After traveling more than 6,000 Km and visiting 20 cities across Peru, the Pan American Torch arrived in the
Sacred City of Caral to shine the cradle of the oldest known civilization in the Americas.
The ruins of Caral are located in Supe Valley within Barranca province of Lima region.
Once at the site, the flame was received by Transport and Communications Minister Maria Jara from the Director of the Caral Archeological Zone Ruth Shady.
"This is the oldest civilization of the Americas. Peru's power lies in its history, culture, and people. The aim of the (Lima 2019)
Pan American Games is to share this essence and cultural lineage with the country and the entire region," the minister pointed out.
In Caral, the torch was carried by four torchbearers, including authorities who ran the
iconic symbol of the Games through the main areas of the 5,000-year-old site.
During the activity, Jara announced the improvement of access points to the Sacred City to facilitate the visit of domestic and foreign tourists to the place, which was endorsed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.
The event saw the participation of Lima Region Governor Ricardo Chavarria, Lima 2019 representatives, and officials from the Transport and Communications Ministry (MTC).
On its way to Callao
After Caral, the Pan American Torch will head to Callao —Peru's main port— to be transported from La Punta to the Miraflores bay area onboard the Peruvian Navy training ship BAP Union.
From there and going through the streets of the capital city, the flame will make its way to the National Stadium on July 26, the day of the opening ceremony.
(END) NDP/JOT/ISG/RMB/MVB
Published: 7/25/2019