A joint intervention by the authorities on Sunday, September 6, brought a suspected unauthorized occupation under control in the area known as "El Mirador," located within the "La Cresta de Sacramento Sector A" Archaeological Landscape in Palpa province, Ica region.
The Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC) in Ica reported this, clarifying that an alert received on Sunday morning warned of the presence of more than 100 people at the site, as well as the installation of makeshift hut-like structures.
In response, technical staff from the DDC's Deputy Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Cultural Industries and Interculturality traveled to the area to verify the facts and take measures to safeguard the archaeological heritage.
The operation was carried out jointly with the duty prosecutor's office and agents from the Peruvian National Police (PNP).
During the inspection, the authorities confirmed the presence of people and makeshift structures installed in the affected area.
After noticing the presence of authorities, the occupants proceeded to leave.
Likewise, they dismantled the huts they had installed and removed the stones placed on the ground.
Archaeologically-protected area
The DDC Ica highlighted the importance of the affected area, noting that the "La Cresta de Sacramento Sector A" Archaeological Landscape is part of the "Nasca Lines and Geoglyphs" Archaeological Reserve Area.
It also lies within the core area of the "Nasca and Palpa Lines and Geoglyphs" cultural property, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Additionally, the sector is subject to provisional protection established under Chief Resolution No. 115-2026-DGPA-VMPCIC/MC, issued on April 29, 2026.
The DDC explained that this status means any unauthorized intervention or alteration within the protected area may be subject to administrative and, where applicable, criminal proceedings.
Documentation of the intervention
During the operation, the DDC Ica technical team documented the events in detail.
The actions included taking photographs, gathering information, and conducting checks to establish the location and characteristics of the structures that had been installed.
One of the issues to be determined is whether the structures and other elements placed on the land were located within the protected polygon and whether they may have had a negative impact on the archaeological heritage.
The information obtained during the inspection will serve as a basis for subsequent action by the competent authorities.
Responsibilities may be established
The DDC announced that it will continue with the corresponding proceedings to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged occupation and determine, where applicable, any administrative or criminal liability that may apply to the alleged offenders.
The Ministry of Culture (Mincul) reminded citizens that areas forming part of the archaeological heritage are legally protected.
It added that actions such as occupation, removal of elements, alteration, or unauthorized intervention may result in consequences under current legislation.
Finally, the DDC Ica stated that it will continue taking measures to protect, conserve, and defend the region's cultural heritage, in coordination with the Public Ministry, the Peruvian National Police, and other competent authorities.