Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Remains of an ancient citadel dating back to the 16th and 17th century were found in the jungle province of Bagua, Amazonas, by an expedition composed of members of the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) and the local tourism advisory committee.

Explorers told Andina news agency that the citadel is located in the area known as Santiago de Lomas, in the midst of a mountain near Colán mountain range and around five minutes from the Mel village, in La Peca district. The discovery was made last week.

The expedition included archaeologists Elvis Chugna Véliz and César Garay Chávez, journalist Braulio Rojas Núñez, local mayor Tomás Izquierdo as well as teachers and other residents.

In Santiago de Lomas they found adobe and mud walls measuring 25 meters in height and one meter wide, two towers that seem to be part of a temple, a water reservoir protected by limestone, traces of streets and passageways, and around 20 human skulls.

Because of its proximity to the Colan mountain range, there is a colorful variety of flora and fauna in the area.

After the discovery, Mel’s authorities asked for the promotion of this citadel, as well as the improvement of the access road to this village so that tourists have no difficulties in arriving to the area from Bagua.