farmers. The Lords of ancient Túcume lived in richly decorated giant palaces, controlling exchange between Peru's coast, highl…

The Site

The archaeological site of Túcume dates back to 1000 AD acting as an urban center for its surrounding community of farmers. The Lords of ancient Túcume lived in richly decorated giant palaces, controlling exchange between Peru's coast, highlands and jungle. The site was later used as a political center of the Chimú and Inca Empires. Today the site hosts 26 major pyramids and mounds, spread out over 540 acres.

The CommunityThe modern town of Túcume lies just 1.5km from the archaeological site. The town today is mainly made up of small-scale farmers. The local site museum has worked with the local community since 1991 providing educational programs about t…

The Community

The modern town of Túcume lies just 1.5km from the archaeological site. The town today is mainly made up of small-scale farmers. The local site museum has worked with the local community since 1991 providing educational programs about the local archaeology, and building a museum to boost local tourism and highlight past and present local culture. However, there is a continuing need for more economic opportunities in the community, especially for youth.

The ProjectThe large site of Túcume makes it difficult for visitors to see all of it on foot. So it is perfect for tours by bicycle! Building on our successful BiciTour program at Pachacamac, with the help of National Geographic we have started Bici…

The Project

The large site of Túcume makes it difficult for visitors to see all of it on foot. So it is perfect for tours by bicycle! Building on our successful BiciTour program at Pachacamac, with the help of National Geographic we have started BiciTour Túcume. The scheme employs local youth to escort tourists around the site on bicycle. This gives local youth a steady, local job with their local culture and teaches them business and management skills to take forward in their careers!

Achievements

  • 10 young people have been trained and are ready to show you the site of Túcume!

  • The participants have completed an intensive training course in business management, site knowledge, bike maintenance, tourism skills and first aid.

The Big thing we have learned

  • The skills young people can learn when running their own business are invaluable for them to get better careers later in life!

The Future

  • Come to the site and take a tour! Help these young people have a sustainable job and be proud of their heritage.

 

BiciTour Tucume PROJECT UPDATES