Preserving History in Peru: Archaeologists and officials team up to save historic sites

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A team of archaeologists and officials in Peru is behind a drive to protect the country's ancient ruins, amid concerns that many are under threat from urban development. CGTN's Dan Collyns brings us more on their efforts.

Archaeological sites are so common in Peru's sprawling capital of Lima. In the city - and on its outskirts - people live side-by-side with a past they often know little about. Peru has tens of thousands of historical sites and more than 400 of them are in Lima - popularly known as huacas.

DAN COLLYNS LIMA "As the city continues to grow upwards, huacas like this stand out as islands of tranquillity and a reminder of Peru's pre-hispanic past. But as real estate prices rise they too must compete for space."

From the top of the San Mateo Huaca - a once sacred site dating back a thousand years - there's a commanding view of the city and some of the high-rise constructions which clash with the monumental character of this mud-brick temple.

PEDRO ESPINOZA ARCHAEOLOGIST "The city is still growing with its back to its archaeological heritage as if it is something that runs against modernity or the growth of the city but in fact we can harmonize the two in a way which is beneficial for everyone."

He and others hope that can change - with a new campaign of free admission to museums and archaeological sites. Lima has more than any city in Latin America.

PEDRO ESPINOZA ARCHAEOLOGIST "We are not just talking about a very high number of sites but places which have had problems with squatter invasions going back many years."

Despite being the heart of the city, Mateo Salado is now well protected. The site used to be inhabited by more than 50 families, now just eleven remain. And while on Lima's battles over land continues little by little the capital is winning back control of its spectacular past and putting it on show. Dan Collyns, CGTN, Lima.