Kotosh Archaeological Site

Kotosh is an archaeological complex in the Huánuco region of central Peru noted for an early ceremonial building known as the Temple of the Crossed Hands. The site represents phases of occupation that include preceramic ceremonial architecture.

The principal attraction is the temple featuring the carved “crossed hands” motif on wall elements, an emblematic image of the site’s ritual architecture. Archaeological layers show successive construction phases and ritual use predating later Andean civilizations.

The site illustrates an early religious tradition in the central Andes with ceremonial constructions built and modified across several prehistoric phases. Excavations and study have identified the temple as part of a broader sequence of preceramic and early ceramic religious sites in the region.

Kotosh is located in the Huánuco department of central Peru, inland from the central coastal plain and associated with the Andean highland cultural zone.

• Crossed Hands motif: Famous for the carved stone “Crossed Hands” motif, which gives the site its common name and is a distinctive example of early Andean religious imagery.

What to See#

• Temple of the Crossed Hands: A preceramic ceremonial structure notable for its carved “crossed hands” motif, preserved as the site’s principal archaeological highlight.

Kotosh is in the Huánuco region of central Peru; most visitors come via Huánuco city and arrange local transport or guided visits to the archaeological zone and nearby museums.

• Look for the so‑called 'Temple of the Crossed Hands'-a distinctive motif from the Kotosh culture that archaeologists often photograph.
• Combine a visit with Huánuco's Museo Arqueológico to get context for the site's long preceramic chronology.