Kotosh sits about five kilometres west of central Huánuco, on a hillside above the Higueras River. The site is one of the most significant pre-Columbian archaeological sites in Peru, with evidence of continuous occupation spanning six distinct cultural periods from roughly 3000 BCE to 900 CE. The main structure visible today is the Templo de las Manos Cruzadas — the Temple of the Crossed Hands — a stone platform temple containing the famous clay relief of two pairs of crossed arms, thought to be among the oldest known sculptures in the Americas.
The visible ruins are modest in scale compared to more famous Peruvian sites, and the original crossed-hands relief was removed to the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Lima for preservation (a replica sits in its place). But the site retains enormous historical resonance, and the setting — terraced hillside, mountain views, quiet atmosphere — makes the visit worthwhile. A small site museum explains the different cultural periods and houses some recovered artifacts. Getting there is easy by taxi from the city centre (around 15-20 minutes). Opening hours are roughly 8am-5pm; check locally as they vary.