In 1990, Fundación Wiese signed an agreement with Peru’s Ministry of Culture, marking a long-term commitment to the preservation, research, and dissemination of the El Brujo archaeological complex. With 14,000 years of history, El Brujo is one of the most important heritage sites on Peru’s northern coast. Through this alliance, Fundación Wiese has led conservation and restoration projects that safeguard cultural heritage while building local capacities.
Archaeological conservation at El Brujo not only preserves priceless remnants of the past—it also drives research, promotes sustainable tourism, and mitigates the effects of natural elements such as humidity, wind, and seasonal rains.
To protect the site, specialists conduct regular assessments, identify priority areas, and apply specialized techniques to stabilize and conserve ancient structures. Thanks to these efforts, future generations will continue exploring and learning from this extraordinary legacy.
What do conservation efforts involve?
The conservation team works on two levels: prevention and restoration. Preventive measures aim to reduce environmental impacts without directly altering the architecture. These include temperature and humidity control, improved drainage systems, and protective roofing.
Each year, direct interventions are also carried out in the most vulnerable areas. In 2023, for instance, floors and structures in the western enclosures and the mausoleum of Huaca Cao Viejo were restored. Key actions included surface consolidation, color fixation on monochrome and polychrome walls, protection of wall tops, and construction of wooden structures to stabilize pre-Hispanic architecture.
Threats to El Brujo’s Conservation
The El Brujo complex faces multiple threats—both natural and human-induced. Among the most critical:
- Humidity and salinity: Proximity to the ocean accelerates deterioration due to salt absorption and ambient moisture.
- Seasonal rains: Though infrequent, heavy rainfall can erode walls and damage mural pigments.
- Wind and solar radiation: Wind causes surface erosion, while sun exposure fades polychrome decorations.
- Human activity: Looting has caused irreversible damage, destroying valuable archaeological information. Nearby crop burning also poses a fire risk.
- Climate change: Rising temperatures and extreme weather events caused by global warming present growing challenges to heritage preservation.
Why archaeological conservation matters
Preserving an archaeological site means more than protecting walls and floors—it’s about safeguarding the historical and material legacy left by the people who once inhabited the region. El Brujo’s pre-Hispanic architecture showcases the advanced knowledge and construction techniques of ancient northern coastal communities.
Without conservation, there would be no remains to study or visit. Tourism, education, cultural identity, historical awareness, and civic engagement all rely on the protection of these places. Protecting archaeological heritage fosters learning, research, and a deeper appreciation of our shared history.
Visitor Recommendations
If you plan to visit El Brujo or another heritage site, please do so respectfully and responsibly. These spaces were once sacred and vital to their builders.
Key recommendations include:
- Stay on marked paths to avoid damaging structures.
- Do not touch walls or sculptures—contact can harm original pigments and materials.
- Do not remove or move any objects, no matter how small. Each piece is part of the site’s history.
- Dispose of trash properly—use designated bins.
- Follow the guidance of site staff to ensure a safe and respectful visit.
Every small action helps protect our historical legacy and ensures future generations can experience and admire the greatness of ancient civilizations.
